The Ladies Creating Beautiful Footprints
Until the 19th century, shoemaking was a traditional handicraft, but by the century's end, the process had been almost completely mechanized, with production occurring in large factories. Despite the obvious economic gains of mass production, the factory system produced shoes without the individual differentiation that the traditional shoemaker was able to provide. This industry was dominated by men (Male Gender) until in recent years.
We now have ladies leading the non-industrial method of footwear production; to put it in a better light; the women are leading the bespoke footwear industry in Africa.
Interview with Riyu Titilayo
Bisiriyu Titilayo is the CEO of L’Riyu Shoes also the founder of L’Riyu Shoes Academy. She has a degree in Public Administration and was recognized as the Female Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023 and named among the Top 100 SDGs Youth Action Ambassadors in 2024, She is passionate about driving sustainable impact and positive change. Riyu is one of the leading ladies championing bespoke shoe making in Africa.
Tell Us About Your Brand
L’Riyu Shoes, founded in Lagos, Nigeria in 2021, is an indigenous brand specializing in high-quality shoes, ranging from casual to formal wear. Each pair of shoes carries a story of tradition, beauty and originality; emphasizing comfort and quality above all else.
We offer all types of shoes including Wingtip Corporate Shoes, Patina Corporate Shoes, Mules, Wet Lips Oxford Corporate shoes, Chelsea Boots, Loafers, Rhinestone Mule, Sandals and Tassel Loafers.
Tell Us About Operations
As a small business, we prioritize building strong supplier partnerships, sourcing quality materials from vendors in Mushin and just about everywhere else. We hardly keep our shoes on shelves, instead we make our shoes once we receive an order. For customers with special demands, we personally take measurements, although we aim to integrate technology to streamline this process in the future. This will help us scale our operations and ultimately improve our customer satisfaction.
We operate in such a way that every shoe made; is exactly what our customers ordered for. As a testament we’ve had little to no complaints from our customers once they receive their shoes.
It's a source of pride for me, knowing that we are hitting the mark and keeping our customers happy and comfy.
How Did You Get Into Shoe Making
My journey into shoemaking wasn't exactly a straight path. I started out selling ready-made shoes, but I wasn't seeing the sales I hoped for. It was a bit disheartening, to be honest. Then, right around that time, I stumbled upon the story of Alemu Bethlehem from Ethiopia.
She was doing incredible things, crafting shoes out of tires! Reading about her success lit a fire in me. It was like a lightbulb moment, you know? I realized I needed to learn how to make shoes myself.
So, in a way, it was the combination of not hitting the sales I wanted and discovering Alemu's story that really pushed me to dive headfirst into shoemaking.
When it comes to female cobblers, I find them incredibly inspiring. Just like I mentioned before, my role model, Alemu Bethlehem, is a female. Seeing other women making waves in this industry really pushes me to go the extra mile. Because it’s not an easy business, any lady who goes into shoe making and decides to continue despite the hurdles is truly passionate about the business and for me that is seriously admirable.
.jpg)
What Are The Challenges
Operating a shoemaking business comes with its fair share of challenges. From dealing with incomplete machinery to grappling with electricity issues and the necessity of importing tools and chemicals, our operations often face hindrances that result in delayed delivery times.
Additionally, the scarcity of locally produced materials necessitates sourcing from overseas, further complicating our supply chain.
Opinion on the Future of Shoe Making in Nigeria
The future is definitely looking bright for cobblers in Nigeria because people are starting to appreciate handmade, quality products more than ever.
Here's the thing - if we want to really make our mark on the global shoe scene, we've got to break away from copying what everyone else is doing.
Once we stop imitating designs from the west, and instead come up with our own unique African designs that tells our story, that's what's going to set us apart and make people take notice.
Interview with Naya
Ifeobu Naya is the CEO of the footwear brand NAYA DIO, makers of male and female bespoke footwears in Nigeria and also host an academy and boot camps to train more people into footwear making.
Naya Dio Footwear Company is a catalyst for transformative change. Established in 2014, with a vision to empower individuals through skill development, Naya DIO has emerged as a front runner in innovative education programs.
What Inspired Naya Dio
First of all, I'd say God's Inspiration, because I prayed to God that I needed to start off a business and be on my own because I was tired of working under a person. The same week I asked God for direction; I happen to go on an errand for my mother and then I saw a lady (Anna) filing (process in making shoes) I approached her and with surprise that a lady can be a cobbler? I asked her if I could learn and she said yes.
She directed me to someone that took me in as a student. My mum initially was concerned about me going into shoe making but she said she if I have passion for it I can do it and that was the motivation.
The Start Up Journey was hectic, there were days where I had to walk about 7 kilometers to work and same distance back home. These were during the training phase. Passion made me not to give up.
Tell us About Your Brand
Naya Dio was coined from My name and my Mums Name, My name is Ifunaya and my mum's name is Nwadiobi. My mum was the sole motivation for me going into Shoe Making. While growing up my mum had just a pair of slippers and I'd always wanted to get her a better pair of shoes and then her encouragement to go into shoe making is a major inspiration why Naya Dio is becoming a brand to reckon with.
We deal with 100% Leather which guarantees; long lasting shoes and we have countless testimonies as regards to the quality of our footwears.
Our goal is to train and create more entrepreneurs in shoe making. Pushing for the creation for Indigenous Footwear brand. Footwear brand that can compete in the global market.
On a personal note I want to see more Ladies go into footwear making and I am ready to teach them for free, especially the ones that are standing on the road side at night; involved in sex for money business. I would love to teach them how to make footwears and be a successful entrepreneur. The goal is global and we are already eyeing extending the Naya Dio Training Academy to other African Countries.
Follow our Guest
Follow Riyu Titilayo on IG: @riyu_shoes
Follow Naya Dio on IG: @naya_dio_shoes