We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Iyanu Adegbite. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Iyanu below.
Hi Iyanu, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
In January 2020, I launched the brand ToTsFrishion™️. I began by selling African wax print hats, and soon after, I expanded my collection to include bags. My niche audience loved the bags, and I quickly sold out after launching.
However, as time passed, I sought to create a more meaningful brand that not only sells products but also serves as an inspiration with a positive impact. Before starting the brand in 2020, I had always wanted to share cancer stories following my mother’s battle with leukemia, which tragically took her life on November 26, 2008. Her death led me through a long journey of grief, one I struggled with deeply until God helped me transform that pain into purpose and also have empathy for those with similar challenges. Through this transformation, I found the strength to create a platform dedicated to sharing stories of hope, resilience, and healing. By turning my loss into a mission to uplift others, I discovered a way to honor my mother’s legacy while supporting those navigating their own battles with cancer. This journey not only gave my pain meaning but also allowed me to connect with a community of individuals who inspire and encourage one another every day.
This loss profoundly shaped my vision for ToTsFrishion™️, as I aimed to intertwine storytelling with fashion to foster awareness and hope. I envisioned the brand as a beacon for those journeying through similar struggles, offering a platform where personal narratives could be shared, celebrated, and honored.
Driven by this purpose, I introduced the podcast “You Have a Story with ToTsFrishion,” where heartfelt stories of resilience and courage are shared, creating a supportive community for those affected by cancer. Each story shared becomes a testament to the human spirit’s enduring strength and serves as a reminder that no one is alone on their journey.
As ToTsFrishion™️ grows, I remain committed to creating products that reflect cultural richness and inspire and comfort those who need it most. Through collaborations, storytelling, and community engagement, I hope to touch lives and contribute to a world where hope and healing are always within reach.
My commitment to excellence and quality led me to seek out manufacturers in Florence, Italy, where our leather-printed bags/products are produced. Additionally, we are introducing “You Have a Story” Blankets to our collection, with the aim of donating one blanket to a cancer patient for every purchase. This initiative allows us to continue our mission of providing encouragement and comfort to those facing cancer diagnosis. Each blanket is designed with care and intention, featuring inspiring messages and vibrant patterns that embody warmth and hope. This new addition enhances our product line and deepens our connection with the community we strive to support.
We are mindful of the stories that inspire our work as we expand. These blankets are more than just products; they are symbols of solidarity and compassion, bridging distances and bringing comfort to those who need it most. I feel truly thankful to be part of this journey that God has entrusted me to lead. Each purchase supports a significant cause, and every ToTsFrishion™️ ️ product represents a story of resilience and love.
By continuing to innovate and uplift, ToTsFrishion™️ remains dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals affected by cancer, ensuring that they always feel supported and cherished.
Iyanu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Iyanu Adegbite, and I am the founder of ToTsFrishion™️ I started this journey out of a deeply personal experience that shaped my purpose and calling. After losing my mother to leukemia on November 26, 2008, I struggled with grief for many years. It wasn’t until I allowed God to turn my pain into purpose that I found the courage to create a platform dedicated to sharing stories of resilience, hope, and healing.
ToTsFrishion™️ officially launched in 2020 with a mission to empower individuals by providing a safe space where personal stories of overcoming challenges, especially those related to cancer, can be shared and celebrated. In January 2023, the brand officially launched the podcast “You Have a Story with ToTsFrishion,” where cancer stories meet inspiration and hope. This podcast is a space where individuals share their personal journeys, offering a mix of raw emotion, resilience, and empowerment. Through these stories, we aim to inspire others to embrace their narratives and find strength in the face of adversity. Each episode highlights not only the challenges faced but also the triumphs, offering listeners a reminder that their cancer stories matter and can make a difference in the lives of others.
We offer a range of products and services designed to inspire, educate, and connect our community, including ToTs bags, blankets, free eBooks, podcasts, and cancer resources. The brand aims to transform luxury products—such as handbags and blankets—into a canvas for storytelling. We also have two special sections on the website—The Cancer Survivor Stories and The Cancer Memorial Stories. These sections are dedicated to honoring the journeys of those affected by cancer.
The Cancer Survivor Stories provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences of overcoming cancer and celebrating resilience, strength, and hope. It’s a place where survivors can inspire others, offering a sense of solidarity and encouragement.
The Cancer Memorial Stories honors those who have lost their battle with cancer, providing a space for families and loved ones to celebrate their lives, share cherished memories, and keep their legacies alive. These sections allow us to create a community where survivors and those who have passed are remembered and celebrated, helping to heal through shared stories of love, loss, and triumph.
What sets ToTsFrishion™️ apart is our deeply personal approach. Every initiative the brand undertakes is driven by compassion, authenticity, and a genuine desire to make a difference. At ToTsFrishion™️, it’s not just about storytelling; we are building a movement where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
The brand is built on a strong foundation of core values that define who we are. First and foremost, we are committed to empowerment, providing individuals with a platform to share their unique stories of strength, resilience, and faith. I believe in the power of community, creating a space where cancer stories are celebrated, and meaningful connections are formed.
Inspiration lies at the heart of ToTsFrishion. We draw strength from faith to uplift and encourage individuals through their life journeys, reminding them that their story has the power to impact others. Quality and craftsmanship are essential to everything we offer, ensuring that each luxury accessory we create meets the highest standards.
