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When you hear the word fashion designer, most people imagine a sewing machine in a small room, a few fabrics, and maybe a side hustle. But Seyi Vodi, one of Nigeria’s most respected fashion entrepreneurs, is changing that narrative — and he just reminded the world how lucrative the job can be.
From NYSC Tailor to Billionaire Designer
Seyi Adekunle, known professionally as Seyi Vodi, didn’t even study fashion. He studied geology at the University of Maiduguri. His fashion journey began during his NYSC when he failed a bank employment test and decided to go into tailoring.
Fast forward two decades later, and he now owns Vodi Group — a thriving business empire that includes bespoke tailoring, fabric sales, dry cleaning, and even fashion training. If anyone ever doubted that fashion designing could be profitable, Vodi’s success is proof that you can build an empire with a tape rule and sewing machine.
He Just Turned 50 – And Bought a ₦1 Billion Rolls-Royce
For his 50th birthday, Seyi Vodi threw a grand all-white praise party in Abuja that looked like something out of a movie. A-list celebrities, top politicians, international guests — the room was filled with glitz and glamour.
But the biggest shocker? He gifted himself a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series 2, reportedly worth over ₦1 billion. The car wasn’t even shipped; it was flown into Nigeria by air. That’s a move that even many CEOs in finance or oil might hesitate to make.
And yes — he did it just as a fashion designer.
People Thought It Was “Just Tailoring”
One of the highlights of the buzz online after the birthday was how many people asked the same question:
“How is a tailor buying a Rolls-Royce worth over ₦1 billion?”
It’s a question that exposes how society still undervalues the creative industry. Seyi Vodi’s response?
He reminded everyone that he’s been working for 24 years with consistency, discipline, and grace — building a brand that now styles high-profile clients, celebrities, and executives.
To him, fashion is not just sewing clothes; it’s designing confidence, building business, and impacting culture.
Recognition and Respect: From the Street to State Honors
In 2023, Seyi Vodi received a national honor—Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)—making him the first fashion entrepreneur in Nigeria to ever get such recognition. It wasn’t just about being popular; it was about building something valuable for the country.
He has trained hundreds of young tailors, employed over 300 Nigerians, and continues to expand the fashion space with his newly launched multi-million-naira fashion complex in Abuja.
Dear Young Creatives: Fashion Is a Goldmine
If you’re a young person dreaming of making it in fashion, but people are telling you it’s not serious work — look at Seyi Vodi.
Here’s what his story teaches:
• Start Small, Stay Focused: He began with almost nothing after NYSC. He didn’t have a fancy office or clients, just passion and discipline.
• Don’t Let Society Define You: People mocked tailoring as a “local” job. Today, he wears suits that he designed himself, drives supercars, and dines with presidents.
• Hard Work Pays Off: His journey wasn’t overnight. It took years of sacrifice, missing sleep, staying consistent, and doing things right.
• Skills Matter More Than Degrees: He studied geology, not fashion. But he invested in learning the craft and becoming the best in it.
• Respect Your Craft: The moment you treat your work like a business and not a side hustle, the world starts to take you seriously.
Fashion Is Serious Business
Seyi Vodi didn’t just celebrate a birthday. He made a statement: Creative jobs are valuable. Tailoring is not a fallback plan — it can be a first choice career that brings success, fulfillment, and even luxury.
So, if you’re a fashion designer, stylist, tailor, or creative — don’t let anyone tell you you’re “just” anything. You could be the next Vodi.
The world may still be catching up, but your dreams don’t have to wait.
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