Mary Oluwaseun Akinbiodun is the Managing Director/CEO, Mo’re Signatures. The amiable entrepreneur is the recipient of “Innovative and Resourceful Fashion Designer of the year” award at the 7th Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture 2023. In this interview she bares her mind on how Mo’re Signatures became a mega brand in the fashion industry. Excerpts.
Kindly Tell us how the journey of Mo’re Signatures started?
I am Akinbiodun Mary Oluwaseun, a woman of purpose, passion, and boundless ambition. Hailing from the serene town of Ilaje in Ondo State, I proudly carry the titles of wife, mother, entrepreneur, and visionary. My journey from the humble beginnings of Temidire Primary School to the pinnacle of fashion and entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and unwavering dedication.
Education has always been the cornerstone of my journey. From the bustling halls of National College, Gbagada, where I completed my secondary education, to the prestigious corridors of Lagos State University, where I earned a Second Class Upper in Business Administration in 2009, I have always strived for academic excellence. My years at Lagos State University not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the world of business but also instilled within me a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact on the world around me.
In 2012, I embarked on a year of national service in Jos, Plateau State, where I had the opportunity to serve my country and contribute to the development of local communities. This experience ignited a spark within me, a desire to harness my entrepreneurial spirit and positively impact lives on a larger scale.
Driven by this newfound purpose, I founded Wammy Montessori Schools, a beacon of learning dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for primary school children. As the founder and director of Wammy Montessori Schools, I have had the privilege of shaping the minds of future leaders and empowering them to reach their full potential.
In 2018, I furthered my academic pursuits by obtaining a Master of Science in Business Administration from Lagos State University. This advanced degree not only honed my academic and professional skills but also served as a catalyst for my continued growth and development as an entrepreneur.
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the global pandemic, but it also presented opportunities for innovation and creativity. It was during this time that I established Mo’re Signatures, a family ready-to-wear fashion brand that seamlessly blends African prints with contemporary styles to create a fashion statement for the entire family. Mo’re Signatures has quickly gained recognition for its unique designs and impeccable craftsmanship, earning media recognition from major national newspapers such as Punch, The Nations, and The Vanguard.
In addition to my academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, I am also a dedicated business coach, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through every stage of the business journey starting from idea initiation to completion. My diverse experience and strategic acumen have enabled me to successfully manage a wide range of business projects, and I look forward to adding new ventures to my portfolio in the year 2024.
At the heart of both Wammy Montessori Schools and Mo’re Signatures are dedicated teams of individuals who share my passion for excellence and commitment to making a positive impact. Together, we have created thriving businesses that are not only financially successful but also contribute to the betterment of our communities.
As I continue on my journey of growth and exploration, I am reminded of the words of Coco Chanel: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” With this philosophy as my guide, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of fashion and entrepreneurship, creating timeless designs that reflect the beauty and diversity of our world. Join me on this journey as we redefine fashion and inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
Below are some of the fashion designs from Mo’re Signatures.
