Today we’d like to introduce you to Olutosin Akintunde
Hi Olutosin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thank you for the question! My name is Oluwatomisin Akintunde, and I’m originally from Nigeria. My passion for fashion started at a very young age. As a child, I had an eye for style and would instinctively choose my own outfits while my mother dressed me, knowing exactly what worked well together. Even if I wasn’t going anywhere, I would still dress up in fancy clothes at home, expressing myself and feeling confident. Fashion has always been my way of connecting with the world, even in those early years.
I first noticed my talent for design while I was in high school. Describing in detail how I wanted my traditional outfits to look to my native dressmaker as an African and making sure they reflected my personal style. When it came to ready-to-wear items, I didn’t allow size or design limitations stop me. If I liked something, I’d buy it and then take it to an alteration shop to tweak the design to my taste.
One standout memory from my high school days was redesigning my school uniform. The standard uniform was a blue and white outfit with a full, gathered skirt and large front pockets. I made mine more stylish by transforming it into a sleek A-line skirt with in-seam side pockets, adding my own touch of creativity and flair.
My journey took a big step forward when I entered college. I used my pocket money to buy my first sewing machine, a vintage foot-operated model. Although I had no formal training in dressmaking, my mother had given me some basic sewing lessons, and I took a short course in dressmaking during a college strike. While I earned B.Tech degree and built a career in Information Technology, fashion remained my first true passion. I even adjusted my work schedule, taking night shifts in the telecom industry I was working with in 2014, so I could attend fashion school during the day. Balancing both worlds was challenging, but with God’s help, a lot of determination, and the unwavering support of my family, I was able to manage.
The first garment I designed and sewed was a moment of pride. I remember showing it to my family, and my eldest brother was convinced it was bought from an established brand. He couldn’t believe I had made it myself! Even though my career in IT was flourishing as a Network Engineer as years goes by and later Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst, I always told my family that one day I would build a fashion empire.
Watching Shark Tank with my husband was a turning point for me Especially, listening to Mark Cuban analyze business. The stories of entrepreneurs inspired me to turn my fashion passion and talents into something official. To the glory of God, and with continued support from my family, especially my husband, who is my biggest supporter, AbbyPearl Empire was born.
In 2022, I launched my first all-year-round ready-to-wear collection, which sold out to my delight! Expanding my vision to merge fashion with innovative technology, I also introduced AbbyPearl Empire’s automatic soap dispenser, primarily marketed on the USA Amazon Marketplace, Mexico and Canada Marketplace, marking the beginning of a broader, multifaceted brand journey.
My journey has been deeply blessed by God Almighty, filling me with gratitude and excitement for the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. In two years, AbbyPearl Empire has evolved into a dynamic brand that beautifully blends tradition with modern fashion. While I officially established the brand in 2022, it has been a dream nurtured in my heart since childhood.
Although AbbyPearl Empire was officially founded in 2022, its roots go back to those early days of designing my own clothes and revamping store-bought garments to reflect my unique style. AbbyPearl Fashion Empire focus on luxury finishing and bespoke tailoring allows us to create iconic styles that stand the test of time. In 2024, I took a significant step forward by expanding our operations with a registered extension in Nigeria, solidifying AbbyPearl Empire’s presence both locally and globally.
AbbyPearl Empire now encompasses a range of operations, including apparel production, digital content creation, and the retail of curated products across e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. Our global reach makes our collections accessible to women everywhere, with each piece designed to reflect modesty, elegance, and a deep cultural connection.
At the heart of my design philosophy is a desire to merge modesty and luxury with cultural and modern richness. Every garment tells a story, drawing inspiration from my personal values and experiences, environment, global trends, and a respect for diverse cultural heritages. I envision fashion as a medium for expression, where each piece is crafted to enhance the wearer’s confidence, beauty while preserving her identity. We continue to blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics when necessary, offering timeless designs that resonate with women from all walks of life.
Our signature pieces are known for their modest, luxurious silhouettes that fuse authenticity with contemporary style. From flowing maxi dresses to tailored separates, each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. High-quality fabrics, vibrant prints, and elegant cuts define AbbyPearl’s aesthetic, ensuring that every creation is versatile and timeless, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Since our launch, AbbyPearl Empire has achieved significant milestones. Our Summer Ready-to-Wear Collections in 2023, 2024 and spring / Summer 2025 collections were met with overwhelming success, attracting attention from fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Also, our participation in 2024 Dallas Fashion Week, powered by The Bureau. These events showcased our ability to create buzz and establish a strong market presence. Expanding into Nigeria in early 2024 was another major milestone, allowing AbbyPearl Empire to connect with a broader audience and tap into new markets.
