Atiti Izogie is the creative force behind Eyato London, a luxury brand that specialises in Made-to-Order luxury accessories and timeless statement pieces. In creating the brand, Atiti was inspired by many things; the driving force being LOVE. “Love, first for our maker who created us and gave us gifts, talents and abilities and then love for each other,” she shares. In this chat with Stellar Woman Magazine, she shares her tips for success.
Atiti sounds like a special name. What does it mean?
Thank you very much.
My name means “a work of perfection”.
You’re a mother, a lecturer, a designer, businesswoman and …?. How have you been able to juggle your personal, professional and business life?
First and foremost I am a child of God full of passion for life and created to fulfil a purpose here on earth. In the course of doing this I am blessed to be a mother with a developmental responsibility which I believe has enabled me to add value to what I do in my professional capacity of being as you have listed, a university lecturer, a fashion accessories designer, leather artisan and a business person.
I love to read and learn so at different points in my journey, I have had more time so I have maximised it in order to achieve more and at other times I have had less time so I have done the reverse.
Briefly share with us your experience of being a mother. The readers of Stellar Woman magazine would like to learn a lesson or two.
That’s an interesting request because I consider being a mother unique to the child you parent. Each relationship will differ because our children don’t fit a mould. As a result, it is imperative that I am flexible and adaptable. Being a mother is not about me I have been a child, it is about my children.
To the best of my ability, I nurture, guide, serve, and lead with boundaries and discipline I give my children the time, space and opportunity to go through as many iterations of – growing up, messing up, learning from experience, discovery, as they need. One of the things I learnt from my father growing up is that being a parent requires a significant time investment. I learnt to study each of my children and apply a different strategy to each relationship with each child.
Do you have a motto? What is it?
“Why?” Question everything.
Given that you have been an employee and employer, do you think that the employee mindset differs from the employer mindset?
Absolutely! There are lots of limitations imposed on employees that tend to limit how employees think and what they can do in the confines of their roles.
Believe it or not, in some work environments employees get penalised for applying their initiative when their results unintentionally makes their upline look slack. I think we don’t value our employees enough and have the potential to kill their drive. No wonder so many employees feel disenfranchised.
Employee or employer; choose one? Why?
Neither! I choose business owner and investor.
Have you always been a designer? How did you get into design?
Yes, without realising it initially though because I am a problem solver, so mentally I have always designed. In terms of fashion accessories, I just transferred the skill. I also did fine art at school and love drawing.
Briefly tell us about Eyato London. What makes the brand distinctive?
A British owned and based luxury fashion accessories brand. We believe sameism is boring!
What does Eyato mean? Why did you choose it for your business?
It means “distinct”. It is what we do create distinct fashion accessories.
In a few words briefly describe Eyato London avatar.
It is an orchid. As a matter of fact it is the cgi of my hand drawn orchid. I love orchids.
What were some of the biggest challenges you have faced establishing a luxury brand?
The fashion industry as a whole is made up of closed networks which makes access to new entrants a challenge. If you enter from outside the industry it is even more difficult interact at the right level.
A significant amount of luxury fashion is also mass produced although it still sells at a premium, we handmake to order. The climate is becoming more favourable to handmade fashion and moving away from fast fashion due to fashion waste unsustainable turnaround.
Decisions are key yet they are rarely mentioned as compared to actions. As a business owner and a mother, how do you make intentional decisions? And how do you make sure your mental health is stable regardless of the outcome of your decisions?
I pray about the decisions I make in my life and feeling at one with God gives me the confidence that regardless of the outcome, everything will work out for me.
2020 has been a tough year for everyone. How have you looked after your mental health? Any daily activities or routine to share with the readers?
My morning routine has been critical to maintaining my wellbeing during this period. Central to that is giving myself space and time to invest in myself for the first two hours of every day. I use that time to read, reflect, meditate, pray and remind myself of my goals and that I am getting closer every day.
You have no compromise for personal development. Why is personal development up on your radar?
I believe that learning is lifelong and a vital part of my journey. How else does one continue to grow? My commitment to personal development ensures that I am always striving and achievements along the way keep me feeling fulfilled and encouraged to take the step.
Do you believe in bringing out the child within you? How do you do that?
Spending time with my children enables me to do that. Together we laugh, play, watch movies and have fun in each-others company. Spending time with my few close girl-friends also helps me to let my hair down and embrace my inner child.
Do you believe in the idea of eating your way to a healthy mind? If so, what’s your diet like?
I have very poor eating habits at times and often forget to eat! However, I do try to maintain a healthy diet when possible and think about what I’m eating.
What is your greatest achievement in life? Did that come with ease?
Raising my children over the past 28 years and not losing myself in the process. Whilst it has not come with ease, it has and continues to be worth every minute.
Progress or success; what is more important?
In my view progress is success!
Do you have any fears and doubts about life? How do you deal with them?
God has not given us a spirit of fear!
What keeps you going?
My faith & my children.
Do you have any key lessons that you have learnt over time?
This too shall pass…
Do you have regrets? Would you share them with the readers?
I don’t believe in regrets, everything I have experienced in life has taught me lessons and helped to shape me into who I am.
What does the future hold for women?
Women are breaking down barriers everyday in all areas of life and are learning more and more how to support and celebrate each-others elevations. The future is bright.
What would you tell a woman out there who is feeling unfulfilled? What should they do to cultivate a life they can consider fulfilled?
Focus on the life they want, take time to invest and care for themselves and practice gratitude for the things they are happy about in their lives.
What are some of the characteristics that you would give your ideal stellar woman?
A woman that; cares about themselves and others, integrity, authenticity, fearless!
From the list above which one will be the must be or must have or must do for you?
Authenticity: being true to myself.
What are you eager to add to your life to make you feel more like your ideal stellar woman?
I am very happy with who I am, and it has taken a while for me to get here. The truth is I no longer feel eager to add things to my life as I have learnt how to be happy on my journey wherever it takes me.
If you had to provide one KEY message to our stellar woman readers, what would that be?
Develop a morning routine that has YOU at the front and centre of it and practice it daily.
Visit www.eyato.com to learn more about Atiti’s work.