Toluwalope Anne Jacob Adigun is a visionary entrepreneur and dynamic businesswoman with nearly a decade of experience as a thought leader and has become a household name in Nigeria’s fashion, hospitality, and retail sectors. As the first female child in her family, she embraced the challenge of forging her own path from a very young age, eschewing conventional employment to become an entrepreneur.
Toluwalope graduated with a BSc in Business Economics from the prestigious Baze University in Abuja in 2012, and in 2015, to further hone her craft, earned a Certificate in Fashion from the esteemed Instituto di Moda Burgo in Italy, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to excel in the global fashion industry. She has spent ten transformative years in the fashion, hospitality, and retail industries, building a portfolio of successful business ventures that showcase her expertise and innovative spirit.
Toluwalope is currently the Founder and Creative Director of Anne Jacob, a luxury fashion house that merges African aesthetics with international trends to create timeless fashion statements. Additionally, she is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Chef of TAJ Restaurant & Bar, where she trains all her chefs and curates the recipes and entire menu for all TAJ restaurants. TAJ is a top-tier dining establishment known for its eclectic menu and exceptional dining experience. She is also the Founder and CEO of TAJ Bistro, a vibrant bistro offering an innovative fusion of flavours that cater to a diverse clientele, and the Founder and CEO of TAJ Metro Mart, which offers a curated selection of products from around the globe. This retail mart integrates convenience and quality, providing customers with a carefully chosen range of products.
Toluwalope organically grew all her businesses from the ground up, leveraging strategic insights and innovative practices to achieve significant milestones. Her multifaceted expertise has allowed her to build and steer these multiple successful ventures, solidifying her reputation as a transformational leader in these industries.
Her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence compels her to strive for her best in every endeavour, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Her journey exemplifies the convergence of creativity, strategic foresight, and relentless ambition, serving as a cornerstone of her entrepreneurial success.
You’ve clearly never been one to follow the beaten path, especially choosing entrepreneurship over conventional employment. Was there a particular moment when you decided, “I’m going to build something of my own” – or was it always in your DNA?
Growing up, I was influenced by my family, who placed a high value on education and career pursuits. However, over time, I realised that my true interest lay in entrepreneurship. My first attempt at business was during my university years, particularly during summer breaks. I noticed that many of my friends had the same opportunities for international travel that I did, yet they were fascinated by my outfits. Inspired by their interest, I decided to take advantage of my trips to America. During these trips, I handpicked unique pieces to bring back home for resale. That was my first taste of entrepreneurship.
After university, I ventured into selling fabrics. Without a physical store, I turned my home into a makeshift shop, welcoming customers to buy from me or meeting them in different locations. My car effectively became my mobile shop, with fabrics neatly arranged in the back seat. During this time, my aspirations crystallised, drawing me toward the entrepreneurial path rather than the traditional corporate ladder.
The pivotal moment came when I was 23. I took a leap of faith and founded my first business, Anne Jacobs. Rather than following the expected trajectory of pursuing an MBA, I chose to immerse myself in fashion school. This decision was not made lightly; it felt profoundly right. I remember thinking, “Why should I dedicate my energy to building someone else’s empire when I have the passion and vision to create my own?”
This guiding philosophy has shaped my journey from a young girl into the entrepreneur I am today. I realised that entrepreneurship was more than a career choice; it was a way of life—a canvas on which I could paint my dreams and aspirations.
Choosing this path has not always been easy, but it has been gratifying. It has enabled me to embrace challenges and learn from every setback. Each business venture reflects not only my passion but also my belief in the power of self-determination.
You’ve built an empire across fashion, hospitality, and retail – you’re like the Nigerian Wonder Woman of entrepreneurship! What’s your secret to managing so many successful businesses without dropping any plates?
Navigating the challenges of running a business in Nigeria can indeed feel overwhelming at times. However, I have come to realise that for me, “no” is never an option, and giving up is simply not in my DNA.
Perseverance has become my guiding principle; even when the road is bumpy, I push forward. I firmly believe that hard work, coupled with unwavering faith in God, breeds success. I have also learned the importance of staying composed under pressure, which allows me to maintain a clear focus amid the noise. This focus is crucial for managing the diverse responsibilities that come my way, whether they are business-related or personal.
Also, staying organised has helped me to keep track of my tasks and responsibilities. I ensure that every aspect of my life receives the attention it deserves. This not only keeps me grounded but also enables me to invest my best efforts into my businesses.
With such a diverse portfolio, do you ever feel like your creative mind is a whirlwind? How do you balance the demands of each venture while keeping your innovative edge sharp?
Managing a diverse portfolio can often feel like a whirlwind of ideas and responsibilities. It is exhilarating but can also be overwhelming at times. The constant juggling of different projects and ventures requires a lot of mental agility and focus.
