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Learn somethingGbemi Okunlola on building a global fashion brand – Small Business Retail Sessions (S1E1)
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Gbemi Okunlola on building a global fashion brand – Small Business Retail Sessions (S1E1)

Gbemi Okunlola on building a global fashion brand – Small Business Retail Sessions (S1E1)
Catherine Erdly
Catherine ErdlyThe Resilient Retail Club

Posted: Wed 30th Jul 2025

Welcome to the Small Business Retail Sessions podcast, brought to you by Enterprise Nation's Powering the High Street programme, in collaboration with EDF.

This series explores the major challenges that today's retailers are facing – from declining footfall and vacant shop-fronts to the post-pandemic recovery and increasing demand for sustainability.

Episode one: Gbemi Okunlola, Alonuko

In this first episode of the series, we're joined by Gbemi Okunlola, founder of Alonuko.

Started in 2012, Alonuko is a world-renowned women's fashion brand celebrated for its iconic bridal designs, intricate embroideries and inclusivity.

Gbemi's fashion journey began in her teenage years, and she's since grown Alonuko into a global name in luxury bridalwear, known for offering highly personalised and inclusive experiences for brides around the world.

Here, Gbemi shares how her early passion for design evolved into founding Alonuko. She reflects on the value of in-person retail experiences and offers advice for building a global brand.

Topics discussed in the episode

  • Where Gbemi's passion for fashion and entrepreneurship began

  • How Alonuko transitioned from a small custom-dress service into a luxury bridal brand

  • Key turning points in the brand's growth, including viral success and celebrity exposure

  • The importance of designing for inclusivity across skin tones, sizes and cultures

  • Why a high-touch, personalised customer experience is central to Alonuko's approach

  • The role of physical retail experiences in a digital age, especially in bridalwear

  • Navigating international demand and building a global presence – particularly in the US

 

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Where to listen, watch and subscribe


You can also listen on other platforms and Enterprise Nation.

You can watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube.


Two women discuss with a fashion designer in a bridal shop. Text reads "Powering the High Street" with logos of Enterprise Nation and EDF.

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Catherine Erdly
Catherine ErdlyThe Resilient Retail Club
When someone tells you “oh wow, things must be going SO well in your business” – does a part of you wish they knew how lost you sometimes feel? I know how hard you work, how badly you want to succeed, how much you believe in the potential of your business, and how much progress you’ve already made. But at some point – between juggling orders, suppliers and the relentless need to keep up on social media, you’ve begun to feel overwhelmed. And financially, you may be wondering when you’ll get the chance to pay yourself a decent salary or hire in enough help. My name is Catherine Erdly and I have over 25 years experience working with product businesses of all sizes from high street names (such as Laura Ashley, Coast and Paperchase), all the way down to brand new businesses with just a handful of customers. I have helped these businesses get more organised and make more money. Now I want to help you do the same so that you feel clearer, re-energised and confident enough to take your business to the next level. If you’ve been looking for some help with your business, and you’d like a trusted expert to work with you to: - Outline what your options are to make your business a success long term- Make the most of your time- Manage your money- Support you with a new project – like a pop-up shop or wholesale- Give you the confidence to grow as a founder and business owner Then get in touch now, and let’s talk.

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