At just 25, Oghale Kadiri, the visionary behind Rattan By Sandrah, is one of Nigeria’s rising entrepreneurial stars. Her Lagos-based fashion brand, known for crafting elegant handbags using materials like faux leather, original leather, and traditional fabrics like Aso Oke and Ankara, has made impressive strides—over 12,000 bags produced and more than 5,000 satisfied clients since launching in 2019.
Yet, Kadiri’s journey to global recognition hasn’t been without setbacks.
From Passion to Product: The Birth of a Brand
Driven by a deep love for her country and a belief in the creative potential of Nigerian youth, Kadiri turned her passion into a business. What began as a small start-up is now a rapidly growing brand that reflects both innovation and cultural identity.
“I started small, and even though I’m not yet where I envision the brand to be, I’m 20 times farther than where I began,” Kadiri reflects.
Challenges on the Road to Global Expansion
As her ambitions grow—eyeing expansion into other African nations and even Europe with a goal of 5,000 sales in 2025—Kadiri confronts major challenges many Nigerian entrepreneurs face on the international stage.
One recurring issue is workforce management. Delays from staff members can derail customer expectations and damage business relationships.
“Sometimes, having workers delay jobs can affect customer/seller relationships,” she explains.
Another major hurdle is design theft. In an industry where originality is currency, Kadiri has seen her unique handbag designs copied by rival brands without credit.
Staying Authentic in a Competitive Market
Despite the setbacks, Kadiri remains committed to authenticity, discipline, and growth. For her, success is more than just sales—it’s about building a sustainable brand rooted in originality and purpose.
Her personal mantra?
“God is always in control.”
It’s a belief that guides her through every decision, every challenge, and every milestone.
A Mirror of Nigeria’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Kadiri’s story is not just her own. It reflects the wider landscape for many Nigerian entrepreneurs—talented, driven, and resourceful, yet navigating a business environment filled with structural and creative challenges.
As she continues her push into new markets, Kadiri serves as a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets persistence in the face of adversity.
