We were lucky to catch up with Oni Basit recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Oni , thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
I think it takes consistency, discipline, resilience, talent, and creativity. It also requires vision of clarity to know where you’re going and the patience to grow step by step. Most importantly, you have to have a solid business plan and be able to provide the public with something that they can’t get anywhere else and being willing to adapt to the economic structures surrounding you so that you can have longevity. It also helps to have a team of people who believe your business and vision. There have been several changes in the economy and so in reference to “adapting”, I made temporary discount codes for my clientele so they can still afford what they want. On the other side of that, it still keeps my business flowing.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Basit Oni, the founder and creative director of the fashion brand Basit Oni. How I entered this industry was through professional modeling for a Nigerian modeling agency called Eminent Model Agency. After the agency dissolved, I took time out of the fashion industry to pursue academics and graduate from college. During my college years, my friends and colleagues would tell me how much they admire my fashion style and even people that I did not know would tell me how much they loved my style. So when I graduated, I thought it would be better for me to own a fashion brand so I can share my fashion style with everyone else. So a friend of mine was able to help me pull this entire thing together and the brand debuted on the first week of June 2024; a week before my birthday.
Basit Oni is a fashion brand that sells diverse and androgynous clothing, and through Basit Oni, I have designed and create unique collections that merge creativity, culture, and individuality. We sell luxury ready-to-wear attire, cut from authentic silk fabric, mikado fabric, leather, and other fabrics. Each piece is more than just clothing—it’s a statement, a story, and in many ways, a reflection of both strength and elegance. My goal is to provide people with fashion styles that not only look good but also make them feel powerful, seen, and connected to something greater.
What sets my brand apart from many other fashion brand is not only the authenticity of my vision but the boldness of where our place of operations is currently located.. Nigeria. In Nigeria, you will rarely find a fashion brand that sells androgynous clothing or what some people would view as “feminine” clothing. Following trends has never been my style. My style is to create the trends. I think one of the funniest trends is when we catch other brands trying to replicate our clothes and reproduce them on their website, LOL. But that’s one of the many ways that I know I’m doing something right and unique.
I aim to create timeless pieces that resonate with emotion and meaning. Every collection is carefully crafted, from the storytelling behind the theme to the details in the fabric and fit. I believe fashion should not just be worn—it should be experienced. I am most proud of the fact that my work reflects resilience and growth. Building this brand has tested me in countless ways but each challenge has sharpened my creativity and deepened my commitment to what I stand for. The other thing that I am proud of is the love I have received from different parts of the world. We are selling to people in countries (Germany, United Kingdom, U.S.A.) that I never thought would happen so soon.
For anyone discovering my brand for the first time, I want them to know that there is something for everyone and I’m sure there will be something that will catch your eye, make you take a second look, and visualize yourself where the outfit from the brand. My designs are made for all individuals who value originality, strength, and expression and I also aim to create and tailor clothes for all sizes so that everyone can experience Basit Oni. It is important to be inclusive to all sizes so that everyone feels like they belong to this brand. I remember having a full-figured client who wanted to look good for the African Creators Summit back in January. So I designed a multi-colored yellow and floral outfit for him which will probably appear in a future collection. Every other time we talk, he always mentioning how much he loves it. That is what I want my clients, followers, and fans to always feel when they connect with my work.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
There are a few. I guess the main one was the idea that everything has to be perfect before I put it out into the world. In the beginning, I felt that if a design, an idea, or even a collection wasn’t flawless, then it wasn’t ready. That mindset held me back because perfection is an illusion—it kept me waiting, overthinking, and doubting myself instead of moving forward.
The backstory is that early on, I delayed launching collections because I wanted to either wanted to add more outfits to the collection or I was scared of how people might receive them. I would keep revising each top or trouser, adding and taking away from what was already done. There were times where I would change the fabric on a particular top after it has been designed. But over time, I realized that fashion is about creativity, taking risk, and having expression. Once I unlearned that need for “perfection”, I gave myself room to grow, learn from feedback, and evolve as a designer and entrepreneur.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I first started, building an audience on social media felt overwhelming. I didn’t have a clear roadmap—I just knew that I wanted to share my designs and my journey authentically. In the beginning, not only did I find passion in fashion but also motivational speaking. I would create videos of positive affirmations and share them with the public. It became another way of growing my following each month. I wasn’t following trends, I was making a difference in people’s lives. After that, I focused on consistency: showing up and posting regularly. Eventually I branched out into showing people on social media my love for fashion, my brand, and letting people see not just the finished product but the process behind what it takes to make a collection. I realized people connect more when they can see the story, the struggle, and the passion that goes into the work. I also learned the importance of quality over quantity: it’s better to post content that truly reflects your brand and values than to post just for the sake of being online.
For anyone starting out, my advice would be to know what it is that you want to offer to the world and then stay consistent and authentic. Don’t be discouraged by slow growth. Focus on building trust and connecting with the people who follow you because even a small, loyal community is more powerful than big numbers without engagement. Don’t give any attention to people who chose to send negative comments to you. Stay tunnel-visioned and above all, let your unique voice and vision shine through; that’s what will set you apart in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Basitoni.com
- Instagram: basit_oni
- Facebook: Basit_oni
Image Credits
Basit Oni