Nigerian fashion brand, BITTANY empowers women through sustainable fashion

By Kashinde Oluleya

As #AfricaDay 2022 approaches, The Citizen is celebrating African brands making waves on the continent. One such is Fikayomi Agbola, founder of Nigerian fashion brand Bittany. Recognized for its bold designs and commitment to sustainability, Bittany has quickly become a leader in the industry. In just five years, Bittany has impacted lives through empowering women and promoting eco-friendly fashion. Today, we chat with Fikayomi about her brand’s journey, sustainability efforts, and future plans.

What inspired you to start Bittany, and how has your journey been so far?

Thank you! I started Bittany five years ago with a clear purpose of making a difference, to create a fashion brand that not only celebrates African culture but also makes a tangible social impact. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I saw an opportunity to combine that with addressing key social challenges. By working closely with artisans and empowering young people especially women in Nigeria, we’ve been able to build a brand that resonates with people. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but our focus on sustainability and community has driven our success.

How does Bittany contribute to tackling fabric waste and environmental issues?

In fashion, waste is a significant challenge, so we’ve implemented processes to minimize fabric waste in our production. We repurpose leftover fabrics to create accessories, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This not only reduces our environmental footprint but also gives our customers unique, handcrafted pieces, and our customers truly appreciate that.

Bittany is also committed to empowering women. How does your brand contribute to uplifting women in local communities?

Empowering women is a huge part of what we do. Many of the women we work with come from underserved communities where opportunities are scarce. By incorporating them into our supply chain, whether it’s through sewing, embroidery, or other skills, we provide them with a path to financial independence. It’s been incredible to watch these women grow in confidence and take control of their futures. Empowering women, in turn, helps uplift their families and communities, creating a positive ripple effect.

What has been the key to Bittany’s success in the last 5 years?

Staying true to our values. From the beginning, we’ve been intentional about creating a brand that merges fashion with a social mission. Our focus on sustainability, women’s empowerment, and celebrating African heritage has struck a chord with our customers, especially since we expanded to catering to customer’s worldwide. By offering designs that are bold, authentic, and deeply rooted in African culture, we’ve been able to build a loyal following. Our growth has been organic, driven by people who believe in what we’re doing.

How does Bittany preserve and showcase African heritage through your fabrics and designs?

African heritage is at the heart of Bittany. We use traditional fabrics like Ankara and Aso-oke, which carry deep cultural significance in Nigeria. Each piece we create tells a story about where it comes from, blending modern designs with traditional elements. By making these fabrics part of our collections, we’re not only keeping these cultural traditions alive but also sharing them with a global audience. We want our customers to feel connected to Africa every time they wear a Bittany piece.

The Citizen has recognized you as one of Africa’s trailblazers this Africa Day. What are your plans for the future, and how do you see Bittany evolving?

We’re truly honoured to be recognised! It’s an absolute pleasure. Looking ahead, we want to expand our presence across Africa and beyond. We’re working on new collaborations and exploring ways to further enhance our sustainability practices, such as using more eco-friendly materials. Ultimately, our goal is to continue leading the conversation on ethical fashion in Africa while empowering more women in our communities. We’re excited about the future and the impact we can make.

What advice would you give to young women looking to follow in your footsteps?

Building something meaningful takes time and hard work. I am still on this journey and it’s definitely a long one, but if you’re passionate and determined, the rewards will come. Africa is full of opportunities, and there’s so much potential to create something that not only succeeds but also makes a difference.

Join the conversation this Africa Day by celebrating African entrepreneurs like Fikayomi Agbola, founder of Bittany. Tag @Bybittany and @TheCitizenTz with the hashtag #AfricaDay2022 and show your pride for the continent!