Lunkara is a successful high-end fashion and accessories brand adorn by many of our favorite entertainment celebrities and executives including Mama Jones, child star River Mason, Flo Kaja, Persuasion, The VonBoozier Twins, Tara Wallace, and “Surviving R. Kelly” executive producer Tamara Simmons. Founder/CEO Osagiele Eromosele took out sometime to discuss Lunkara’s maturation as well as its roots.
Lunkara is a very unique name, what was the inspiration behind it?
God, family, and close friends have been a positive influence in my life. As a young black man, my late grandmother and big sister enabled me to be diligent and resilient when facing life challenges. Recently, I was forced to discover and create in a sunken place. I isolated myself to find a new identity, new energy, and solace. At that time, I found Lunkara. I played on many of my favorite words & sounds from my heritage and experience that would captivate others.
While a lot of lines focus on one specific product category, your brand covers a wide range of products including t-shirts, facemasks, and eyewear. Why was the line extension so important to you?
Growing up, I always had a passion for fashion and the latest trends. Starting with facemask was important to me because I wanted to find a way to help the community stay safe as much as possible during this pandemic. Realizing the importance of daily essentials, I decided to add more products to my brand. You can see some teasers of featured products on the Lunkara Instagram page.
What sets your brand apart from so many others in the marketplace?
The one thing we aim for is quality apparel with a comfortable fit. Every small detail matters when we are creating the design for these pieces. Apart from fabric and silhouettes, I want people to connect with my brand. As part of my first collection, my mission is to support and raise awareness of ADOS movement through fashion.
How did your experiences as an analyst for major corporations like The Gap and Toys R Us prepare to launch your own company?
I learned a lot from the people I collaborated with over the years in corporate retail. All the tactical and soft skills I have acquired have opened many paths in driving solutions to day to day challenges. I am grateful for experiencing these challenges and look forward to opportunities that lie ahead.
A wide range of celebrities throughout the entertainment industry have supported your brand, it must be an exciting time. How does it feel to be so well-received?
I never entertained the idea of becoming a known brand to celebrities. My sole purpose is to leave something behind for the next generation to feel inspired by. I also want to be recognized as a brand that brings consistency and quality but devoting my time to helping others and driving belief in myself serves a greater purpose.
Reflective of its Nigerian roots, every shirt includes powerful proverbs customized specifically for each individual. Why is such personal and exclusive customization so important?
There are different layers of interpretations of messages I leave on my shirts. I want to do something to communicate to others that we are all in this together in a cool way.
Systemic brutality in Nigeria has captured headlines around the world, how has it impacted you personally?
Every day I pray for the safety of those protesting for a new Nigeria. I thank God that my direct family members back home are safe and we are able to check in with them. Nigeria is my home even if I live in America. There are many who don’t have the opportunities that we Nigerians who live abroad have. I do my best to bring awareness to the #EndSars movement. I praise those who are protesting and encourage others to take this movement seriously and educate ourselves. This is our chance to push for a new Nigeria. Spread the message and donate if you can.
For more information, visit www.lunkara.com. Follow @lunkara on Instagram and Facebook.
Be’n Original
