Interview: Meet Bag Artist, Rachel Ojapinwa of De’bella Creation

Everyone can see a problem, but not everyone has what it takes to meet the need. Every person can have ideas, but not everyone can birth their ideas and bring them to life and even go further to monetize it.

In this feature, Founders Africa will be sharing the story of a bright and brimming young Entrepreneur who is excited about what she does and how she does it.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Ojapinwa Racheal, I am 24 years old, and in my final year in the university.

I also run a bag production company called De’bella creation. I believe in Jesus unapologetically. When I am not working or in school, I write articles, poems or songs. I find reading and spending time with family and friends very relaxing. I love being around people and learning new things.

What inspired you to take on bag making business?

Well, I have always loved handcraft. I meddled into a lot of other crafts till I finally settled with bag making. I love beautiful bags and I like how versatile the bag world is.

It’s amazing to see some Nigerian bag brands doing so well now. Back then, when I had just started to gain interest in bag making, I couldn’t really find a lot of Nigerian bag designers to follow.

I started by making bags for myself, after a while I realized that people loved it, so I decided to make it into a business.

At the moment, our goal at De’bella creation is to put NIGERIA on the global Hall of Fame for bag design and production.

What is unique about your business?

Quality!

The quality of products is our top-most priority and what we pride in. Every step that leads to the production of a bag including material sourcing is done carefully with proper attention to details.

Every sketch, every material, every cutting, every stitch has been well thought of. We always make our bags with our customers in mind.

What have you enjoyed most about starting your own business?

I think doing business is really exciting, everyday comes with fresh challenges. So far, I have had my share of ups and downs and we have only just begun.

What I love the most about business is the fact that I learn every day. I make mistakes, I learn from my mistakes, I learn how to relate with my team members, how to relate with customers, how to celebrate every little win and I learn about the reward of smart and hard work daily.

Business has taught me consistency and discipline.

Do you have role models and mentors in this line of business?

Yes I do. My mentor is Mr. Obi Onoye of Obileather. He is a major player in the leather craft industry in Nigeria and beyond. He has been making leather goods for over 40 years and I had the privilege to train under him in 2020.

What do you consider most challenging as an entrepreneur?

People management!

It is important to constantly remind team members of the vision of the brand and help them understand it and run with it.

For us, it is more about “teamwork”. Everyone has to be involved; everyone has to be motivated to achieve a common goal.

It is a lot of work to get everyone together but when we do, it does wonders to the whole work process.