Tania Omotayo is a 32-year-old entrepreneur, author, and influencer with a passion for storytelling, fashion, and empowerment. She is the founder and creative director of Ziva Lagos, a ready-to-wear fashion brand that celebrates the modern Nigerian woman, and Ziva Kids, a concept store providing clothes, toys, and essentials for children aged 0–14.
In 2023, Tania became a published author with the release of her debut children’s book, Sarai’s Culture Day—a heartfelt story that encourages children to take pride in their heritage while addressing the important topic of bullying. Through this work, she continues her mission of fostering confidence, identity, and resilience in young readers.
Tania’s influence extends beyond fashion and literature. She has worked with leading global brands including Coca-Cola, Samsung, Martini, Estée Lauder, Michael Kors, Fenty Beauty, and Peak Milk. She has also served as a brand ambassador and appeared in campaigns that reflect her vibrant personality and deep connection to her audience.
In 2018, she was recognised for her impact and vision when she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for creatives.
Having grown up between Nigeria and the UK before earning a B.A. in Advertising from the Art Institute of Atlanta, Tania returned to Nigeria to work in media and public relations—an experience that laid the foundation for her ventures in fashion and business.
Driven by a commitment to women’s empowerment, youth opportunity, and economic growth, Tania launched both Ziva Lagos and The Growth Forum Africa—initiatives that not only spotlight African creativity but also invest in the local workforce. Ziva Lagos designs and produces all garments in Nigeria using locally sourced fabrics, reinforcing Tania’s dedication to sustainable growth and homegrown talent.
In this interview with Lehlé Baldé, she takes us through a journey of how she got stated in the fashion industry, what inspired her to commence Ziva Lagos and how she continues to create impact in the fashion and literature space.
What inspired you to launch Ziva Lagos, and how did you get started in the fashion industry?
I was inspired to launch Ziva Lagos when I moved back to Lagos from the United States after graduating from university in 2013. At that time, there weren’t many ready-to-wear affordable fashion brands available in the Nigerian market. Having spent time abroad, I was accustomed to the convenience of high street fast fashion, where you could easily find stylish and affordable pieces. I really missed that accessibility and variety and when I searched for the same in Lagos I realised that we only had about two or three options in the market.
I tried to start a brand a few times but faced several setbacks and challenges and I failed woefully in those early attempts. It took me a while to figure out the right formula but I never gave up. By 2016, I had refined my approach, learned from my earlier mistakes and finally got it right. Ziva Lagos was born out of the desire to fill a gap in the market creating accessible stylish and affordable fashion for people who wanted quality without breaking the bank. It was a journey of trial, error and persistence but seeing the brand come to life and resonate with people has been incredibly rewarding.
What do you believe has been the key to Ziva Lagos’s success since its launch in 2016?
The key to Ziva Lagos’s success since its launch in 2016 has been our unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity and understanding our customers while also keeping our prices competitive. Our attention to detail has helped us build a loyal customer base who trust our brand.
Another important factor has been our ability to adapt and innovate in a competitive market. We’ve stayed true to our roots while embracing new trends and technology from expanding our online presence to engaging with our audience through social media. This flexibility has allowed us to grow while maintaining the essence of what makes Ziva Lagos special.
Lastly, our success is also attributed to the amazing team behind the brand. We’ve built a group of passionate individuals who share the same vision and are dedicated to delivering the best. Their creativity, dedication and hard work have been crucial in driving the brand forward.
How do you balance keeping your collections trendy and affordable while maintaining high-quality standards?
Balancing trendiness, affordability and high-quality standards is definitely a challenge, but it’s something we prioritise at Ziva Lagos. We believe that fashion should be both accessible and of exceptional quality which is why we’re intentional about how we design and produce our collections.
To stay on top of trends, we continuously monitor global fashion movements while considering the unique preferences and cultural influences of our customers. We blend contemporary styles with timeless easy to wear pieces ensuring that our collections remain relevant without compromising on quality.
When it comes to affordability, we focus on being efficient in our production process and producing large numbers so we can keep our prices low. However, we don’t cut corners on materials or craftsmanship—quality is non-negotiable for us. We also take a thoughtful approach to pricing, offering a range of products that cater to different budgets while maintaining the integrity of our brand.
Ultimately, it’s about smart sourcing maintaining strong relationships with our fabric suppliers and staying focused on what our customers truly value—affordable luxury without compromising on quality.
Ziva Lagos is committed to supporting the Nigerian trade and labour market. How do you ensure all your designs and production are locally sourced?
At Ziva Lagos, supporting the Nigerian trade and labour market is at the core of our brand’s mission. We are committed to locally sourcing some of our key fabric. Our design and production processes not only contribute to the economy but also showcase the incredible talent and craftsmanship that Nigeria has to offer. Everybody that works for Ziva Lagos both at the outlets and factory are Nigerian. We also prioritise sourcing materials locally, which helps support the textile industries within the country. This approach not only promotes sustainable business practices but also helps us reduce costs.
Additionally, we maintain strict quality control to ensure that each design meets our standards, while staying true to the vision of supporting the local market.
Ultimately, our commitment to local sourcing is a way of honoring Nigerian culture and labor while creating economic opportunities within the country, and we will continue to prioritise this in every step of our growth.
Can you walk us through the process of designing and producing a collection at Ziva Lagos?
No two collections have the same process, honestly some come so easy to us and everything is seamless while some are so hard as we struggle to get the samples exactly how we want them. Sometimes even changing our designs multiple times until it’s perfect which can take a while. But typically we design the pieces and make samples. After which we make the corrections and change the ones we don’t love. Once everything is approved we go into production.
