The Nigerian Building UK’s Biggest Bridal Company

The Nigerian Building UK’s Biggest Bridal Company in the UK is a video about Gbemi Okunlola, an entrepreneur based in London, England, and she built one of the most prominent Bridal companies called Alonuko at the age of 28.
In this episode of my Made in Africa series, Gbemi Okunlola gives us an insight into how she started her company, how she is running it, and how she plans to expand this business. Her story is shared to inspire African youths and open their eyes to the goldmine in the Wedding and Bridal Fashion business.
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Alonuko Information
Website: alonuko.co.uk
/ alonuko_bridal
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:33 Office Tour
02:11 What does Alonuko mean?
02:41 How I made my first dress
03:50 I quit school to focus on making dresses
05:23 How I made my first wedding dress
05:52 How much does a wedding dress cost
07:23 How I decided to go BIG
08:18 How I raised funds for my first runway show
10:05 Where were you born?
10:35 What's the most expensive wedding dress you have made?
11:52 What are the challenges you faced?
13:05 How much did you raise to scale up?
13:22 How important is it to raise funding?
14:45 Where do you get most clients from?
15:05 How it is building a business in London
16:03 What drives you?
18:26 How do you manage your team?
19:58 What would you change about Africa/Africans?
20:52 How does it feel to be young and successful?
22:05 What kind of background did you grow up in?
23:20 What's your advice to entrepreneurs?
25:12 Outro

[@naturalgirldiy]

So encouraging. She was born to do this. I wish more African parents would stop obsessing over grades and look at the natural talents of our kids. Kudos to her for following her passion and kudo's to parents for supporting her journey..

[@stephaniea6887]

Accurate comment, most of us are stuck in 9-5 jobs miserable because we never got to harness our talents,

[@PatriciaAbijah]

Alonuko is a force! Her dresses are beautiful

[@oladosutayo3576]

@TayoAina There is a bug on your website,no one can register...kindly attend to it

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

I love how she isnt afraid to talk money and numbers ..such a force at only 28 wow ❤

[@abimbolaorebiyi3582]

Honestly

[@johnpatterson9219]

Wow, Alonuko has reinvented the “couture” wedding dress! Maybe I’m biased but it seems as though extreme, extreme talent, comes out of Africa. I’ve seen it… over and over again.

[@M1ssKay]

I love seeing African women win!! It gives me so much encouragement and it’s nice to see relatable role models no matter what industry they are in. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Very well said.

[@anitaemmanuel3014]

The way she came up with the name of her brand, that’s such a brilliant idea. You can tell she knows her onions. She’s so good at what she does and so talented. Love this for her.

[@miracleogunsola524]

My thoughts exactly

[@AshleyG24601fan]

Her gowns are the most gorgeous I've ever seen. I honestly wonder why it's so hard for fashion designers to make beautiful clothing. Tbf I'm not a designer, no clue what goes into it, but I've always wondered why bridal gowns were so plain. Nice to see someone making beautiful clothing designed for black skin! Her sheer netting or whatever it's called matches so well.

[@euniceabe1358]

Are people ready to pay for the beautiful clothing

[@Sumayyahsikiru]

Immediately I saw the title, I knew it was alonuko

[@PatriciaAbijah]

Me toooooo

[@Anaiick]

Tayo is synonymous with consistency, hardwork, professionalism respect for the viewers because he just goes over and beyond to ensure we stay glued on his contents through pristine videos, breathtaking locations, tips for saving etc. As a 50 + individual- I am so proud of the way our youths appreciate diversity, inclusion and differences. Alonuko thanks for your awe inspiring and breathtaking princess/fairytale wedding gowns. I am a full time subscriber, mother, sister, female cousin and fan and super proud of you. Thanks for opening yourself up to limitless horizons.💯❤️👍🏾👏🏾🤩🌟🥳🙏🏾🍾

[@omowunmiolorunfemi7213]

Saw Alonuko pieces on Pinterest and I fell in love with the artistry. So this is her??? OMG. . .I'm so proud of her!!!

[@JossieDex]

I think a KZbinr that does the same stuff as Tayo needs to Interview Tayo. This guy is literally amazing at what he does!! You can't imagine the amount of work it took to upload a 25minute video.

