Today we’d like to introduce you to Muyiwa Togun
Hi Muyiwa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Muyiwa Togun, Founder and CEO of Roy Urban Kollection (RUK), an African textile, art and fashion manufacturer and brand. I am an artist and textile designer, pulling inspiration from my Yoruba roots and my lived experience as a Nigerian youth assimilating into a new culture in the United States.
The idea for RUK evolved during a difficult period in my life. I was working as an IT specialist in Nigeria when I was laid off unexpectedly and went through a period of intense unemployment which left me homeless and sinking into poverty. I always held a passion for art and used this period to master traditional Yoruba fabric making, and growing Roy Urban Kollection into a production team of artists, tailors, and operations specialists.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have some challenges just like any other business but ability to find solutions to challenges through research and wide network has put us above any issues that may arise. Also, ability to be dynamic and proactive is very crucial to prevent challenges or obstacles before they arise.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for African textile, art and fashion designing and I am most proud of my achievement and features so far.
Since its inception, my company, Roy Urban Kollection (RUK) has participated in numerous fashion and art events globally and was featured in Philly’s 2020 Fashion Week, African Fashion Designer of the year 2021, Black Music City 2021 and 2022 award shows, the recipient of the Comcast Rise Award 2022, BeyGOOD and the Philadelphia Textile Exporter Award 2022 (Philadelphia Award Program).
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I took the risk of spending all my income and savings on my business when I started so I can produce textiles, buy art supplies and market to the right people who may be interested in what I do and I have no regret. Seeing the result and how the business has grown over time tells me that was not done in vain and I am proud I took the risk to build what I believe in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.royurbankollection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royurbankollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royurbankollection
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/roykollection
