We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tayo ishola Aranmolate. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tayo ishola below.
Hi Tayo ishola, thanks for joining us today. Growth is exciting, but from what we’ve seen across thousands of conversations with entrepreneurs it’s also dangerous if costs aren’t watched closely – sometimes costs can grow out of control outpacing revenue growth and putting the viability of the entire business at risk. How have you managed to keep costs under control?
As a business owner, I’ve come across countless offers when it comes to marketing my businesses. It can be tempting to jump on the latest trend, but I’ve learned the importance of staying true to my brands’ values and sustainability. Investing too much in marketing without considering the long-term effects on a business can ultimately hinder its growth. Instead, I have found success in leveraging key relationships and budgeting within the business’s means. It may not be the quickest path to growth, but it ensures a stable foundation for the business to thrive.
Tayo ishola, 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 journey into fashion and social entrepreneurship began during my teenage years through pageantry. After winning a beauty pageant and competing in a fashion contest, I was scouted by a modeling agency based in South Africa. This led to a modeling career that took me to various countries such as China, New York, and eventually to Miami where I discovered my interest for the swimwear industry.
In 2015, I founded the swim and resort wear brand called Eido Swimwear, which has now grown into a luxury fashion brand known as I Am Eido. The name was inspired by the ancient Greek word, ‘Eido’, which means to be aware, discerning or perceptive. The brand not only opened doors to various avenues for life-changing conversations, but it also inspired the humanitarian efforts of the brand. This led to the founding of the Wonder Woman Initiative, which started as one event with a mission to empower women, but soon became a series of projects and live events that solidified the core of what the organization is about today.
Apart from my clothing brand venture, I am also the Founder at The Gem Talent Agency, a model and talent agency licensed and bonded in the State of Florida.
What sets me apart is my unique footprint that stems from the interwoven nature of my experiences. I allow these experiences and a desire to bring transformation to people drive a lot of the work I create. My philosophy is truly inspirational, as I firmly believe in the power of the human mind to bring about transformation and change. I integrate this belief into all areas of my work, and my curated experiences/events are intended to help individuals find their genuine mission and purpose. I encourage everyone to see themselves as an organization, with their minds serving as the COO, and this approach has helped many people achieve both personal and professional success.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn putting myself first. While putting oneself first is the popular thing to do, sometimes our ego is our biggest limitation, and it overrides the graceful element that is embedded within our creative abilities. I have had to learn to be more altruistic in my approach to work and life, and I find so much peace by doing this. Throughout my professional experience, I have reflected on past business relationships that didn’t go as smoothly as I hoped. In hindsight, I recognize that not putting others first may have hindered my ability to show empathy in specific situations. As I value the importance of strong business relationships, I understand the necessity of putting others first when appropriate.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
A crucial aspect of team management is to prioritize transparency and sincerity, while also fostering a sense of shared ownership for the success of each project. Empathy towards team members is also important in creating a positive and productive work environment where high morale is maintained.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wonderwomaninitiative.org | www.iameido.com | www.thegemtalentagency.com
- Instagram: tayoishola_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayo-ishola-20589834
- Youtube: @tayoishola_
Image Credits
Butch Carmichael Patrick Conway Wonder Woman Initiative