EP78: Lessons Building a Luxury Fashion Business w/ Ayotude Rafui

Common Sense with Mike Omoniyi

What does it take to build a successful startup? To bring ideas into reality, to raise money, and bring people along?

Ayotunde is the founder of JENDAYA a luxury fashion marketplace where consumers living across the globe with a deep appreciation for the richness of our African culture could enjoy a curated shopping experience.

In this podcast, we talk about the Diaspora, the world's interest in Africa, and what it takes to bring an idea to reality.

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00:00 Intro

02:47 Do founders have to sacrifice their friendship?

03:41 Attaching your well-being to your work

06:15 Is Saudi Arabia like Dubai

08:14 What kind of founder is Ayo and Mike?

08:45 I've always been interested in fashion

11:34 How hard is it to quit your job and follow your passion?

12:46: You have to hustle

14:04 Have we had sleepless nights as founders

17:06 What is Jendaya

17:06 How do I get Balenciagas from Africa

22:20 Is all the new focus in Africa exploitative

24:22 Kelly Rowland and Ayra Starr

32:03 Raising millions for your business

40:08 When did you know you were on to something?

48:28 Ayo gives Mike style advice