Nigerian native Bunmi Edalere made a way for her and her family by becoming a fashion business owner in Houston, TX.
Edalere has been all around the world picking and selecting different pieces of print material to sell in her store and those trips have helped influence the name of her fashion store, World Lace.
“I saw the name overseas and I liked it, plus I like that name because I want everybody in the whole wide world to be able to buy from me and not just Africans,” said Edalere in a reflective tone as she reminisced the day she saw the words World Lace.
World Lace is a mega superstore specializing in African/Nigerian print material.
The special print comes in a variety of textures including lace, silk, a wax content and/or cotton. Each piece has its own distinctive print, pattern, and/or embroidery.
This fashion business idea did not come overnight for Edalere and her business, World Lace (formerly known as F.E.E.D Beauty Salon).
Edalere enrolled into cosmetology school in the early 80’s where she got her license to become a beautician. After years of doing hair, Edalere was ready to change her career path and leave the life of cosmetology alone to focus on something else.
Shortly thereafter, Edalere began to slowly transition her salon to a fashion store by selling merchandise in a small section of the salon.
“Changing my salon was very easy,” said Edalere. “My goal was to just sell, and I knew I didn’t have to stand up all day doing hair. I already had my custumers and clients that I knew would buy from me.”
Clothing was something that always seemed to catch Edalere’s attention, ever since she was a young girl, which is what inspired her to go into the fashion industry.
“When I was little I didn’t live with my mom,” said Edalere with a smile. “Every time I would see people wearing lace [African print material] I would always wish to buy one for my mother to take care of her.”
Not only was taking care of her own family important – taking care of her community and those around her was important to Edalere as well.
Fashion became the way Edalere wanted to give back and help others.
Edalere is known in her community as a giver and someone who is known as being warmhearted, caring and loving.
“It’s very important when you have, to give to the needy and it’s important to support your community when you have. Some people don’t know but it’s good to give and good to support, that’s just how I am and I don’t have to get anything back,” said Edalere.
Edalere shared some tips and gave words of encouragement to young people who would also like to step foot into the fashion world.
“You must put forth interest, determination and focus, and with that you can be whatever you want to be and go wherever you want to go,” said Edalere.
Her support team gives her the strength to keep her business running and going.
“With God and all my family and friends I’m able to keep my business alive,” said Edalere.
When asked how the success of World Lace has been for her, Edalere summed up the experience in one word.
“Beautiful,” said Edalere with a blissful tone.
World Lace has been in business for over 18 years and is located on 12439 Bissonnet St. in Houston. World Lace not only specializes in African print material but also jewelry, shoes, bags and geles [African head tie].