[@OgooluwaOjo]

💯

[@oluomachigladys1311]

@korty

[@priscachendjou971]

I think that @kimdave did it already

[@bolanlemusa9735]

Naija again at its best. Kudos Alonuko

[@chelleb777]

Her dresses are beautiful and exquisite. I wish her all success. She so young and inspiring. This is what I would love to see, more about young Beautiful Black Females, building their empires. Not all the ratchet degrading behaviour that is being promoted and now is the characteristics that defined young black females. Less of people like 'Sexy Red' more of females like 'Gbemi Okunola' Thanks Tayo. Good job highlighting the positive Black People.

[@OyepearlTV]

This video has inspired me to have a travel list and Zimbabwe is going to be on the list. Thank you for the great content

[@kenswireart88]

Blacks in UK are really representing..I'm not gonna lie because of a strong African influence.

[@maggiemotshwari554]

Africans are really killing it!love it

[@Ijee12]

I love Alonuko❣️. Her dresses are elegant and they all stand out🥰🥰. I love how innovative she is. She’s young and vibrant ❣️. I’ve been following her for 2/3 years now and I’ve been telling myself that I’d love to be an Alonuko bride🥹

[@cupcake1065]

If I could afford one of her dresses, it would have been the choice for me for my upcoming wedding. So stunning.

[@felnluvwithyou505]

This videos goes to show how important it is for parents to support their children dreams and STOP imposing their own ideas on them.

[@jero3041]

My girlfriend has been watching her designs for over a year now, and I didn’t really understand why. She really does beautiful work.

[@traviegold]

"When I create a vision in my head it's so visual it can't be in my head alone." That's inspiration. Saw this on IG and was like I need to watch this interview.

[@richhands5269]

My three favorite channels: Tayo Aina, Stock Brotha, & GoBlack2Africa. 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@dianhamilton9953]

And Wode Maya

[@amandayeboah7927]

Now I know where to get my wedding dress❤❤❤❤❤❤ she is a HARDWORKER and so real❤❤❤

[@naomifredrickA]

This is really encouraging 👏 I just moved to the uk to join my husband, and I'm a fashion designer from Nigeria. I'm watching to just keep me really motivated because fashion is something I love to do.

[@Ndi1st]

Incredible young woman. These! are the stories we should be amplifying ❤️‍🔥🙌🏾

[@kasikwagoma6740]

Tayo, your content is superb, very sophisticated and not childish like other content I see on KZbin. Thank you for showcasing these brilliant Nigerians who are such an inspiration to us all,i remain a huge admirer of Nigerians and am inspired by them. The facilities here in Britain made her thrive. Those useless rulers in Africa are frustrating the superb and brilliant business minded Africans especially Nigerians. This supertalented young lady could have been employing Africans in Africa if only there was 24/7 electricity, security, safety, the rule of law, etc. I truly admire the tenacity, hardwork and creativeness of Nigerians, they are simply unmatched.

[@Emuesiri]

Immediately I saw the title, I was like "it had better be Alonuko''. Her pieces are BEAUTIFUL and very detailed

[@HennyAgbara]

A few years later: Tayo getting a dress from Alonuko for his blide❤❤

[@norochungyang1896]

The believe she had in herself is on another level. Really worth emulating

[@stancefashionempire]

I love where she talked about your goals changing overtime and having support systems in your growth journey. This is really an inspirational story, as a fashion designer, there are lots of takeaways for me💯❤️

[@christinenwakwue]

I'm PROUD of her!

[@chinyererachel]

I sincerely love her vibes, thank you Tayo for sharing this beautiful piece with us 🙏🏽

[@lifewithcaroline8196]

This is AMAZING !!!!

[@antoinettejo1300]

I have my wedding dressmaker. I will refer you to this comment when I come over. I am SUPER DUPER PROUD of you. What a woman! What a force! And I dare say, you are just starting.

[@Oluchi26]

After watching this,it's clear to me that my dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur is not wild. Well done tayo.

