After getting inspiring messages from fans, popular OAP Gbemi Olateru- Olagbegi
decided to launch the heels version of Gbemisoke shoes. Gbemisoke is targeted
at women with big feet. Below she describes her experience:
Earlier this year in
May, I launched my shoe line for women with big feet "Gbemisoke". It
is now September and it has been quite a journey.
I started receiving
emails and DM's like this " Gbemi, I am getting married soon and I have
been searching for nice shoes to wear. My shoe size is 13 Wide. Please do you
have dressy shoes or sandals in red preferably please? "Or "Gbemi, my 14 year old daughter wears a
US11 shoe size and she is still growing! Thank God for Gbemisoke shoes! Please
hurry up and make different styles and colours. You have given some relief to a
concerned mother."
Everywhere I go,
people call me "Gbemisoke". Though I've been on radio and in the
spotlight for over 10 years, the first thing people talk to me about is shoes
and their own experience while looking for shoes for themselves or for their
mothers or their sisters or girlfriends.
When the flats
launched in May, I received a lot of encouragement as well as criticism - "Why
is she launching only flats?" "These shoes are basic "
"These shoes are expensive...” My favourite one is "Why are the shoes called 'Gbemisoke' if
she only has flat shoes?"
What those people
failed to realize is that it’s a gradual process. I did not have enough money
to produce & launch the flats and heels at the same time. To make matters
worse, the dollar went from N180 to N225 without warning.
Nobody knew that the
week I launched "Gbemisoke", I was as broke as i had ever been. I was
not sure I would be able to buy basic things like petrol and food for the
following week. I emptied my bank accounts to get it off the ground.
I haven't slept
properly in months because I'm constantly working, planning, thinking and
worrying.
Fretting about this
new baby - It is indeed a baby that has grown rapidly in such a short period
but still needs a lot of nurturing.
I've grown accustomed
to the feeling of having my heart in my mouth. I never thought one could get
used to anxiety. I have learned to channel that nervous energy into work.
I was worried that
the people would not buy my shoes and the whole thing would flop.
I am grateful for the
family members, friends, colleagues, and strangers who not only bought the
shoes but also lent a helping hand to ensure that the launch was a success.
I am so
grateful.
I am humbled and awed
at the same time...
Gbemisoke is back
again - This time with colorful pumps (Cobalt blue, red, yellow, green and
white) in EU size 41, 42, 43 & 44 also know as UK 7, 8,9 & 10 or US 9,
10, 11, 12. They are available at www.konga.com/gbemisoke
www.jumia.com.ng/gbemisoke, www.heels.com.ng and 0909 500
9908
We kept our
promise!
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