Today we’d like to introduce you to Titus Durojaye
Hi Titus, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved well-worn shoes, and my friends know me for my shoes. But my story as a shoe designer was inspired after my surgery on 18Dec2020. I’m a cancer survivor and I’m blessed to be able to tell my story and pursue my passion. Rising from complications of surgery in 2020, going through both short-term and current long-term recoveries, it’s been an amazing blessing. After that event, I thought to myself, if the outcome had been negative, my dreams and passion would have stayed as ‘just potentials’. So, I decided that I would pursue my passion for fashion with a focus on shoe designing. This led me to a search for a brand name, I knew I wanted to create a brand, not a boutique, i.e. a separate entity that can outlive me. So I went on a search, and I’ve always loved Italian brands. I came across ‘Passaggi’, I loved it, and I combined it with Vinei; an existing creation of one of our kiddos. That was how VINEI PASSAGGI was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road as an entrepreneur and designer. Challenges include finding the right factory with quality products that could reflect the Vinei Passaggi vision, identifying right people to support the vision and effective marketing to mention a few. You’ll be surprised that finding the right skilled people for your vision is not easy. For the brand, we have taken the slow and steady way to identify best in the business as partners.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the President & Creative Designer for Vinei Passaggi, I’m currently involved in all aspects. From pattern creation to shoe designing and direct communication with the factories. I’m also currently the financier for the prototypes and samples that we design. I’m known for selecting quality materials for our products and a I’ve hosted one of the best Fashion Shows in Houston, TX called Heels’n’Loafers HTX.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that it takes some level of boldness to step out and take action as an entrepreneur. There are no guarantees of success, but with persistence and continuous learning, you can reach the top. Calculated risk taking is a very important component of becoming successful as a start-up. Yes, I have taken many major risks, especially financially to invest in my vision for the Vinei Passaggi brand. Now we’re getting noticed and we are marching onward.
Pricing:
- $300-$350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vineipassaggi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vineipassaggi/
Image Credits
Image 1 credit @louisjfoto
