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

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.

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