Screen Shot: Writerkraft
Website: Writerkraft.com.ng
City Based: Warri, Nigeria
Instagram: @Writerkraft_official
What inspired the brand name?
Back in primary school, we used to have this teacher on a per time basis who came every fourth Friday to tell stories. About half of the whole school would gather effortlessly to listen to him, this was a truly uniting moment. It was evident he was touching lives through the stories told, giving us an entry into a new, imaginative world. I knew this was something I wanted to do as well, I just never thought it would be through clothing. So, for picking a name for the brand, I felt I had to reference one of the greatest skills in storytelling which is writing. I chose “Writercraft” which simply means the “art of writing” and flipped the “C” to a “K” for aesthetic purposes.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
Rest in Peace to my elder brother. Growing up, my brother always put me on the creative side of things, whether it was us making our own toys or inventing our own games. So, it was only natural that when I started picking my own fits, I had the urge to create but it would take me many years to actualize that. 2020 came with the pandemic and I had the time to revisit that urge once again. I did some research and study. I found that the ideas I wanted to see around clothing were missing so I decided to start one.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Music, conversations basically, whether it is with a “pre-recorded musician’s voice” or with an actual person on the other end of the phone or table, these get my creative juices flowing. Most of my ideas are borne out of conversations.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Ordering a bunch of t-shirts from a manufacturer without a sample. I was trying to beat economies of scale, the t-shirts ended up being of poor quality and they still sit in my closet till this day.
What is the biggest success you have had?
I would have to say the launch of my brand. It was scary bringing my own thing to the table, wondering who was going to buy it but people came through. There was so much love and I sold like 30 t-shirts within a 2-month period. It was an awesome introduction into this business.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
Arabic art in all forms – its paintings, calligraphy, poetry, architecture, all of it. I say weird because I am not of Arabic descent or anything but I do find Arabic art fascinating and draw a lot of inspiration from it.
Favorite color to use?
I would say black and white because it feels like the foundation for every other thing. I always almost start from black and white and then build into other colours. It gives me room to be creative.
ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?
Yes, boutiques here in Nigeria such as, Button-up, Obeezi, Room nineteen, and hopefully stores on Soho.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
1. Fear of God Essentials because of the way Jerry Lorenzo builds stories around every product and;
2. OVO because of the cultural statement it is making in Canada while steadily expanding to other parts of the world.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE BRAND IN 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS?
Within one year, we should be solidified in my city streets. In 2 more years, we should have a great national appeal and in 5 years we should have gained international traction and hopefully collaborations with other solidified brands.
IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?
Every collection tells a story.