[@ceoofhenjoyment]

Her dresses are 10/10😍😍😍 Spectacular 🔥🔥😍✨

[@amakaokoye2039]

This real inspire me to go back to wat I love doing growing up

[@jaquii77]

I’m from France, and I did not know about her company but omggg I’m so glad I’ve watched that video !! Also so glad I’m not yet married 😅

[@SnowIgiehon]

I really admire how audible and confident she is!!🥺

[@victoradebayo2584]

It's Ojude Oba Festival...Tayo 😊

[@Mariam_oluwaseyi_]

Thank you Tayo for bringing Gbemi to our screen. More importantly, thank you Bukunmi for sharing this link with me❤

[@kamala80]

She's something else! Intelligent, talented, driven, gorgeous and loves her family. I'm happy for her. I'd be after her if I lived in the UK.

[@andromedab902]

You can still try your luck wherever you are!!😂 The world is a global village

[@kamala80]

@@andromedab902 You are correct!

[@bbmj804]

This is one of the best interview with tons of inspiration. Sometime in the future soon, I will patronize for my daughter God willing. Well done dear. Great interview Tayo.

[@NaanorkorIris]

I love this lady, her confidence and how open she was about her business and i love you tayo For this interview . Blessings to you both

[@mcfashion9385]

0:41 when Tayo asked how many dresses do you make in a day, I screamed 🤣🤣. Like a lot of work goes in Sir lol

[@EsoheA.]

😂😂

[@TayoAinaFilms]

😅😅 I wasn’t informed. Now I know, thanks for watching 😁

[@omotopeawoleye9534]

Congratulations! I am very impressed with your story and success.Greater heights in Jesus name🎉

[@moa5351]

She is intelligent, focused ans articulate. I love the fact that she confidently speaks about equity, raising funds and other critical financial concepts that are important for entrepreneurs to have a grasp of. Without a degree, she has made more of her foundational education and intellect than many degree holders. I think she would seriously benefit from one of the executive business or entrepreneurship programmes from top business schools like the London Business School, INSEAD etc... that are tailored for SMEs and become an instructor in one later if she wanted. Very positive energy.

[@Lifeboy027]

Thank you so much Tayo for bringing this to us. You’re both an inspiration to every young person out there trying to make it work.

[@judithymwafisheni5911]

Proud is an understatement

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

I really like the question of “how do you effectively manage a team?” - her answer is really insightful, I really appreciate this interview. 🖤

[@bebejonesmichael8816]

Kudos to you for making us nigerian proud.

[@idagregory3062]

Why did I know it was Alonuko before I even clicked the video! She makes lovely dresses! ❤

[@dona_grace]

Very beautiful mind my dear, very beautiful art in your designs, you at soooo talented beyond even the most talented of wedding/dress designers. Alonuko is the new black of wedding💋💋💋

[@Heavenlyceline]

She’s so well spoken and inspiring God bless you both 🙏🏽

[@toluwaniatokeadegboye4301]

“You can see that the growth is coming, but you don’t have the money to supply that growth.” I could resonate with that.

[@yemio1005]

Very inspirational, I hope she continues to have even more success 😍

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

“In a day? Our wedding dresses take more than a day to make” Sis was low-key shocked he said that to her. Good things take time. All of her work is beautiful. 🕊🤍

[@AkireMaru]

Lol…he’s a guy…they don’t really think too much about dresses outside of appreciating them

[@BernadetteWanjiru]

So inspiring...this is where I'm gonna be in a few years ❤

[@PatriciaAbijah]

I’m so inspired! I follow her designs and it’s nice to know how she started. So courageous!

[@Wyndu777]

She is inspiring to young black fashion designers.

[@sk6424]

Determination determination determination!!!!

[@ogomsseries]

Her dresses are so beautiful,luxury and one piece you cant find anywhere or anyhow.

[@akosuakoranteng3327]

What a beautiful story and so relatable! Nothing like an African parent's doubt to fuel your ambition 😂😂😂

[@anyangrb]

Right ! Until they see it start to work

[@Klosejerry]

I envy her mindset and her doings, lovely stuff you're doing 🔥🔥🔥

[@labelledojima]

Love Alonuko, her dresses are the stuff a black girls'dream are made of.