Naomi Campbell, one of the most iconic supermodels in the world, wore Ziva Lagos. How did it feel to see her wear your designs, and what impact did that have on the brand?
Seeing Naomi Campbell wear a Ziva Lagos Dress on the runway was an unforgettable moment. As one of the most iconic supermodels in the world, Naomi represents everything that embodies timeless beauty, strength and influence. To see her wear our designs not once but twice, not only felt like a personal achievement but also a huge milestone for the brand. It was a moment that validated the vision we had for Ziva Lagos and confirmed that we were creating something that resonated on a global scale.
The impact on the brand was profound. Her wearing our designs exposed Ziva Lagos to a wider international audience and gave us a level of recognition that would have otherwise taken years to build. It was also a powerful endorsement that attracted attention from industry professionals, influencers and even other celebrities. Beyond the commercial impact, it gave us immense pride knowing that a global icon like Naomi Campbell believed in what we were doing and was willing to represent our work. It felt like a beautiful affirmation that Ziva Lagos was on the right path to global relevance.
In 2018, you were named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30. How did that recognition impact your career and the growth of Ziva Lagos?
Being named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 in 2018 was a truly pivotal moment in my career and for Ziva Lagos. The recognition brought a level of visibility and credibility to the brand that we hadn’t experienced before. It served as validation of the hard work and passion we had poured into Ziva Lagos and it opened doors to new opportunities, partnerships and a larger network.
On a personal level, it boosted my confidence and reaffirmed that our vision for the brand was aligned with the broader trends in the industry. For Ziva Lagos, the recognition helped elevate its reputation and solidify its standing as a forward-thinking, innovative brand. It also provided a platform to inspire others and contribute to the broader narrative of African entrepreneurship, which has been one of the driving forces behind Ziva Lagos.
What has been the hardest part of scaling Ziva Lagos, and how did you overcome that challenge?
The hardest part of scaling Ziva Lagos has definitely been finding and retaining skilled tailors who consistently produce exceptional work. As the brand has grown, maintaining a high level of craftsmanship has been challenging because not all tailors share the same level of commitment to quality. The temptation to settle for average work can sometimes be strong, especially as the demand increases.
To overcome this, we focused on building strong relationships with our tailors, setting clear expectations from the beginning, and offering continuous training and support. We’ve worked closely with them to ensure they understand the importance of quality in our brand, and we’ve implemented a feedback loop to ensure that every piece meets our standards. Additionally, we’ve made a conscious effort to find tailors who are not only highly skilled but also aligned with the values and vision of Ziva Lagos, so they take pride in their work. This has helped us maintain our craftsmanship even as we scale
How do you plan to expand Ziva Lagos into other African markets and on a global scale?
Expanding Ziva Lagos into other African markets and globally is an exciting next step for the brand, and we have a clear strategy in place. The first step is to ensure that we are deeply understanding the unique needs and preferences of different markets. In Africa, we’ll focus on markets with a growing demand for high-quality, ready to wear affordable fashion, leveraging partnerships with local influencers and retailers to create tailored marketing strategies. We recently had a pop up in Accra, Ghana and it was fantastic. The demand is there and it’s time for us to meet it.
On a global scale, we aim to build on the growing interest in African fashion. We’re planning to use e-commerce platforms to reach international customers while also developing a strong online presence, expanding to international retail stores, and collaborating with global influencers and stylists, we can build Ziva Lagos into a recognisable name worldwide.
A key part of this growth will be ensuring that we remain authentic to our roots—celebrating African craftsmanship and culture—while adapting to diverse international markets. We’ll continue to focus on quality, innovation, and customer experience, ensuring that no matter where our customers are, they feel connected to the brand and its values.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship can be challenging. How do you manage running Ziva Lagos while being a mother?
Balancing motherhood and running Ziva Lagos is definitely challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I’ve learned to manage my time efficiently and prioritise both my business and family. It starts with having a strong support system in place—whether it’s family, a dedicated team at Ziva Lagos or close friends I make sure I surround myself with people who understand the demands of both roles.
I’ve also embraced flexibility in how I structure my day. While my business requires a lot of attention, I make sure to carve out dedicated time for my children. I’ve learned to be present in the moment, whether I’m at work or with my family, which helps me maintain a sense of balance. At Ziva Lagos, I have a strong team that takes on key responsibilities and I trust them to handle things while I’m focused on my family. This allows me to give my full attention to both aspects of my life without feeling overwhelmed.
Ultimately, I think it’s about finding harmony between my roles as a mother and an entrepreneur—recognising that both are important and deserving of my attention, while also being kind to myself and understanding that balance looks different every day.
What advice do you have for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs would be to believe in yourself and your vision, even when it feels challenging. It’s easy to doubt yourself, especially in a competitive landscape, but self-confidence is key. Trust that your unique perspective and ideas have value, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Entrepreneurship is all about learning from your failures and growing from them, so embrace the journey, even the tough moments.
Another important piece of advice is to build a strong network of support. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, challenge you and offer advice when needed. This could be mentors, fellow entrepreneurs or a strong team. You can’t do everything alone and having the right people around you can make a huge difference.
Lastly, I’d say to never stop learning. The business landscape is always evolving and staying curious and adaptable is key to staying ahead. Whether it’s through reading, attending workshops or networking, continuous growth is essential to entrepreneurship.
