Since 2021, I’ve been balancing a demanding full-time engineering career while quietly nurturing a dream: to build a fashion brand that helps women look and feel unforgettable—without breaking the bank.
Fast-forward to today, and LAMIDE SADIPE is a reality: a womenswear brand rooted in intentional design, accessible elegance, and a mission to honour the many versions of womanhood.
But this is still just the beginning.
This is the honest story of how it started—from late nights and China trips to self-teaching and the slow, steady build of a brand made for women like me.
1. The Spark: Seeing a Gap in the Market
Like many women, I found myself struggling to find occasion-wear that was beautiful, unique, and well-made—without designer-level price tags. Every wedding, every milestone event, I felt the gap: clothes that helped me feel seen and confident, but didn’t ask me to compromise on fit or budget.
That’s where the idea for LAMIDE SADIPE began.
Not with a grand launch, but with a quiet question: what if there was a better way to dress for the moments that matter?
2. Learning What I Didn’t Know
I had the passion—but I knew that wasn’t enough. If I wanted to take this seriously, I had to learn the language of the industry.
So I taught myself:
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Digital Sketching & Tech Packs: To communicate with factories clearly and professionally.
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Garment Construction: I trained at the British Fashion Academy to understand the technical backbone of clothing—from seams to structure.
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Global Supply Chain & Production: I studied how manufacturing works around the world, and what ethical, sustainable partnerships actually require.
Every time I hit a wall, I chose to learn my way through it.
3. Building While Balancing a Full-Time Job
This was—and still is—the biggest challenge.
I’ve worked in high-pressure roles within the global energy sector, while building this brand in the margins: evenings, weekends, holidays. Days filled with analytics and leadership meetings; nights with fabrics and sketchbooks.
The secret?
Small, consistent steps.
I broke the vision into realistic goals. I treated creative time like boardroom meetings: scheduled and non-negotiable. And I gave myself grace—because slow is not a failure. It’s often where the most meaningful progress happens.
4. The Sampling Journey (and a Trip to China)
In 2024, I flew to China to meet our production partners in person. I toured the factories, met the teams, and made sure their values aligned with mine—craftsmanship, ethical working conditions, and quality.
That trip was a turning point.
It transformed the process from abstract to human. It became clear: I wasn’t just building a brand—I was building relationships. With the people who would help bring my vision to life.
5. Creating the First Collection
That vision became The Chrysalis Collection: a love letter to the woman in transition. The one becoming who she’s always been. Every dress was designed with care—to be seen, remembered, and worn with confidence.
I focused on:
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Memorable silhouettes and hand-finished details
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Timeless design, beyond seasonal trends
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Inclusive fits that honour different body types
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Pieces that could last—through style and structure
6. What I’ve Learned So Far
If you’re building a dream while working full-time, I hope this encourages you:
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Start before you’re ready. Progress will teach you what perfection won’t.
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Invest in learning. Even when you feel behind, every skill adds up.
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Know your ‘why’. It will anchor you in the long haul.
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Protect your time. Your dream deserves a space on your calendar.
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You can build slowly and still build something real.
A Brand Built for Women Like Me
LAMIDE SADIPE isn’t just a fashion brand. It’s a reflection of every woman who dares to show up—with ambition, softness, power, and elegance.
This is only the beginning. I’m still learning. Still refining. Still dreaming. But if there’s one thing I know—it’s that the women I design for are worth it. And so is the journey.
With love,
L.S