Startup Story
Olamide Alade is the founder and creative director of Amòké Regal, a luxury modest Nigerian fashion brand redefining African fashion by weaving cultural heritage into elegance, exclusivity, and decency. With a strong passion for fashion storytelling, she creates exclusive pieces that empower ambitious African women to step confidently into corporate spaces, boardrooms, and on global stages while embracing their cultural identity. Alongside her creative work, Olamide is a Chartered HR Professional and an Associate of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), bringing depth and leadership experience to her entrepreneurial journey.
LoA spoke to founder, Olamide Alade to learn more about her business and brand building ambitions, and her success to date.
When did your start your business?
I officially started Amòké Regal in 2025, after months of research, design sketches, and meditation about how fashion could be used as a tool to preserve culture and redefine modest dressing.
“Start with clarity of purpose. Know why you are starting, because your ‘why’ will sustain you through the tough days.”
Number of employees:
Two.
What does your company do?
Amòké Regal is a luxury modest fashion brand that creates exclusive designs inspired by African heritage. We craft statement outfits that blend modesty with modernity, helping young ambitious women express confidence, elegance, and authenticity without sacrificing their cultural identity.
What inspired you to start your company?
I started Amòké Regal because I noticed a gap. Many young African women struggle to find outfits that are both modest and fashionable while also reflecting their heritage. Personally, I wanted to wear pieces that spoke to my cultural pride while allowing me to walk boldly into any global room. That desire gave birth to our debut masterpiece, the Àsàké Dress, which embodies heritage, modesty, and ambition in perfect harmony.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Every Amòké Regal piece is designed as more than fashion, it is storytelling and identity communicated through fabric. We combine cultural symbolism, meticulous craftsmanship, and exclusivity to create outfits that are not just worn but experienced. Our commitment to decency, elegance, and authenticity ensures that every woman who wears Amòké Regal feels regal, empowered, and true to herself.
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is made up of passionate creatives who believe in the vision of preserving African heritage while promoting modest fashion. Though small, we are driven by excellence, authenticity, attention to detail, and the desire to create pieces that inspire confidence in women everywhere and each of us bring a unique skill set that helps translate our vision into reality.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My journey into entrepreneurship has been both challenging and rewarding. With a background in Human Resources, I did not initially see myself as a fashion entrepreneur. However, I have always been attracted to fashion, storytelling, and creativity. Although I don’t come from a long line of entrepreneurs, I grew up in an environment where resourcefulness and resilience were essential, and these values have shaped my path. Launching Amòké Regal has taught me to combine business strategy with creativity, and most importantly, to trust God with every step.
“Don’t be afraid to begin small, focus on excellence and authenticity, and growth will follow.”
“Entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it’s about impact. Let your work solve a problem, tell a story, or inspire change and the world will notice.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
In the near future, I see Amòké Regal becoming a recognised name in African fashion worldwide, celebrated for setting the standard in modest luxury. We plan to expand into international markets, launch a fashion academy to mentor young designers, and collaborate with global platforms to position African modest fashion as both timeless and trend-setting.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing women wear Amòké Regal pieces and stand taller, walk more confidently, and feel truly seen. Knowing that our designs help women embrace their heritage while expressing ambition and confidence is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also rewarding to see that we contribute to cultural preservation and inspire a new narrative around modest fashion. At Amoke Regal, we are not just creating masterpieces; we are shaping a movement of confidence, decency, and cultural pride.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Start with clarity of purpose. Know why you are starting, because your “why” will sustain you through the tough days. Don’t be afraid to begin small, focus on excellence and authenticity, and growth will follow. Be bold and resilient.
Finally, remember that entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it’s about impact. Let your work solve a problem, tell a story, or inspire change and the world will notice.
Find out more
Email: amokeregal@gmail.com or visit the company
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amokeregal?igsh=ZXExZTBjcHc3M2J4
Why LoA loves it…
We love Olamide Alade’s story because it beautifully shows how fashion can be both an entrepreneurial venture and a cultural movement. By founding Amòké Regal, she is redefining modest luxury while weaving African heritage into every garment—a powerful inspiration for women entrepreneurs who want to merge creativity, purpose, and business. Her journey offers practical insights into building a brand in a highly competitive industry, while also proving that clarity of purpose and resilience can drive success. Olamide’s vision reminds us that entrepreneurship is not only about profit, but about impact, storytelling, and empowerment. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa