Many of Kola’s clients are immigrants as well. He feels he is being supported by the community, and wants honor that support by making sure each customer is totally happy. So he takes any changes that have to be made in stride. While that individual dedication is a foundation of his everyday business, both he and Rondelyn Bell of Niro see that it can get in the way of opportunities for growth.

Rondelyn Bell- “One of his biggest and greatest strengths so far has been connection. He got here and was like I want to make it in fashion and need to connect myself to anyone whos related to fashion and he’s done that. Even being featured in African Fashion Week New York, how the heck did he get there he’s only been here less than two years. The next step is really focusing on that line and getting it really more international, national level than it is just locally.

Kola has three weeks to finish his line for the show in New York, and he’ll pull as many late work nights as he needs to complete it. Examples of his line are also available at the Niro Boutique. Later this summer he’ll be teaching classes at the Niro Design Center, and Bell thinks that experience will help him streamline his own work.

Rondelyn Bell- “I think he’s got a lot to offer. Definitely.