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By Christy Anyanwu
Tokunbo Fasoro sits atop a thriving fashion company deeply rooted in African culture with global appeal. Her brand, a product of a child’s delight in watching her mother dance in front of a mirror from an obscured Lagos community, now enjoys wide acceptance. Her humble beginning to stardom is an inspiration to many who dream big. Fasoro, founder of Lioness by TF and Elevate by TF, shares the story of how she nurtured her fashion dream to reality in this interview with Daily Sun
Can you tell us who Tokunbo Fasoro is?
Tokunbo Fasoro is a Human Resource professional, fashion entrepreneur and founder of Lioness by TF. I hold a BA and Master’s degree in Personnel Psychology and globally certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), and an associate member of the CIPM (Nigeria). I am an alumna of the prestigious Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre, with 15+ years of experience as an international HR expert. I also hold fashion certificates from London College of Fashion & University College London (UCL) – Business Builder Programme Copenhagen Business School – Sustainable Fashion.
What would you say is the inspiration behind Lioness by TF?
As a young girl growing in Lagos, I watched my mother twirl in front of a mirror—elegant, confident and radiant. My mother’s effortless grace and stylish aura planted in me the seed that fashion could be classy, comfortable, chic—and deeply personal. That early influence didn’t fade.
So at 17, I had already started designing outfits, managing clients, and funding school supplies for underprivileged peers with the money I earned from my small fashion business. I later decided to complement my creative instincts with solid academic and professional grounding.
As a Human Resource Professional, how are you able to combine your career with your fashion business?
My multifaceted journey is deeply rooted in the example set by my mother, a professional accountant who also ran a thriving fashion business on the side. Watching her effortlessly juggle both worlds—navigating boardrooms by day and fashion consultations by evening—instilled in me the belief that women can be successful in more than one space, and that passion and professionalism can indeed coexist.
These dual legacies became my blueprint. This was what made it possible for me to simultaneously nurture my passion for fashion and accessories while building also successful career as an international HR professional. I launched Zito Gems, a jewelry brand focused on stylish, elegant pieces that accentuated women’s confidence. Alongside that, I founded Clara’s Signature, a bespoke fashion line named in honor of my mother. Both ventures allowed me to express my creativity, even as I advanced professionally in the corporate world.
At what point did you decide to give full expression to your fashion dream?
My journey into fashion entrepreneurship began in 2018 with Zito Gems, a brand that offered fabrics, jewelry, and bespoke fashion pieces. That was my first formal step into the fashion business, blending creativity with commerce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched my second brand, Clara’s Signature, named after my mother. This ready-to-wear line marked a significant pivot, reflecting my desire to make Afrocentric fashion both accessible and globally appealing. Though both brands found success, I felt called to do more—driven by a bold vision to build a fashion house with the global presence of iconic brands.
At what point did your dream metamorphose into Lioness by TF?
When I moved to the UK, I wasn’t excited, in fact I was anxious. I felt I had built something significant in Nigeria with Clara’s Signature, and starting over felt like a failure. But a moment of spiritual clarity changed everything. I heard a voice, “You are not starting from the bottom. This is your chance to build the dream you’ve had since you were 15.” That divine reassurance became the fuel behind Lioness by TF.
In 2023, I launched Lioness by TF in the United Kingdom, a bold brand born from her dream of creating a global fashion empire that celebrates African heritage while empowering women. What started as sketches and soul-searching then has now grown into a recognised fashion house, shipping across USA, Canada, Australia, France, Mexico, Germany, the UAE, and beyond within just a few months of launch.
The brand has carved out a niche for itself in the global fashion industry with pieces that are distinct, deeply rooted in African culture, yet globally appealing.
What is your brand’s most iconic signature?
One of Lioness by TF’s most iconic creations is the Agbada Kimono—a re-imagination of traditional West African attire into a contemporary silhouette. Designed for versatility, these kimonos are breathable for summer and layerable in colder seasons, marrying culture, elegance, and functionality. Lioness creations have earned widespread acclaim for their uniqueness and symbolism, blending African aesthetics with Western tailoring standards.
How do you measure the level of acceptability of your brand?
Lioness by TF has continued to enjoy unfettered international reach. Within two months of launching in the UK, Lioness by TF was already exporting to the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Mexico, and the UAE. This rapid growth demonstrates not only market demand but also the brand’s strategic acumen and product excellence. The brand also enjoys rich media features. It has been spotlighted in British Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour Uk , The Sun and NY Weekly Magazine, celebrated for its blend of craftsmanship and cultural storytelling and also graced leading industry events including New York Fashion Week, Pure London, Africa Fashion Week London, and UK Africa Trade Expo (UKATE), gaining the attention of buyers, media, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Do you have a plan to take this dream beyond fashion?
Yes, beyond fashion, I have also deeply invested in empowerment and transformation. My second brand, Elevate by TF, is a business coaching and mentorship platform dedicated to helping women particularly those of African descent turn their passions into profitable, sustainable businesses.
Through one-on-one coaching, group strategy sessions, and intensive workshops, I have been able to help women across the UK and Nigeria, helping them turn ideas into income. And for some help scale to a global level. My Limitless Woman Conference and Passion to Profit Workshops have reached over 300 participants to date, empowering women to step boldly into entrepreneurship and financial freedom.
In addition, I have authored two powerful, transformative books that inspire confidence, resilience, and purpose: The Persistent Woman: Overcoming 20 Years of Rejection” is a deeply personal and inspiring account of my journey through pain, healing, and unwavering faith. This book encourages women to rise above rejection and pursue a life of purpose, no matter the odds. The second, “Walking Your Way Into Career Success”, is a practical guide that equips readers with the mindset, strategies, and tools to navigate their career paths intentionally and successfully.
Through writing, I have been able to uplift and motivate women to become bold, purpose-driven leaders in every sphere of life.
In what major way do you consider giving back to society?
Through my NGO, Bi Empowerment Initiative, I have worked with hundreds of women mostly from disadvantaged communities in Nigeria. We offer vocational training, mindset reprogramming, entrepreneurship coaching, and seed capital for aspiring business owners. My workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs such as the Limitless Woman Conference and Passion to Profit Coaching are creating tangible impact. From Oworo slum in Lagos to boardrooms in London, the women I’ve worked with are building thriving brands of their own.
What would you say is your vision?
Whether I am designing kimonos, mentoring women, or launching new product lines, my mission remains the same: to uplift, empower, and ignite purpose. Fashion is my medium, but transformation is my message. I am building more than a brand. I am building a legacy.
