In the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends emerge in a flash, Temitope Olawoore, founder of TheDote Design, remains firmly rooted in authenticity. For her, fashion is more than stitching fabric or following patterns: it is a language of self-expression, crafted with purpose and worn with confidence.
Though she had taken fashion design lessons earlier in life, Temitope hadn’t fully pursued it until a tailor let her down on the day of an important event. That disappointment pushed her to take matters into her own hands — a decision that ultimately gave birth to what is now known as TheDote Design.
With a background in Agricultural Economics, Temitope brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and aesthetic sensibility to her craft. Based in Ibadan, her brand has rapidly grown to serve a global clientele. For Temitope, nothing compares to the pride and satisfaction she sees on her clients’ faces.
In this interview with TheCable Lifestyle, she opens up about her journey, the challenges she has faced, and her aspirations for the future.
TheCable Lifestyle: What was growing up like?
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Temitope Olawoore: Growing up was truly beautiful. I was raised in Ibadan, Oyo state, where I also had all my education. I graduated from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Department of Agricultural Economics. I come from a loving family where contentment was our watchword, and I was raised to be hardworking, intentional, and to dominate the earth.
My childhood was filled with creativity and curiosity. I loved expressing myself through fashion, even in the simplest ways. Those early experiences shaped my sense of style, my love for beautiful things, and the drive to create something meaningful through my brand today.
TheCable Lifestyle: What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
Temitope Olawoore: I never imagined I would become a fashion designer, even though I have always had a deep love for fashion. Back in my university days, I would plan my outfits for the week ahead, making sure I never repeated clothes the same way twice. I did not have much, but I was intentional about looking stylish. It gave me joy and confidence. My journey into fashion began unexpectedly during an ASUU strike.
I decided to learn sewing to stay productive, but when school resumed, I did not take it too seriously. Everything changed when my tailor disappointed me. She knew how important my sister’s introduction ceremony was, yet she did not deliver my outfit. I felt deeply hurt because I trusted her, and I cried that day. I eventually collected my fabric back, and in that moment, I decided to take charge. I returned to fashion school, this time with purpose.
The first dress I made for myself tore the very first day I wore it to class, but even then, I was proud. There was a sense of fulfilment in creating something with my own hands. My mum was my biggest supporter, and the sewing machine at home made it easier to keep practising. I already knew how to operate it; all I needed was to perfect my cutting and finishing. That experience ignited something within me.
What started as frustration became a discovery, a realisation that I could create beauty, confidence, and identity through clothing. My style has always been simple, timeless and classy, and that same essence reflects in TheDoteDesign today. For me, fashion is more than clothing. It is healing, restoration, confidence, love, and self-expression, a language through which every woman can feel whole again.
TheCable Lifestyle: Who would you say are your biggest role models in the industry?
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Temitope Olawoore: I would say Tubo and Style Temple have been two of my biggest inspirations in the fashion industry. I have always admired their creativity, distinct style, and the effortless way they express fashion. There is something powerful about how they tell stories through their designs; it is bold yet feminine, structured yet soft.
I love how they have built strong, recognisable brands while staying true to their individuality. Their journeys constantly remind me that fashion is not just about clothing; it is about identity, vision, and purpose.
TheCable Lifestyle: As a fashion designer, what do you find most rewarding about your profession?
Temitope Olawoore: For me, the most rewarding part of being a fashion designer is the ability to envision a design and bring it to life to see an idea transform into something tangible, beautiful, and unique. There is a special joy in adding your own touches, experimenting, and perfecting every detail.
But the real magic happens when I see someone wearing my designs. The pride and confidence in their eyes, the trust they place in me to create something meaningful for them, that feeling is truly priceless. Fashion, for me, is not just about clothes, it is about creating moments of joy, empowerment and self-expression.
TheCable Lifestyle: What makes your styles and designs unique? Where do you draw inspiration from?
Temitope Olawoore: At TheDoteDesign, our designs are versatile, relatable, and crafted for vibrant, fashionable women. Each piece is thoughtfully created to fit every phase of a woman’s life, whether it’s for daily activities, special events, or moments that call for confidence and elegance. I want every woman who wears our designs to feel empowered, stylish, and truly herself.
Inspiration comes from a blend of exploration, observation, and intuition. I constantly immerse myself in other designs, art, and everyday life, but often, ideas flow naturally, almost as if the design already exists in my mind. This creative process allows me to produce pieces that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful, reflective of the wearer’s journey, and aligned with TheDoteDesign’s ethos: fashion as restoration, confidence, and self-expression.
TheCable Lifestyle: What kind of clothes are you more comfortable designing and why?
Temitope Olawoore: I truly enjoy designing for brides; their traditional outfits and reception dresses hold a special place in my heart. There is an unmatched sense of fulfilment and belonging that comes from being a part of someone’s most significant day. Knowing that my designs contribute to those unforgettable moments is incredibly rewarding.
At the same time, I love creating stunning Ready-to-Wear collections. Designing RTW allows me complete freedom to express my creativity without restrictions. I focus on crafting pieces that are timeless, rewearable, and restyleable, designs that are elegant, versatile, and enduring. For me, fashion is about creating beauty that empowers women to feel confident and express themselves effortlessly in every phase of their lives.
TheCable Lifestyle: What challenges have you faced so far, and how have you overcome them?
Temitope Olawoore: Like every entrepreneur, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting out, one of the biggest struggles was not having a proper workspace. I often had to set meeting points with clients just to take their measurements, sometimes on the roadside or even at ATM galleries. I remember being told by a security man never to come back to measure anyone there again.
Those moments were tough but humbling, and they pushed me to keep dreaming bigger. Today, we have a walk-in studio where clients can enjoy comfort, privacy and a full fashion experience, a huge step forward from where I began. When I worked from home, distance was another challenge. Many clients did not want to come in for fittings or drop off their fabrics. But over time, I built trust, improved my systems, and created a more professional process that made things easier for everyone.
Power supply remains an ongoing challenge, something every Nigerian business owner can relate to. Thankfully, generators have been a lifeline, even though they cannot completely replace consistent power. Of course, managing people, both clients and staff, comes with its own lessons. It requires patience, understanding, and continuous growth. But with time, I have learned to navigate these challenges better, knowing that every phase prepares me for the next level.
Each challenge has shaped TheDoteDesign into what it is today, a brand built on resilience, passion, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. Every obstacle became a stepping stone, reminding me that growth often begins in the most uncomfortable places.
TheCable Lifestyle: What are your hopes and aspirations for your profession in the long run?
Temitope Olawoore: My greatest aspiration is to become one of the most timeless and purpose-driven fashion designers, to never run out of creativity, grace, and inspiration. I want TheDoteDesign to continue being a brand that instils confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging in women.
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Every woman’s journey matters to us, whether she is pregnant, postpartum, healing from surgery, or navigating any phase of life. There will always be an outfit designed to make her feel seen, elegant, and beautifully covered. I want women to know that fashion can speak to their stories, their transitions, their healing, and their becoming.
Every phase tells a story of healing, and that is what our brand stands for. Fashion, to us, is not just about clothes; it is a renewal of hope, a stitch of restoration, a new beginning. It is an opportunity for every woman to walk with her head held high, with a spring in her step and with confidence in her journey.
Our latest collection, ‘Restoration’, embodies that message. It is a reminder that even through change, beauty can be found and that through fashion, every woman can experience restoration in her own unique way.
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