The LTF Story
Meet Our Creative Director - Tokunbo Fasoro
A Journey Rooted in Inspiration
My journey into the world of fashion was deeply rooted in my background . I was profoundly influenced by my mother, who was a fashion pacesetter in her youthful days. Watching her dress up and dance with confidence and joy each morning, I learned that fashion could be classy, chic, comfortable, and decent all at once. These moments of admiration planted the seeds of my lifelong passion for fashion.
During my early years, however, I struggled a lot with low self-esteem and faced rejection. There were moments when it felt like no matter what I did, I wasn't good enough, and people would come to my parents, telling them to give up on me because I wouldn't amount to anything. These experiences left me feeling worthless and filled with self-doubt, but they also ignited a fire within me to prove them wrong and to show that I was capable of achieving greatness despite their doubts.
Through determination, and a relentless pursuit of my dreams, I was able to break through these limitations and overcome my struggles. This personal journey of overcoming adversity inspired me to write the book "The Persistent Woman: Overcoming 20 Years of Rejection." My goal was to inspire other women to crush all limitations and strive towards achieving their dreams.
These combined experiences, both the admiration for my mother’s elegant fashion sense and my own battles with self-doubt, have shaped who I am today. They have fueled my passion for fashion and my desire to empower women. As the Creative Director of LionessByTF, I want to show women that they can overcome challenges and limitations , and rise to achieve their dreams, just as I have.
From Side Hustle To Business
As I grew older, my interest in fashion only deepened. At the age of 17, I began supporting my mother in the fashion business, gaining hands-on experience in her fabric business. When I entered university, I turned my passion into a side hustle, designing outfits and creating jewelry for myself and my friends. Balancing my studies with my burgeoning fashion business, I honed my skills and built a small, loyal customer base. I used most of the money made from the business to support students who struggled to pay their fees.
Crafting Dreams into Reality
After graduating, I spent over 15 years practicing as a certified international HR professional. Despite my demanding career, I never lost sight of my roots or my dreams. In my spare time, I dedicated myself to working with women and girls in the slums of Oworo, Lagos, Nigeria, teaching them essential skills for financial independence. Throughout this period, I never abandoned my fashion business; I always made time for it, and it proved to be financially rewarding. In 2021, I pivoted Clara’s Signature, my first ready-to-wear brand in Nigeria, marking a major step in the right direction. However, I wanted more. Inspired by iconic brands like Prada and Elie Tahari, I aspired to build a global brand. I was motivated and hopeful that one day this dream would become a reality.
Embracing New Opportunities
When the opportunity to move to the UK arose, I wasn’t immediately excited. I had built a significant presence in Nigeria and feared starting from the bottom in the UK.
Then one day, I realised this was the opportunity to make the dream I have had since I was 15 years old come true.” This revelation ignited a new sense of purpose and determination within me. at this point I decided to take the big bold step and launched Lioness by TF in the UK.
This venture marked a new chapter, born from my lifelong passion for fashion and my unwavering belief in my dreams.
Lioness by TF, with a vision "to see women WIN using fashion as a tool," quickly became a success story.
Lioness by TF is distinguished by its fresh style of design, iconic fabrics, and consistent high quality, making luxury fashion accessible to its global customer base.
The Inspiration behind the name
The name "Lioness by TF" holds deep personal and spiritual significance for me. As a woman of faith, I have always been inspired by my relationship with my Father in heaven, whom I call the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This powerful imagery resonates deeply with me, as it signifies strength, courage, and leadership. Being His daughter, I see myself as a lioness, embodying these same attributes.
The "TF" in Lioness by TF stands for my initials, Tokunbo Fasoro. It personalizes the brand, representing my journey, vision, and the unique touch I bring to each creation.
"Lioness by TF" embodies the powerful attributes of the lioness, serving as a daily reminder of the strength, courage, and grace that define both the brand and the women who wear it.
Inspiration for The Collections
I find inspiration for my collections from my rich Nigerian heritage, blending flamboyant colors and textures with modern styles. Nature and wildlife, particularly the strength and elegance of the lioness, deeply influence my designs. Empowering stories of resilient women worldwide drive my creativity, while travel and exposure to global trends add versatility. My faith and spirituality infuse my work with deeper meanings, creating pieces that resonate on multiple levels.
Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Lioness by TF is deeply committed to supporting both local and global communities. A percentage of our profits goes towards empowering women and the girl child in a slum Oworo, Lagos, Nigeria. Through a non profit , Bi Empowerment Initiative, we provide them with essential skills, mindset transformational trainings, and start-up capital. These efforts help them achieve financial independence and break free from their environmental limitations. We aim to create lasting positive change and foster a community of empowered, resilient women
I believe that wearing a Lioness by TF piece will bring you the same joy and confidence that I experience every time I wear one. Thank you for visiting our website, and I hope you find something that speaks to your inner lioness and enhances your unique style.