Lastly, inclusivity is what defines us. We welcome everyone—regardless of background or circumstance—to be part of our empowering narrative. At ToTsFrishion™️, we forge connections beyond fashion, resonating deeply with the human spirit and fostering a sense of belonging in a larger, supportive community.
One of the things I am most proud of is hosting The Gathering of the Story Tellers on November 26, 2024, a conference that brings together voices from all walks of life to share powerful narratives that inspire transformation. This event is a testament to the power of vulnerability, as it shows how opening up and sharing our stories can lead to collective healing. What makes this conference truly special is that it places God at the center, guiding the conversation and fostering an environment of faith, hope, and connection. It’s a celebration of the strength in our shared experiences and a reminder that when we come together, we can create a lasting impact.
For potential friends, I want you to know that this brand is more than just a business—it’s a mission. We’re here to remind you that your story matters and that even the most difficult experiences can be used for good. Whether you’re here for inspiration, support, or connection, I hope you find a piece of yourself in what we do.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can continue to create a community where stories spark hope and purpose.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
“Your brand is not meant to cater to everyone.”
This was a challenging but necessary lesson I had to unlearn a few years after launching ToTsFrishion. In the early days of building the brand, I often fell into the comparison trap. I wanted my brand to reflect what others were doing—I adopted their marketing strategies, aimed for their audiences, and even tried to shape my mission around what I thought was trendy and widely accepted. I genuinely believed that following their blueprint was the key to success.
But over time, I realized that one size does not fit all. To truly succeed, I needed to embrace what made my brand unique and different. My audience isn’t the same as everyone else’s, and I wasn’t meant to compete with anyone. Entrepreneurship is a journey; success comes from speaking to and impacting a specific group of people—not trying to reach everyone.
This journey required me to let go of everything I thought would work and instead seek inspiration from God, the source of every creative vision. I understood that I am simply a vessel, being used by Him to impact the world in my distinct way. This shift in perspective transformed my approach to business, allowed me to build a brand that genuinely aligns with its purpose, and focus on what truly matters: authenticity. I stopped trying to mold my brand to fit a universal standard and instead started leaning into the core values and mission that made ToTsFrishion™️ special. I recognized that my calling wasn’t to please the masses but to serve a specific community with intention, purpose, empathy, and heart.
It wasn’t an easy process. Letting go of the urge to compare, learning to trust my vision, and staying true to the purpose behind the brand required patience and faith. I had to remind myself that success isn’t about how large the audience is but about the depth of the impact you make on the lives of the people you serve.
Ultimately, I came to understand that the most sustainable and fulfilling way to grow a brand is to let it be guided by purpose rather than trends. For me, that meant seeking direction from God, trusting Him to use me as a vessel, and allowing His vision to shape every decision. Once I stopped chasing what others were doing and fully embraced the path meant for me, I found clarity and joy in my work.
This realization has been the foundation of ToTsFrishion’s growth and impact, and it continues to remind me that my brand’s strength lies in its uniqueness, authenticity, and purpose-driven mission.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
So, I sketched out all the products we currently feature on the website and sent those sketches to our manufacturer in Florence, Italy. They meticulously bring my vision to life, transforming those sketches into beautifully crafted pieces. This process requires great patience, as samples are exchanged between us until the products are refined to absolute perfection.
Initially, our products weren’t made in Italy. I decided to pivot to a small, family-owned vendor in Florence for several reasons:
Florentine Craftsmanship: Florence is renowned worldwide for its authentic leather goods and exceptional craftsmanship. The artisans there carry on a tradition passed down through generations, blending time-honored techniques with modern innovation. Every item crafted in their workshops reflects Italian excellence—beautiful, durable, and timeless.
Personal Connection: As a brand committed to quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity, I wanted to work with a vendor I could form a personal connection. This aligns with our mission to create products that reflect care and dedication in their design and making.
Artistry Over Mass Production: Choosing a small, family-run workshop wasn’t just a business decision but about finding a partner who could infuse genuine artistry into our products. Their attention to detail and passion for their craft resonates with the heart of our brand.
Working with this smaller vendor has also allowed me to be intimately involved in every step of the production process. From selecting materials to finalizing designs, I ensure that every piece meets our high quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability standards. In my past experiences with larger manufacturers, I found that the transparency and level of care I desired were difficult to achieve with mass production.
Finding the right vendor in Italy took time and effort. After conducting extensive online research and identifying a few potential vendors, I began reaching out and initiating conversations. Before committing fully, I took a trip to Florence in 2022 to meet the vendors and establish a genuine connection. That visit solidified the partnership and allowed me to see firsthand the passion and skill that go into each handcrafted item.
This journey has been about more than creating products—it’s about honoring the artistry and tradition behind every piece, ensuring each item tells a story of quality, authenticity, purpose, and care.
One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of patience and clear communication. Manufacturing a product, especially when working with artisans abroad, requires time and constant collaboration to get things right. I’ve also learned that quality is non-negotiable—it’s better to take longer and get it right than rush through the process. Building personal relationships with vendors has also been crucial; it fosters trust and ensures transparency throughout the production process. Finally, I’ve come to appreciate the value of staying hands-on and involved in every step, from design to final product, to maintain consistency and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.totsfrishion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totsfrishion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totsfrishionn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/totsfrishion/
- Twitter: https://x.com/totsfrishion
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@totsfrishion
- Other: Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/4foykjZTp0xwwSzozyNaoG
Apple podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-have-a-story-with-totsfrishion/id1670991961
