Let’s talk about Fisayo Longe, the woman who turned her love for travel and fashion into a global movement. Born in England and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Fisayo’s journey is anything but conventional. After a career stint at KPMG as an auditor, and a brief academic detour in Durham University, where she studied Accounting, she followed her passion. She quit school and launched her blog, Mirror Me, in 2012, where she shared her unique style and travel experiences.
Her candid and relatable storytelling quickly garnered a loyal following. But she didn’t stop there. Recognizing a gap in the market for affordable yet luxurious fashion that empowers women, she launched Kai Collective in 2016 with an £8,000 loan from her mother.
Although, as with most business stories, the beginning wasn’t glamorous, Fisayo didn’t let it deter her. She listened to her community, refined her designs, and introduced the now-iconic, and most loved Gaia dress, a piece that embodies “main character energy” and celebrates the female form. And despite launching during the pandemic, the dress sold out immediately, propelling Kai Collective into the global spotlight.
Fast forward to today, Kai Collective has achieved over £6 million in revenue, with features in major publications and endorsements from celebrities.
Moreover, the brand’s recent collaboration with Dye Lab and Alára Lagos, with a pop up sale tagged “Kai Comes Home”, showcases its commitment to celebrating African heritage through fashion, and this is laudable.
Fisayo’s story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of believing in oneself. She has built a brand that not only offers stunning designs but also fosters a community where women feel seen, heard, and celebrated. The girlies love Kai, and so do we.