Sustainability and ethical practices are also at the core of what we do. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact, not only through the use of sustainable materials but by ensuring that every step of our production process. Design, manufacturing, and delivery is carried out with respect for the environment and the people involved.
Looking ahead, AbbyPearl Empire has exciting plans for growth and expansion. We aim to increase our global footprint by participating in international fashion engagements and collaborating with other designers and brands that share our values. We also plan to introduce new collections that maintain our core principles while incorporating innovative designs and sustainable practices. Expanding our e-commerce presence is another key focus, ensuring that our luxurious, modesty inspired designs remain accessible to women worldwide.
AbbyPearl Empire caters to women who value modesty, elegance, and authenticity. Our clientele includes modern, sophisticated individuals who appreciates tradition and contemporary style. Creating timeless, elegant pieces that reflect both richness and modern sophistication. Whether on the runway or in everyday life, my goal has always been to make every woman feel extraordinary, confident, and uniquely herself. As we continue to grow, AbbyPearl Empire remain committed to inspiring and empowering women through thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted clothing that stands the test of time.
In the end, AbbyPearl Empire is more than just a fashion brand, it’s a lifetime of creation, celebration of cultural diversity, modesty, and timeless elegance. Our mission is to continue evolving while staying true to our values, using fashion and technology to tell stories and empower women around the world. With a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. AbbyPearl Empire is poised to become a leading name in the global fashion industry by God’s grace.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Thank you for asking. The road has definitely not been smooth. Like many entrepreneurial journeys, mine has been filled with challenges, but each hurdle has taught me valuable lessons.
To mention a few, one of the biggest struggles was balancing my career in Information Technology with my passion for fashion. I worked night shifts instead of 9-5 to support my IT career while attending fashion school during the day. It was a physically and mentally exhausting time, but I knew I had to make sacrifices to follow my dream.
Another major challenge was breaking into the fashion industry without formal training. I had to teach myself a lot and rely on short courses and my mother’s basic sewing lessons. Learning how to design and sew from scratch was tough, especially when trying to create pieces that would meet professional standards. But I was determined to bridge that gap through constant learning and persistence.
Another challenge I faced was managing life’s responsibilities—family, creating garments, working full-time, and attending Cybersecurity school in New York. It often felt like I was juggling ten different things at once. At some point, I had to make the difficult decision to step back from work, fashion and creation to focus on my IT career and family obligations. It was a tough choice, but I knew it was necessary at the time.
Additionally, managing the operations of a growing brand—juggling production, working with partners, staff in different time zone, marketing, and customer relationships, while also expanding into new markets, presented logistical, physical and emotional challenges. Navigating differences and building a presence in both local and international markets required time, wisdom, patience, and strategy.
Despite all these struggles, my faith in Jesus Christ, my husband support, and belief in the vision have kept me going. Every challenge has pushed me to become more resilient and creative, and I’m grateful for how far AbbyPearl Empire has come. The journey is still unfolding, but I embrace the challenges as they come, knowing they are part of building something great.
As you know, we’re big fans of AbbyPearl Empire. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Certainly! To these questions, I might wax lyrical and repeat myself a bit, but please understand it comes from a heartfelt place of genuine enthusiasm for seeing my dream come to life.
AbbyPearl Empire is a multifaceted brand that blends tradition, culture, and contemporary fashion to create unique, luxurious designs that empower women of all age group. AbbyPearl Empire represents more than just fashion; it is a celebration of cultural diversity, modesty, and timeless elegance. The brand has been a dream of mine for over a decade, and it has evolved into a collection of garments and offerings that reflect both my personal experiences and my deep respect for diverse cultural heritages.
At AbbyPearl Empire, we take pride in creating premium, high-quality collections tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clientele. Our offerings include bespoke designs, ready-to-wear collections, flowing maxi dresses, tailored separates, and versatile everyday wear that easily transitions into attire for special occasions. Additionally, we design and craft clothing for children, ensuring that our brand caters to a wide age range.
What distinguishes our designs at AbbyPearl Empire is our unwavering commitment to creating modest, luxurious silhouettes that beautifully merge cultural richness with contemporary elegance. Every piece is designed with meticulous attention to detail, from selecting high-quality fabrics to incorporating vibrant prints and elegant cuts. This ensures our garments are not only visually stunning but also timeless, offering styles that resonate deeply with cultural authenticity while remaining modern and versatile.
Our unique ability to combine cultural authenticity with modern design sets us apart in the industry. We aim to empower women by creating pieces that exude confidence, elegance, and individuality. By blending timeless elegance with responsible fashion practices, we strive to make every client feel extraordinary while fostering a positive impact on the world.
