We love our home grown female entrepreneurs! Despite the challenges of running a business in Nigeria, these women stay slaying by rising and surpassing these challenges. Kene Rapu is one of such entrepreneurs and we are crushing on her zeal, drive and of course her FAB footwear!
A key aspect of the brand Kene Rapu is its support of the local industry which she achieves by using locally sourced materials and workmanship, to provide bespoke handcrafted slippers and sandals. Four years and a lot of hard work later, Kene Rapu the brand continues to grow and cement its mark as the go-to brand for trendy, comfortable and durable footwear.
All Kene Rapu footwear is produced in Nigeria, for the global community. Each slipper is carefully handcrafted by a local craftsman in Nigeria, using materials sourced from the local markets.
We asked Kene Rapu a few questions to give us an insight into what keeps her going…check on it and off course don’t forget to #buynigerian too! J
About Kene: Kene hold’s an LLB Law degree from the University of Bristol, UK, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2013. She launched, Kene Rapu Enterprise, straight out of university in 2011 but has been interning from as young as 13! Within the fashion industry, Kene has worked with and for renowned fashion designers and establishments such as Tiffany Amber; the production team for Lagos Fashion and Design Week and My Beautiful City
About ‘Kene Rapu’ the Brand: an initiative to promote the development of the local (Nigerian) industry, by using locally sourced materials and workmanship, to provide bespoke handcrafted slippers and sandals.
IBG: Why did you start ‘Kene Rapu’?
KR: We launched our first line, ‘Slippers by Kene’, in 2011. It was launched as an initiative to promote the development of the local (Nigerian) industry, by using locally sourced materials and workmanship, to provide bespoke handcrafted slippers and sandals. Due to the fragmented nature of the manufacturing, retailing and shoe making industry, it is difficult for talented local craftsmen, with meager funds to manufacture on their own. Against this back drop, ‘Kene Rapu’ aims to play a role in the empowerment of these craftsmen, by using locally sourced materials and workmanship to produce our bespoke handcrafted footwear.
IBG: What has been you biggest challenge and how did/have you overcome it?
KR: Production has been a challenge, from consistency, to lack of material availability, to inadequate man power. Often times brands may choose to produce abroad as it is the easier route, not because we don’t have the talent and man power here. The truth is that the average Nigerian worker is often used to mediocrity, and it takes time to shift that paradigm. However, when we succeed in doing this, it is a rewarding experience
IBG: Who inspires you?
KR: Hard working, purpose driven individuals who think big and are not limited by the circumstances around them.
IBG: Advice for upcoming entrepreneurs
KR: -Be prepared to work hard- only you can drive your business in the direction you want it to go.
-Get ready to delay gratification.
-Find a business mentor or two you can rub minds with when the need arises.
– Just start- there is no time as the present
To find out more about the Kene Rapu Brand, visit their website www.kenerapu.com
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