Meet Yemi Falae: Sustainability Accesorized

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yemi Falae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yemi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always excelled and challenged myself artistically. I’ve even had my art sold in high school. Art teachers would try to get me to pursue it as a career but as a Nigerian pursuing art is never an option. I made it my mission to find loopholes— uphold my family’s expectations, fulfill my artistic needs and make an imprint on the world. I found Supply Chain. The desirability of those who pursue the degree, the ability to work closely with designers/creators/manufacturers & making choices that will decrease carbon footprints. The materials I use fit my handbags are 100% renewable resourced cotton & majority of my bags can be thrown in with regular loads of laundry while maintaining its form and reducing consumption. Most handbags aren’t known for its longevity, whether it be style or material, but my handbag’s geometric shape allows for versatility. I’m even amazed at how someone of my friends who have purchased my bags have styled them. I can’t wait to explore the Men’s accessories market. I get requests about customs all the time & its awesome. I’m enjoying my vision being solidified especially after picking up crochet in only three years ago. It has become one of my favorite mediums! 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am my biggest critic and having a particular taste that my friends describe as “i know you could pull it off” can be a pain. My ability to find multiple interpretations within a single inspiration can sometimes cause new pieces to delay longer then anticipated. Im learning that the ability to create multiple images with yarn becomes beneficial to collaboration. It not only allows me to test my abilities & challenge myself. I’m so amazed by what I’m able to do in exploring different textiles used for crochet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough one for me. I moved to Houston four years ago with family & in my opinion my brother-in-law’s cooking beats a lot of the restaurants I’ve been to since the move. But if it’s one of those ‘girls night out’, I’m taking my friends to my favorite brunch stop, General Public in City Centre. I come $1 mimosas and stay for their crab cake hush puppies— having a bowling alley attached & an escape room across the street is also a plus. I love diverse and proximal enjoyment!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my father, big sister & big brother. My first teacher and greatest champions. All that I am, I owe to them. My only wish is to repay them tenfolds for all they’ve done for me.

Instagram: @c0zy3

Image Credits
Photographers Othniel M Benjamin @og.neal Efe Asemota @og.visuals Studio @thejacospace