Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Ousìa is a sustainable fashion brand. We are citizens of the Earth, hence our commitment to protect it. Ousìa makes pretty fashion items in responsible batches using eco-friendly materials.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Ousìa is a sustainable fashion brand. We are citizens of the Earth, hence our commitment to protect it. Ousìa makes pretty fashion items in responsible batches using eco-friendly materials. Ousìa is committed to making a significant impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 8, and 12, which focus on no poverty (SDG 1), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Ousìa takes an eco-conscious approach to upcycling by repurposing leftover fabrics and second-hand clothing to craft new items and fashion accessories. In addition to creating eco-friendly garments, Ousia seeks to raise a generation of eco-conscious youths; consequently we organize upcycling workshops for young people in our community. Ousia is also raising awareness on social media with consistent educational posts that seek to explain the concepts of sustainability, sustainable fashion, and climate action to Nigerians.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The fast fashion industry hurts the planet and takes advantage of fashion workers. I aim to tackle environmental degradation and economic inequality within the fashion industry. My interest lies in alleviating poverty and sustainability; promoting decent work and advocating for responsible production & consumption is how I intend to get it done. In addition to producing eco-friendly clothes, I aspire to establish a network of artisans (cotton farmers, weavers, and dye artists) who produce sustainable textiles infused with indigenous designs. By infusing traditional craftsmanship with sustainable production methods, I aim to create economic empowerment for these workers. I plan to partner with the Ethical Fashion Initiative, and this partnership will facilitate access to a broader market, allowing these sustainable textiles to reach global clients who value responsible sourcing. More importantly, I will empower the women who work with us and I aspire to empower 1 million women by 2050.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Durable and High-Quality Products: We use high-quality, eco-friendly materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques to create garments that are built to last. This translates to durable clothing for our customers and reduces the environmental impact often associated with fast fashion trends. Social Impact Through Economic Empowerment: Our business model fosters positive social change. We empower artisans by offering fair wages and supporting the continuation of their crafts. This contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Environmental Impact: Ousìa directly addresses the environmental concerns of the fashion industry. We use eco-friendly materials and responsible production methods that reduce waste and pollution. This aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainability and positions us as a leader in eco-conscious fashion.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Nigerians: We aim to serve eco-conscious Nigerians yearning for a more sustainable relationship with fashion. Through Ousìa, Nigerians will gain access to sustainable fashion options. Global Businesses: Ousìa will establish a network of skilled Nigerian artisans producing beautiful, sustainable textiles infused with indigenous designs. We will then partner with global businesses that value responsible sourcing. Artisans: Ousìa aims to empower Nigerian artisans, particularly women, by offering fair wages and providing a platform to showcase their work on a global scale to improve their livelihoods. The Environment: Our commitment to eco-friendly materials and responsible production reduces our environmental footprint. Additionally, by promoting sustainable practices within the global fashion industry, we contribute to a healthier planet.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-08

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Ousìa's co-founder, Faith Adeleke, brings a unique perspective to the company. Though a lawyer by profession, Faith has a deep passion for sustainable fashion and its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This passion is not just a personal interest; it fuels her creative contributions and strategic vision at Ousìa. Faith recognises the fashion industry's significant environmental and social impact. Her legal background allows her to navigate the complexities of fair labour practices, which ensure that Ousìa operates with the highest standards. However, Faith's true strength lies in her ability to translate her passion for the SDGs into creative solutions.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://instagram.com/obnf_clothings?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Ousìa tackles poverty by providing artisans with fair wages for their work. This increases their income and improves their overall standard of living. By ensuring fair compensation, Ousìa helps lift these artisans and their families out of poverty

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Ousìa will manufacture organic cotton that requires less intensive processing and potentially uses renewable energy sources during production. This could indirectly contribute to SDG 7 by supporting a shift towards cleaner energy use within the textile industry. In addition, Ousìa will explore partnerships with organisations promoting renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. This collaboration could involve supporting workshops or initiatives that educate about the benefits of clean energy. Please note that Ousìa's core focus on sustainable materials and responsible production aligns with SDG 7, even if there's no direct impact for now.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Ousìa prioritizes fair wages and decent working conditions for all artisans it works with. Ousìa can play a role in providing skill development and training opportunities for artisans. By establishing a network of artisans and partnering with global businesses, Ousìa will create new job opportunities in the fashion sector. This will not only benefit the artisans directly employed but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the communities they represent.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Ousìa uses eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact compared to traditional textiles. This directly reduces resource consumption and pollution associated with fast fashion production. We also focus on creating high-quality, durable garments that are built to last. This combats the "fast fashion" trend of disposable clothing and reduces textile waste often associated with overconsumption.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By using materials like linen, Ousia reduces the environmental impact of production. These materials typically require less water, pesticides, and energy to cultivate and process compared to conventional options. This translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cotton production. While Ousia's core focus doesn't directly involve carbon capture or offsetting existing emissions, our commitment to eco-friendly practices and promoting conscious consumption creates a ripple effect.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

There is a growing consciousness about sustainable fashion among Nigerians and Ousia rises to meet the demand for sustainable fashion.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

ThisIsUs While we acknowledge ThisIsUs as a competitor in Nigeria's sustainable fashion scene, Ousìa sets itself apart with two crucial elements: zero-waste practices and community empowerment through upcycling workshops. We believe in closing the loop on fashion. Leftover fabric from production isn't discarded; it becomes the raw material for new fashion items such as scrunchies, headbands, handbags, etc. We organise regular upcycling workshops where we equip community members with valuable upcycling techniques to encourage creativity and promote self-sufficiency.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes. I have partnered with other female-led businesses on projects.