[@adebukonlaadeniyi5362]

I am beyond proud of her, she’s an inspiration 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@sharonogochukwu1165]

This video inspired me a whole lot. Thank you to the both of you.

[@jl4073]

One word..Beautiful!!🫶🏽✨✨

[@Winceyy]

What a boss babe!!! Incredible work ethic and SUCH an outstanding brand 🙌🏾 when it’s my time, she’ll be amongst the first people I reach out to because 😍

[@ananse77]

Nope. I respect her entrepreneurship. But I'm not paying several $K for a wedding dress. Nope.

[@misskemo]

Gbemi is super talented and very inspirational. Loved hearing more of her story, thanks Tayo for sharing.

[@HannahOgunyinka]

Gbemi! So proud of you girl - you’ve stayed humble and have worked hard. You are an awesome to many who dream about designing their lives

[@misstinak]

Love her. Love this. And I absolutely hate the way bc of color some will deem things as less valuable vs a different color counterpart - but we are here and we will break down that mythology 1x1! We ARE top top tier ❤

[@bedinabebe4521]

This young businesswoman, her craft, her business are beautifully amazing😍😍 I love to see Nigerians free to develop their passions brilliantly, in peace and prosperity. Nigeria produces other level talents.

[@EstherTalks]

Fantastic video! Her dresses are stunning and I'm so happy to see the insane growth of Alonuko 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Ibetala]

Her dresses are extraordinarily beautiful and breathtaking. I can’t believe it!

[@leniquelouis]

This was an amazing interview!! She just glows with talent and is very humble. God bless her richly! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@ermaaondo2198]

Such an inspiring story♥️❤️

[@Sageandloving]

I remember her from leye olumide's video of her sisters wedding. ( there was a time i used to watch a lot if Nigerian wedding videos😂). She gave a toast on how her sister looked come to find out she made the dress.

[@mobismo]

Thank you for this interview, I have always want to hear her speak She’s indeed a force

[@SteadyStepss]

I love her energy! Thank you for sharing her with us Tayo, God bless you ♥️

[@PatriciaAbijah]

So interesting to know that she’s been sewing wedding dresses since twenty!

[@debbieadl]

Absolutely love these interviews/videos. Please do more. Well done Tayo 🙌🏾

[@KushQueen9]

I absolutely loveeee her brand!! What an incredible woman.

[@SoGood09]

This is such an inspirational story, it’s unbelievable!

[@DebzEleta]

As a fashion designer and a Nigerian I am truly inspired to keep going and believe in yourself.

[@tunisiaruth]

Her work is absolutely stunning. ✨

[@SewingWorkshops]

This is really inspirational 🎉 beautiful Alaniko

[@Laifahamuli]

She is stunning and seems very driven 🎉

[@alexandramane6378]

Thanks for this interview.... she is and inspiration for the young entrepreneurs... I wish her all the success of this world and may God continue protecting her and her family 🙏🥂🍾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@julianaogechi167]

Love love love this brand! Her values on entrepreneurship really does shine through❤

[@sheikdonabdirahman7520]

The good thing of Nigerian. They like the best things and likes living the best they can.

[@FopsyTheGreat]

I've followed Gbemi for so long. So great to see her on your channel! Well done Tayo!

[@dianalungu5440]

This is so inspirational. I love that she has fulfilled her dream after putting in alot of work.

[@MaresBA]

Amazing!

[@OprahCoco]

I'm defo gonna be an Alonuko bride ❤ Amen!

[@isaiaholuoti1549]

I’m a teenager and your videos makes me feel I would be great one day

[@Issie995]

It's a dream to wear her wedding dress 😍🙌🏽

[@remiseunaladejana]

Authentic! That's the word that came as I watched this. Thank you, Tayo, for bringing her to our screens. Success is achievable to those who aren't scared to dream . I wish her continued success ❤

[@chibuzornwokoh8064]

I really love the quality of videos you put on your channel especially recently. I’m very motivated and inspired by the great men and women you interview. Please don’t stop, keep it coming. Thanks

[@adwoamk8918]

Oh wow, that was her on the apprentice? I have to rewatch!

[@nigeriansista]

Wow this was a phenomenal interview. Also, I know where to look for wedding dresses now!