Olori Funmi Bello is one of the fashion icons in the Sunshine State. The dazzling pretty mother of two is the CEO Fashion Pavilion. She recently open up on her next move. Enjoy!!
Can you tell us briefly about yourself?
I'm Olori Funmilayo Bello, born over 40years ago. Am from a family of 7 (4boys, 3girls). My father is a native of Akure while his wife (mother) is from Rivers State, I can claim being of dual citizenship in Nigeria (laughing). I was born in the Northern part of Nigeria where I grew up and attended the Army Children School in Bornu State. I later came to Ondo State to further my education. After that, I got admission into the Lagos State Polytechnic where I studied Computer Science. I proceed to University of Ado-Ekiti where I bagged a degree in Business Administration. I started my career as a banker with Firstbank Nig. Plc before I joined a Construction Firm in Abuja. I had a brief stint with a private firm in PortHarcourt. Years ago I floated my fashion business. I'm married with children.
My growing up days was fun. My late father was a retired Captain in the Nigeria Army while my mother was a businesswoman. Spending most of our life in the North was a wonderful experience and this has been of great advantage to us all. Growing outside my hometown expanded our exposure to life indeed. Within the family, I was over-pampered by my siblings though I was closer to my immediate senior sister, Hajia Alima Ahmed who is married to Alhaji Jubril Ahmed. Hajia Ahmed influenced my interest in the fashion world greatly. She runs a big fashion and gift outlet in Garki, Abuja. Aunty Ebun is my eldest sister who also is happily married and doing great. Sincerely, growing up in the North taught me another beautiful view to life, particularly ability to speak and learn another language.
Now let’s talk about your fashion life, who influence it most?
I was born and brought up in a family who love and have passion for fashion. My mother is a very fashionable woman. I resemble her a lot with my looks and fashion style. Even at over 70years, my mother is still fashion conscious. And as I said earlier, Hajia Alima Ahmed is a major influence in my fashion business. Again, I love to look good. I don't follow what's in vogue, I will rather create my own style thereby making a unique fashion statement.
Fashion has different meaning to different people. To me fashion is the ability to create your own style, brand and trademark. You don’t need to follow what is in vogue or what is trending as at then. The ability to look good is all we need as a fashion person. My favorite fashion accessories are nice an lovely designers. I love and cherish jewelries a lot, I love Gold, I go for any nice and fitted shoes, as for bag I love Louis Vuitton and as for wristwatch I wear Rolex. I love wearing jean and top while I go for lace for any occasion.
Talking about your new fashion outlet, what motivated you?
My passion for fashion and looking good motivated me into the fashion biz. I grew up in in a fashion conscious home and environment. All these influenced my love for the fashion world. I've been in the fashion biz for more than 10 years now. I'm also into beads making, I dress people up for functions and deal in quality materials and accessories. I'm rebranding fashion in this State hence the plan to unveil my fashion brand called Fashion Pavilion.
Fashion has different meaning to different people. To me, fashion is the ability to create your own style, brand and trademark. You don't need to follow what is in vogue or what is trending. The ability to look good is all that is necessary as a fashion person. My favorite fashion accessories are nice and lovely designers. I love and cherish jewelries a lot. I love gold, I go for any nice and fitted shoes. As for bags, I love Louis Vuitton, for wristwatch I wear Rolex. I love wearing jeans and top while I go for lace for any occasion.
How did you come about that name fashion pavilion?
We are working on rebranding my fashion business. The idea of coming up with a unique name that will go along with everyone irrespective of age and sex gave birth to Fashion Pavilion. The outlet will be a pavilion that will attract both the male and female customers. Fashion Pavilion is set to dress our prosperous clients up at affordable prices. We will be doing more of jewelries, designer wears, shoes and bags. We will not exclude the section for the traditional ready-to-wear attires and the Children Section. Fashion Pavilion is ready to make a statement and most probably determine what happens in the fashion world soon.
I unwind a lot. I love traveling. On vacation, I love SunCity in South Africa. I visit some of my friends and relatives too. Again I enjoy staying indoors, listening to news.
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