Our brand philosophy is built around modesty and luxury, creating garments that help women express their identity without compromising style or elegance. AbbyPearl Empire is also known for its blend of traditional cultural elements with modern aesthetics. Whether it’s through the use of African prints or traditional tailoring techniques, each piece carries a story, a reflection of my heritage, and an appreciation for cultural diversity.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly AbbyPearl Empire has grown in such a short period. Since launching in 2022, we’ve expanded internationally and even introduced an extension of the brand in Nigeria in 2024. I am incredibly proud of our first ready-to-wear collection selling out and the overwhelming success of our Summer Ready-to-Wear Collections. Our participation in Dallas Fashion Week was also a significant milestone for us. These accomplishments highlight not only our potential but our commitment to excellence and our place in the global fashion industry.
What I want readers to know about AbbyPearl Empire is that we are more than just a clothing brand. We are a brand that stands for empowerment, sustainability, and cultural pride. Every garment we create is a result of our belief that fashion can be a medium for expression, bringing together tradition, culture, and modernity to create timeless designs that resonate with women from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for everyday wear, special occasion attire, or a garment that reflects your cultural identity, AbbyPearl Empire offers something unique for every woman.
We are also committed to innovation, not just in fashion design, but in how we deliver our products. AbbyPearl Empire’s automatic soap dispenser, for instance, is one example of how we blend technology with our fashion-focused brand, bringing new, thoughtful products to our customers.
In the future, we aim to continue expanding our global presence, introducing new collections, and collaborating with like-minded designers and brands. Above all, we remain focused on providing our customers with products that make them feel empowered, beautiful, and culturally connected.
AbbyPearl Empire is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and how we can shape the future with timeless, meaningful fashion. Visit our Instagram page @abbypearlfashionempire and explore our website, www.abbypearlempire.com, to discover our designs and collections.
Men, you’re not left behind! Designing and creating men’s collections is definitely part of AbbyPearl Empire’s blueprint. Our vision is expansive, and we’re unveiling it step by step. Personally, I design custom-made outfits for my husband, which has been a source of inspiration and motivation to venture into this space as well.
I invite you to join us on this exciting journey!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Great question! There are several ways people can engage with AbbyPearl Empire, whether it’s through collaboration, support, or direct involvement:
Collaborations and Partnerships: If you are a designer, influencer, or brand that shares our values of cultural authenticity, sustainability, and empowerment, we would love to collaborate. We’re always open to partnering for joint collections, campaigns, or events that celebrate diversity and the beauty of cultural heritage.
Retail and Wholesale: If you’re a retail store, boutique, or e-commerce platform interested in offering AbbyPearl Empire collections, we’re open to wholesale opportunities. We’d love to work with you to bring high-quality, culturally inspired and modern fashion to your customers.
Ambassadorships and Influencers: We believe in the power of community, especially influencers or content creators who resonate with our brand’s message of promoting modesty, elegance, modern and cultural heritage through fashion. If you’re passionate about empowering women through fashion, let’s connect.
Support through Purchasing and Sharing: One of the most impactful ways to support us is by purchasing our designs. Every purchase helps us continue to create timeless pieces and strengthen our brand presence. You can also support us by sharing our brand on social media, leaving reviews, or spreading the word to your friends and family.
Custom Orders and Tailoring: If you’re looking for something bespoke, we offer custom orders. Whether it’s a design reflecting your personal style or cultural heritage, we’d love to create a unique piece tailored just for you.
Sustainability Support: We are committed to sustainability, and if you align with ethical fashion practices, you can support us by choosing eco-friendly brands and promoting sustainable fashion. Your support helps us stay true to our environmental values and ethical production methods.
Engagement and Feedback: Finally, engaging with us on social media, sharing your thoughts, or participating in conversations about culture and fashion helps spread our mission. We appreciate feedback and suggestions as we continue to evolve.
To collaborate, partner, or simply show your support, feel free to reach out to us via our website, social media channels, or email: info@abbypearlempire.com. We are always excited to connect with individuals and organizations who share our passion for empowering women through fashion!
Visit our Instagram page @abbypearlfashionempire or our website at www.abbypearlempire.com to learn more and get in touch directly.
Pricing:
- All available on the website.
- For custom orders, kindly send us an email : info@abbypearlempire.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abbypearlempire.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbypearlfashionempire
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abbypearlempire
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGYFYYKT?ref=myi_title_dp
Image Credits
@thebureaufashionweek, @thebureaufashionweekdesigners
@richcirminello_photo @abbypearlfashionempire
