As your handbag fairy godmother, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Tola Adeagbo, the visionary designer behind Florian London. Her story stirs the soul—from playful days in Lagos, Nigeria to the bustling energy of London at age 11. Tola's resilience shines through tales of bullying and cultural challenges, exemplifying the grit that later became the foundation of her fashion empire. Our conversation takes you on a heartfelt journey, mapping how Tola charted her course from finance to fashion, defying familial expectations and societal norms to pursue her true calling.Tola's narrative reveals the life of an artist turned entrepreneur by transforming adversity into opportunity. She captivates with the story of her first foray into the fashion world, refurbishing vintage handbags and delivering them to eager friends and family. Each anecdote is a piece of advice in disguise, a lesson on how to marry creativity with business savvy. For anyone standing at the crossroads of career and passion, Tola exemplifies the joy of taking the less traveled road, creating not just handbags, but a legacy.Venture into the intricate tapestry of the handbag industry with Tola's candid recount of Florian London's manufacturing saga. Experience the trials and triumphs from Somerset to Turkey, where each stitch in a Florian handbag tells a global story. With a focus on craftsmanship and authenticity, Tola's commitment to her Nigerian roots and identity as a black female entrepreneur resonates powerfully, particularly in the US market. This episode isn't just about the creation of a fashion brand—it's a masterclass in perseverance, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Join us for an inspiring tale that weaves together the threads of heritage, identity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in design.Follow Tola:https://www.instagram.com/florian_teee/https://www.instagram.com/florianlondonukhttps://florianlondon.com/ Shop Handbag Designer 101 Merch: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/category/all-products Register for the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/challenge-page/Masterclass Book a handbag session with Emily: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/ Hire Emily to be a guest speaker at your event: https://www.emilyblumenthal.com/speaking Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HandbagDesigner101-IHDA Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handbagdesigner/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handbagdesigner Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/handbagdesigner