To manage this, I make it a point to step away from the business operations every now and then. After ensuring that operations across my businesses are running smoothly, I prioritise regular breaks, typically two to three weeks at a time. These holidays serve a dual purpose: they allow me to recharge while also exposing me to new ideas and inspiration. Whether I am visiting a restaurant or immersing myself in a fashion scene abroad, these experiences breathe fresh energy into my work. Travelling has become not just a personal escape but a vital source of creative inspiration for me.
Ultimately, it is a balance of thoughtful management and strategic relaxation that keeps me innovative. By combining these elements, I can lead effectively while still enjoying a fulfilling personal life, ensuring that my creativity and drive remain intact.
You’re the eldest daughter of seven, and we imagine being the ‘big sister’ has taught you a lot about leadership. How has your family dynamic influenced how you lead your teams and businesses?
Being the eldest daughter in a family of seven has profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership. From a young age, I embraced the responsibility of being a role model for my younger siblings. This role has taught me invaluable lessons about accountability and resilience. Knowing that my siblings look up to me has instilled a sense of purpose in everything I do.
My background has directly influenced my leadership style. I lead with empathy and decisiveness, understanding that my actions set a precedent for my team. I strive to create a culture of support and motivation, where team members feel valued and inspired to give their best. My commitment to setting high standards is rooted in the lessons I learned from my family: to nurture, to guide, and to uplift others.
Ultimately, my family has taught me that true leadership is not just about making decisions or achieving goals; it is about fostering relationships and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. This philosophy has become the foundation of my approach to business, and I carry these lessons with me every day.
If you could only choose one – designing the perfect outfit for a global fashion show or curating a one-of-a-kind dining experience for a Michelin star – which would you pick?
If I had to pick between designing the perfect outfit for a big fashion show or putting together a unique dining experience for a Michelin star, I would go with creating a meal or recipe from scratch. I love fashion, but my true passion lies in the kitchen.
There is something really exciting about making a beautiful and delicious dish from beginning to end, even if it can get a bit stressful at times. I love the whole process—the little details that go into it and how food can bring people together. Honestly, the idea of curating a memorable dining experience is what gets me most fired up. It is all about being creative, sharing happiness, and making something that can make a difference in people’s lives. It is something I love to do again and again.
When you look back at all you’ve achieved so far, how do you personally define success? Is it about the numbers, the impact, or something else entirely?
When I reflect on my journey and everything I have accomplished, I would say success, for me, is all about the impact I have on others. Sure, I appreciate the numbers and the financial side of things, but what truly resonates with me is knowing that I am making a difference in people’s lives.
At the end of the month, when my team goes home to their families, I feel a sense of pride and responsibility for their well-being. Knowing that I play a role in supporting them and their loved ones is far more rewarding than just looking at a bank balance. That feeling of contributing to someone’s life and helping them provide for their families is what makes my journey worthwhile. For me, that is the real measure of success.
In your decade-long career, what’s the single most valuable lesson you’ve learned about business that you wish you’d known when you started?
In my decade-long career, the single most valuable lesson I would say that I have learned is the importance of embracing obstacles as a stepping stone to success. When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I often viewed setbacks as discouraging obstacles. However, over time, I realised that each setback taught me invaluable lessons and shaped my approach to business.
For instance, my early attempts at selling fabrics without a physical store taught me the significance of adaptability and resourcefulness. By turning my home into a makeshift shop and using my car as a mobile store, I learned that innovation often arises from necessity. This mindset of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth has been crucial in managing multiple ventures across fashion, hospitality, and retail.
If I could go back and share this lesson with my younger self, it would be to embrace setbacks with an open mind and use them as learning experiences. Every setback is not the end but rather a chance to refine my strategies and improve my business acumen. This perspective has not only helped me grow as an entrepreneur but also instilled resilience in my approach to navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
What’s next for Toluwalope? Should we expect more businesses, more flavors, or perhaps a new chapter we’ve yet to see?
The TAJ Cafe will launch at the year’s end, and I am really excited about it. But after that, I plan to take a bit of a break next year. When I say “break,” I do not mean I will be completely off the grid. I want to focus on what I already have and make everything even better—better service, better food, and improved recipes. I believe it is essential to hone in on my existing businesses and ensure they are thriving before diving into anything new.
My goal for next year is to maximise the potential of what I already have rather than starting fresh projects. Just to clarify, if I do decide to expand or explore new opportunities, it will be outside of Nigeria.
Next year, I am also planning to do a bit of research and am considering going back to culinary school for a short professional class. I think that would be a great way to sharpen my skills while consolidating my current businesses. So, while it might seem like a quieter year, it is all about laying the groundwork for what is to come.
