Chief Executive Officer of Tender Leather Care, Shekinah Sofola, in this interview, speaks on the gap in the market for specialised care services and how her brand has helped in closing the gaps among others. Excerpts:

Can you tell us about Tender Leather Care, how it started and notable achievements over the years?

Tender Leather Care, TLC, was founded in 2018 out of a personal need to preserve my own luxury handbags and shoes. After moving to Nigeria, I realised there was a significant gap in the market for specialised luxury care services. Thus, TLC was born, offering cleaning and maintenance for designer items. Over the years, our dedication has been recognised with several achievements, most notably winning the Trail Blazers Award at the Lagos Leather Fair in 2023. We’ve also been featured in both international and local magazines, and I’ve had the privilege of speaking on industry panels.

Importance of maintenance

My journey into the leather care industry started with my own experience of purchasing a luxury handbag. I used a bonus from my investment banking career to buy my first Chanel handbag, viewing it as an investment piece. Wanting to ensure it received the best care possible, I quickly realised the importance of proper maintenance in preserving and enhancing the value of luxury items. This experience highlighted a gap in the market for specialised care services, particularly in Nigeria, and fueled my passion to provide this essential service.

Leather restoration, creation of leather wares

Leather brands balance restoration and creation by focusing on the lifecycle of their products. Restoration in itself extends the life of leather goods, by promoting sustainability and reducing waste. It also builds brand loyalty, as customers are able to appreciate and enjoy the longevity of their purchases.

On the other hand, the creation of new leather ‘wares’ drives innovation and caters to market demand. Together, they create a holistic approach that enhances the industry’s reputation for quality and durability, whilst addressing environmental concerns such as overproduction, excessive resource consumption, and landfill waste.

Trail Blazers Award

Winning the Trail Blazers Award has been a significant milestone for TLC. It has not only validated our hard work and dedication but also increased our visibility and credibility in the industry. The recognition has motivated us to continue innovating and striving for excellence. It has also reinforced our commitment to sustainability and high-quality service, which remains at the core of our brand.

Benefits of restoration

The Lagos Leather Fair has had a profound impact on leather brands in Nigeria by providing a platform for exposure, networking, and collaboration. For leather restoration brands like us, the fair has highlighted the importance of our services in the broader leather industry. It has helped educate consumers on the benefits of restoration, both in terms of preserving their luxury items and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Plans

For TLC, we plan to expand our services and reach, incorporating more advanced restoration techniques and sustainable practices. We aim to educate consumers about the importance of leather care and offer products that help maintain their items after our service. For the industry, I envision a greater emphasis on sustainability, with more brands offering restoration services as a standard. This shift will not only benefit consumers but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Setting standard

This year at the Lagos Leather Fair, you can expect TLC to introduce a new range of products designed to help customers maintain their items post-service. These products are part of our commitment to ensuring the longevity and value of luxury items. We will also be showcasing some of our latest restoration works and sharing insights on the importance of sustainable practices in leather care. Our goal is to continue setting the standard for luxury leather care and sustainability in the industry.