Profile of Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi
MD/CEO of Crafties
Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi developed an interest in crafts from an early age. As far back as she can remember, she was fascinated by things made with the hands.
A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos, Mrs. Abdullahi felt the urge to start a craft business after her University Education.
Having been introduced to Crochet from a very young age, she taught many people in her free time and to date Crochet remains her first craft love. She is not only an avid crocheter but she is also well grounded in Cross Stitch, tapestry, card making, latch hook rug making, card making, fabric painting, hand embroidery and many others. She believes that continuous learning is an essential part of life.
Crafties has succeeded in making it fashionable to use one’s hands both for leisure as well as for business. Children are being taught craft skills like their counterparts in other parts of the world and now with the effort of many more crafters, more children have the opportunity to learn.
Crafties started running summer craft workshops several years ago. Some schools have also incorporated crafts and school projects into their curriculum, much to Mrs Abdullahi’s delight
As pioneer in this field, much had to be done to create awareness. It is worthy of note that with her slot on the television program ‘Going Places’ which ran for about five years and the numerous trainings she held and continues to hold, not to mention the craft DVD’s; Mrs Abdullahi along with her company Crafties Hobby Craft popularized crafting again in the country. Before then, no organization had made it a priority to train people in the different fields.
Crafties also ensures that tools and materials are available for individuals as well as groups. Crafties is distributor for international companies like, Beadalon, Plaid, The Needle Industries Private Ltd, Duncan to mention a few. This is quite Apart from locally sourced raw materials and products from companies in Nigeria. Crafties continues to innovate and grow to meet the increasing needs of customers.
The determination to make available the best materials and tools is priority for Mrs Abdullahi. Having experienced cottage industries on her ravels, Mrs Abdullahi, based on her experience of teaching crafts was certain that Nigerians could also make many things once there is access to the right materials and tools.
Hence Crafties stocks materials and tools for Crochet, knitting, jewlelry making, Cross Stitch, wire work, tapestry, fabric embellishment, painting, school projects, card making, origami, polymer clay, latch hook rug making, Embroidery and much more.
‘Encouraging Creativity in everyone’ is what Crafties aims to do.