Welcome to Royal African, where you are treated like royalty, Kings and Queens! I am Olay, and I am absolutely thrilled to have you here. Let me take a moment to share the inspiring story behind this incredible venture.
Royal African was born out of my burning desire to pursue my dream in the world of fashion. However, I knew that it couldn't be just about me. I wanted to create a platform that would empower women artisans in Africa to pursue their own dreams and achieve financial independence through their craft. It's a fusion of my passion for fashion and my unwavering belief in the power of women's empowerment.
Growing up, my love for fashion and design was undeniable. However, coming from a traditional African household, my parents, who never had the opportunity to pursue education, encouraged me to follow a more conventional career path like becoming a doctor or engineer. I chose engineering and obtained my degree in computer science engineering. The challenges of the field, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry, only fueled my determination to succeed. I held various roles, from Software QA Engineer to Project Manager to Vice President positions in Fortune 500 companies, and even led Product and Program Managers in one of the largest Tech companies in the world.
Living in the United States, I witnessed the immense value of empowering girls and experienced firsthand the positive impact it can have. In 2017, I co-founded a nonprofit organization called the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations. Later, I co-founded my second nonprofit WAVE (Women's Association of Victims Empowerment), with a mission to empower women who had been victims of human rights violations. This experience further fueled my desire to make a difference and empower others.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I made the bold decision to go back to school and pursue an MBA. I had always been involved in various side businesses, and I believed that acquiring the necessary skills through an MBA program would enable me to further my entrepreneurial endeavors. During my Executive MBA program, an opportunity arose for me to start a small business, and I seized it as a chance to finally pursue my dream in fashion while also integrating my passion for empowering women artisans in Africa to pursue their own dreams in their craft and achieve financial independence.
And so, Royal African Boutique was born. We are not just a store, but a lifestyle brand with a purpose. All our products are handcrafted using sustainable or organic materials, ensuring that we contribute to a better world. Our main focus is collaborating with Women and Youth artisans, empowering them to earn a decent living and become self-reliant. By providing them with opportunities, we aim to make a positive impact on their lives and contribute to the beauty and well-being of our customers, offering them unique and exquisite pieces.
To learn more about our story and the women we work with.
