Adenike Ogunlesi is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and the founder and creative director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a leading designer and largest retailer of children’s clothing in West Africa.
She has over 35 years of experience in the fashion and retail industry and has significantly impacted the children’s fashion sector across Africa.
She is also one of the wealthiest women in Nigeria.
This is her profile as told by WOA:
Adenike Ogunlesi’s Net Worth
Adenike Ogunlesi has founded and owns several companies, including:
- Ruff ‘n’ Tumble: Founded in 1996, this is her flagship brand, specializing in children’s clothing.
- Gatimo Apparel Manufacturing: A state-of-the-art garment manufacturing facility that produces high-quality clothing.
- Betti-Okuboyejo Foundation: While not a commercial company, this foundation is dedicated to providing garment-making training and empowering youths with entrepreneurial skills.
She is also a founding member and the first president of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), which aims to support women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Additionally, she has served on the advisory board of the Enterprise Development Centre at Lagos Business School and is involved with WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), providing mentorship to young women.
But how educated is she?
Adenike Ogunlesi’s Education Qualifications
Adenike Ogunlesi completed her secondary school education at St. Louis Grammar School in Ibadan, Oyo State.
From there, she attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where she initially studied law. However, she opted out during her second year, realizing that a legal career was not her passion.
After leaving university, she gained practical experience in the fashion industry by working in her mother’s tailoring business.
Additionally, she has undergone executive training courses at the Lagos Business School, focusing on business management and customer service, which have contributed to her entrepreneurial success.
Adenike Ogunlesi’s Success Journey
Born on July 14, 1959, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Adenike grew up in a polygamous family where her mother was a fashion entrepreneur and her father was a medical doctor.
Adenike’s mother made clothing from a local fabric called adire and owned the fashion label Betti-O, which specialized in Afrocentric designs using local fabrics. This exposed Adenike to fashion from a young age.
In her second year of university, Adenike dropped out to join her mother’s tailoring business.
The idea for Ruff ‘n’ Tumble came from a personal need—Adenike couldn’t find suitable pajamas for her children and decided to make them herself.
When they saw the finished products, her family and friends were very supportive. Her sister-in-law ordered seven pairs, which encouraged Adenike to produce more and eventually led to the creation of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble.
In 1996, Ogunlesi started selling children’s clothing from the boot of her car at local markets and bazaars. Her initial offerings were pajamas and other clothing items for kids, which she crafted herself.
Her dedication and hard work paid off as demand grew.
Over the years, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble evolved from a small operation to a leading designer and retailer of children’s clothing in Nigeria. Today, the brand operates 17 retail outlets and employs over 300 staff members.
To meet the growing demand and maintain quality, Adenike has also founded Gatimo Apparel Manufacturing, a state-of-the-art garment manufacturing facility.
She is also involved in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and empowering youths through the Betti-Okuboyejo Foundation and other organizations.
Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards.
Adenike Ogunlesi’s Family
Adenike Ogunlesi is married to Adegbola Ogunlesi, an industrialist in the beauty industry and co-founder of the men’s fashion label Sofisticat. Together, they have three children, one of whom is Adey Ogunlesi, a Nigerian music producer and singer.
