Bisiriyu Titilayo, a young and innovative female shoemaker, entrepreneur, journalist, and businesswoman. As the founder of L’Riyu Shoes, I lead a team that transforms leather into art, creating impactful footwear.
I also established L’Riyu Shoes Academy, which empowers public school students with free shoemaking training, helping them build skills and futures.
1. What inspired you to start L’Riyu Shoes and enter the shoemaking industry?
My path into shoemaking was not a conventional one. Initially, I began by selling ready-made shoes, but the sales were far from what I envisioned. It was around this time that a friend approached me, mentioning he made shoes, which piqued my curiosity.
However, despite these new ideas, sales remained challenging, leaving me feeling somewhat discouraged. Then, serendipitously, I came across the inspiring story of Alemu Bethlehem from Ethiopia, who was creating unique, handcrafted shoes from recycled tires.
Her story of resilience and innovation struck a deep chord within me—it was a moment of clarity. Seeing how she transformed an idea into something impactful, I felt driven to take control of my craft and learn shoemaking from scratch. The combination of my sales struggles and Alemu’s success sparked the fire that led me to fully commit to shoemaking and establish L’Riyu Shoes.
How does L’Riyu Shoes bring a unique story to each pair you craft?
At L’Riyu Shoes, we believe that every shoe should tell a story—a blend of craftsmanship, purpose, and personal touch. Our shoes embody the values of quality craftsmanship, durability, comfort, and customizable designs. To make each pair unique, we meticulously incorporate these values into every step of the crafting process.
We consider individual preferences and specific needs, ensuring each shoe reflects the identity of the person wearing it. This way, every pair is more than just footwear; it’s a narrative woven from passion, skill, and creativity.
What impact has the L’Riyu Shoes Academy had on the young students you’ve trained?
The L’Riyu Shoes Academy has been transformative for the young students we train. We teach them essential skills to repair their own shoes and even offer them a foundation to help others with shoe repairs. At the end of their training, we provide each student with free shoemaking tools, enabling them to put their newfound skills into practice.
These tools and skills give them confidence and inspire a sense of creativity, turning them into capable and self-sufficient individuals. Many have expressed how this opportunity has opened their minds to new possibilities, instilling both pride and the courage to explore creative paths.
What challenges have you faced in building your brand, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been finding the right pricing strategy and dealing with unreliable electricity. Pricing was difficult as I wanted our shoes to be accessible while still maintaining quality.
After a lot of market research and adjustments, I found a balance that worked. Electricity was also a significant challenge, given that constant power is essential in production.
I had to rely on alternative power sources, which increased costs but ensured consistency in production. Overcoming these issues has been a learning experience, and each challenge taught me resilience and adaptability.
What do you believe sets L’Riyu Shoes apart in the world of footwear?
What truly sets L’Riyu Shoes apart is our unique craftsmanship, especially our specialized insoles, known as “shoepads.” We design these insoles to provide comfort and address health concerns like arthritis and leg pain by using natural resources.
This approach is rare in the industry, and it’s our way of prioritizing the health and well-being of our customers. We strive to combine style, comfort, and health benefits, making our shoes a thoughtful investment.
What role do sustainability and ethical practices play in your brand’s mission?
Sustainability and ethical practices are integral to L’Riyu Shoes. We prioritize sourcing high-quality, eco-friendly materials, which reduces our environmental impact.
We also emphasize sustainability in our Academy by using some of these materials to teach students how to create leather goods. It’s our way of ensuring that every part of the shoemaking process reflects responsibility, care, and a commitment to a greener future.
How do you envision the future of L’Riyu Shoes and the Academy in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see L’Riyu Shoes becoming a globally recognized brand with outlets in various countries, offering a unique touch in every market we reach.
As for the Academy, my dream is to have a dedicated space where people can come to learn shoemaking, regardless of their background or prior experience.
I envision it as a welcoming environment where aspiring shoemakers receive hands-on training, empowering them to build careers in the industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in a competitive industry like yours?
My advice would be to stay patient and consistent—great things take time. Developing a strong brand identity is essential; it distinguishes you in a crowded market.
Networking is also invaluable, as it helps you build connections and access resources. I also recommend thorough market research to understand trends and customer needs. Lastly, remember that “the world is too small not to be conquered,” so dream big and pursue your goals with passion and persistence.
If L’Riyu Shoes could collaborate with any fictional character or superhero, who would it be, and what kind of shoes would you design for them?
I’d love to design for James Bond, given his iconic sense of style, sophistication, and intelligence. For Bond, I would create a collection of classic styles with a twist—monkstraps, wet-look leather, brogues, cap-toes, and oxfords—all crafted to match his refined elegance and practicality. These would be shoes that complement his bold yet refined persona, combining luxury with functionality to suit his adventurous lifestyle.
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