For Olamide Olatomiwa Olajide, shoemaking is more than a trade—it is a mission to restore respect to manual labor. The founder of Shoeniverse Leathers, a premium Nigerian brand, Olajide’s journey began with a personal transformation. Having once felt a sense of shame regarding her father’s blue-collar background, she eventually embraced the idea that skilled craftsmanship is a source of profound pride. Today, her brand stands as a testament to the fact that handcrafted Nigerian goods can challenge international luxury standards.
From Humble Beginnings to a 12 Million Naira Turnover
The evolution of Shoeniverse Leathers is a masterclass in “bootstrapping” a business. Olajide’s path from a survivalist mindset to a structured corporate entity followed a disciplined trajectory:
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The Initial Spark: She started with just ₦30,000, which she invested entirely in her own vocational training.
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The Pre-order Model: Lacking a factory or a safety net, she used a pre-order system to fund production, reinvesting every kobo of profit back into the brand.
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Economic Growth: After navigating a period of intense instability between 2022 and 2023, the business found its footing. It now boasts a peak annual turnover of approximately ₦12 million, reaching customers nationwide.
A Portfolio of Premium Artistry
Shoeniverse Leathers specializes in handcrafted men’s footwear and accessories, focusing on several key categories:
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Corporate & Casual: High-quality shoes designed for daily professional and social life.
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Bridal & Bespoke: Custom-made footwear for weddings and special events, tailored to individual style preferences.
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Accessories: A curated line of genuine leather belts, wallets, and lifestyle items.
The brand distinguishes itself through story-driven identity. Olajide believes that because her shoes are not mass-produced, each pair carries a unique narrative of quality and personal service that builds long-term trust with her clientele.
National Recognition and Future Outlook
Olajide’s dedication has earned her significant accolades within Nigeria’s competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem. Her milestones include:
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Grant Wins: Securing a ₦5 million grant from the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and being named a Top 10 finalist in the Access Bank Womenpreneur competition.
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Presidential Commendation: Ranking in the Top 3 of the Leather Category at the 2025 National MSME Awards held at Aso Rock.
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Academic Excellence: Completing an IFC-certified Mini MBA to strengthen her business management skills.
Reflecting on her journey, Olajide views the inevitable hurdles of funding and emotional stress as “feedback rather than failure.” By combining personal discipline with a relentless pursuit of learning, she is proving that the future of Nigerian industry lies in the hands of its skilled artisans.
