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You are currently viewing My life of legacy artistry, quality, and luxury –Lara Alfred,

My life of legacy artistry, quality, and luxury –Lara Alfred,

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By Christy Anyanwu

Beauty and brain are the best words to describe Lara Alfred. 

 

 

 

Her knack for fashion and luxury pieces gave birth to her fabric business: Rinimesville.  Lanre began her professional journey in the financial world. 

She has an MBA in Financial Services from the University of East London and is a proud member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (UK)

It was this quiet yet resolute passion that led her to form Rinimesville 12 years ago. 

 

 

This venture transformed into a flourishing enterprise, offering Nigeria’s high society fabrics that are as exclusive as they are exquisite. 

In a chat with Sunday Sun  recently she spoke at length about her switch in career pattern as a business entrepreneur. 

A-List celebrities call you Nigeria’s Queen of Fabrics. Is this for real or just a statement to make you feel cool?

It’s truly a huge honour to be called Nigeria’s Queen of Fabrics. This title reflects years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering passion for curating only the best fabrics for my clients. It’s not just a statement to make me feel cool; it’s a recognition of the relationships I have nurtured and the trust my clients; celebrities, royalty, and high society have in me to deliver fabrics that define elegance and exclusivity.  For me, this is more than a business – it is a legacy of artistry, quality, and luxury that resonates with those who wear my fabrics. Being seen as the go-to for Nigeria’s finest fabrics is both humbling and deeply motivating. It inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and redefining excellence in the fabric industry.

As a chartered accountant, why and when did you decide to go into the business of exquisite fabrics? 

As a chartered accountant, I have always had a strong sense of structure, precision, and an eye for detail, qualities that served me well in the corporate world with a solid foundation in business, accounting, and strategy. But alongside my career, I always harboured a passion for fashion and luxury fabrics. It became clear over time that the world of numbers wasn’t the only space where my heart lay. Fashion has always been a deep part of me, particularly the artistry involved in fabric design and craftsmanship.  In 2012, after years of nurturing my love for fabric, I officially launched Rinimesville, where I could merge my business knowledge with my creative passions. I decided to take the leap into the fabric industry to offer a unique perspective – combining the meticulous, detail-oriented skills I learned as an accountant with an appreciation for quality and luxury in fabric design. Rinimesville was borne out of a desire to provide high-end, exquisite fabrics that elevate the lives of those who value craftsmanship and sophistication while also utilising my strong financial background to ensure that the business flourished sustainably. It has been an incredible journey blending my two worlds – finance and fashion – into one beautiful, luxurious brand.

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 When you informed your husband and friends, how did they feel about your decision to resign from your plum job? 

When I informed my husband and friends about my decision to resign from my secure, well-paying job as a chartered accountant to venture into the luxury fabric business, their reactions were a mix of surprise, curiosity, and concern. My husband, however, was my biggest supporter from the very beginning. He understood that my passion for fashion and fabrics had always been a part of me, even during my years in the corporate world. His encouragement and faith in my ability to succeed gave me the confidence to take such a bold step.  Some friends and family were understandably skeptical—resigning from a “plum job” to start something new, and seemed risky to them. They asked questions like, “Are you sure about this?” or “Why leave such a stable career?” But as I explained my vision and shared my plans, they began to see how much thought and effort I had put into the transition. Once they witnessed my determination and the success of Rinimesville, their attitudes shifted completely. Many of them became not just supporters but clients, and they’ve cheered me on every step of the way. The experience reinforced an important lesson: not everyone will understand your journey at the beginning, but if you stay true to your passion and work hard, they’ll eventually come to see and respect your vision.

You cater for high society personalities and celebrities whose penchant is to look fabulous and grandiose. What kind of laces do high society people look out for?

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High society personalities and celebrities have a refined taste for laces that showcase class, luxury, and exclusivity. They want fabrics that elevate their presence and exude sophistication.

You just added a year recently, what lessons have you learnt about life? 

As I celebrate another year of life, it’s been a time of deep reflection, growth, and invaluable lessons. One of the most profound insights I’ve gained is that life is a journey with distinct seasons, each carrying its own purpose. Some moments are for planting seeds, others for reaping the rewards, and there are times simply meant for rest and rejuvenation. Embracing this perspective has taught me the importance of timing and reminded me not to rush the process. I’ve also come to realize that prioritizing self-care and mental well-being is non-negotiable. You can’t give your best if you’re running on empty. Taking the time to nurture myself has allowed me to show up as a better businesswoman and, more importantly, as a more present and balanced individual. Another vital lesson has been about the power of relationships. Surrounding myself with people who support, inspire, and uplift me, whether family, friends, or my wonderful clients, has been a gift. These meaningful connections reinforce the importance of community and remind me of how enriching life is when shared with others. Through this year, I’ve gained clearer clarity on what truly matters: impact over income, quality over quantity, and meaning over accolades. Life isn’t about achieving it all, but doing what aligns with your true purpose and values. Finally, I’ve learned that gratitude and faith can transform any situation. Focusing on the good and believing in the future keeps me grounded and optimistic, no matter the challenges.

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What advice do you have for women who desire to wear your kind of fabrics, but can’t afford them?

For women who desire to wear my kind of fabrics, but feel that it’s out of reach, my advice is to focus on timeless elegance rather than the price tag. It’s about quality, craftsmanship, and personal style. Prioritize pieces that truly elevate your wardrobe, even if it’s just one high-quality item at a time. Start with timeless fabrics that can be styled in different ways. Something versatile that you can wear for multiple occasions. Think of it as an investment in yourself. Save up for a signature fabric that speaks to your personal style and can be worn for years to come, as luxury fabrics are meant to be cherished.  Additionally, there are occasional sales that give you access to exquisite materials without needing to purchase them outright. Luxury is meant to be savoured, and as your love for fine fabrics grows, there’s always a way to work toward adding them gradually. Lastly, never forget that confidence and elegance come from within. It’s the way you carry yourself, the feeling that these beautiful fabrics give you that truly defines luxury.



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