Faoziyath Koza founded Oba Style in 2019 whilst working in IT. “I could never find a handbag that suited my style and met my needs so I decided to make one,” she says, talking about her motivation to launch a handbag brand. As an IT professional, Koza wanted to create bags that combine beauty with daily functionality – for everyday working women who don’t want to compromise their style.
Based in Paris, Koza’s line of handbags is made from distinctive architectural shapes and patterns in varying colours, while the handles are created from materials sourced from Burkina Faso and Ghana such as crystal pearls and beads. “Through our creations we wanted to highlight the creativity and know-how that is abundant on the continent,” she explains. Oba Style bags are handmade in Senegal in collaboration with skilled artisans who specialise in leatherwork. AMAKA recently caught up with Koza to talk about her career and passion for traditional crafts.
Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up?
My name is Faoziyath and it means the one that succeeds in Arabic. I grew up in Gabon and Benin amongst six siblings; five sisters and a brother. Both my parents are Yoruba from Benin, so I was raised in a typical Yoruba household. After high school, I studied mathematics and physics in Gabon then I joined an engineering school in France where I studied Materials Science for three years. I still work in IT while running Oba Style.
When did you discover your interest in design?
Growing up, I used to watch my mother and my aunts dress up for events and ceremonies. The way they styled themselves and their attitude made a huge impression on me. I understood (from a young age) that the way you dress was a means of self-expression.
In sixth grade, I discovered a TV show called Rubi. The lead actress was stylish and I found myself drawing inspiration from her to shop in thrift stores where I could find unique pieces. Having unique clothes and accessories became an obsession for me.
You launched Oba Style in 2019. What motivated you to start an accessories brand?
When I completed my studies, I worked as a manager in a chemical company. I wasn’t completely fulfilled with my role and I felt like something was missing. I realised that entrepreneurship in a field I was naturally passionate about was something that I wanted to explore.
Coming from a career in IT, what has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?
The most difficult thing was managing Oba Style while working as an IT product owner. I had to implement a rigorous system to balance the brand and my job.
Additionally, there’s a management and communication hurdle that exists when working seniors in an African context. Some of the artisans we work with are much older and Africa has a strong age stratification system which means elders have to be spoken to in a certain way as a sign of respect. For example, being stern or strict to a senior might come across as disrespectful even though it's a professional, working environment.
You’re Franco-Gabonese with Beninese roots. How does your identity influence the way you create?
My grandfather lived in Nigeria, then successively in Benin and Congo-Brazzaville. My parents lived in Benin, Senegal and Ivory Coast before moving to Gabon. I come from a family of adventurers and that makes me feel at home anywhere and everywhere. All these experiences make it easy for me to travel to different places when I’m sourcing raw materials for our handbags.
Your handbags are designed in Paris where you’re currently based and handcrafted in Senegal. What made you decide on Senegal as your production hub?
This was a natural choice as Senegalese artisans are well known for carrying ce savoir de père en fils (passing down of generational knowledge and skills from father to son). Moreover, I wanted to showcase the know-how of the continent while contributing to the economic development of West Africa. Although I’m based in Paris, I set up my brand in a way that allows me to seamlessly follow the production from start to finish.
Using traditional craftsmanship is a big part of Oba Style. What African traditional methods do you apply in your designs?
Our talented artisans come from a line of leather craftsmen. They share their knowledge from generation to generation. We also source our materials from different parts of the continent. The Ola collection for example is embellished with beads from Ghana and Burkina Faso. Our goal is to highlight African craftsmanship through each design.
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Where do you find creative inspiration?
I always start with the purpose of the handbag. For example, the In Dan bags were designed by observing the women in the subway carrying their bags on their shoulders. That collection was designed to serve women through their busy days.
Shapes express my love for geometric forms. I look at the latest trends and also listen to our Instagram community a lot for product development.
Are there any designers you look up to and why?
Sarah Diouf for the way her brand represents Africa and Andrea Iyamah because her brand incarnates Black women's bodies.
What are your goals for the future?
I have a continental vision. My goal is that our bags can be worn by women all over the world to showcase Africa’s unique identity. We would like to build design factories that would further contribute to the advancement of the industry.