Low Heels, High Ambition: Bariat Lawal’s Passion turned Fashion through Shecluded’s FINWOMEN Programme

As the Fall Fashion Week drapes a veil of haute couture on cities like London, New York, Paris, and Milan, fashion enthusiasts and icons from all over the world gather in exquisite designs and pieces, serving as a testament to the intricate relationship between creativity, culture, and global industries. Fashion, as a key component in emerging markets, drives not only artistic expression but also economic growth, job creation, and the empowerment of women worldwide.  

Bariat Lawal has always had an appreciation for anything fashion, vouching for the confidence and beauty it can bring out in women. Before she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with Shecluded’s FINWOMEN programme, a CFYE-supported project, Bariat worked several jobs in fashion and hospitality. She firmly believes that while women are a force of natural beauty, the right products and services can enhance their confidence and self-esteem which might’ve been challenged growing up in an age where beauty ideals are extremely saturated. To Bariat, beauty and fashion are powerful tools that help women discover the goddess within, enabling them to excel in every aspect of their lives.  

Throughout the programme, Bariat gained invaluable knowledge and resources to transform her business. With the curriculum ranging from accounting and marketing to business strategy, and the importance of separating the personal from the business, there was no stone in entrepreneurship left unturned. But it wasn’t just this comprehensive coverage that made the experience as Bariat described that she found something she had never had before: a supportive community of like-minded women. Shecluded’s community became a source of inspiration and motivation, pushing Bariat to set a clear path for her business. She was encouraged to step out of her comfort zone, even speaking in front of an audience during International Women’s Day, a challenge that significantly boosted her public speaking skills and her ability to advocate for her business.  

Her learning curve didn’t stop with the programme either as she has since taken up content writing, marketing, and advertising to further elevate her business, envisioning the future of a brand that not only thrives locally but also meets international standards to compete with established brands.

Bariat had a vision for her own business. Time and time again, she found herself missing out on designs and products in the style she wanted, simply because they weren’t available, or it just wasn’t what she was looking for. While frustrating as a consumer, this lack of desired product availability led to Bariat’s niche as a seller: low kitten heels. She specialises in designing shoes that are both stylish and comfortable, with heels no higher than 3.5 inches—ideal for women who want confidence without discomfort.  

Once identifying this market gap, it seemed that everything started to fall into place as she came across Shecluded’s flyer for the FINWOMEN programme and applied to set her entrepreneurship into motion. This project aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, providing young women with access to financing and financial literacy programs to help establish and grow their business. 

Bariat’s journey started with a small basket of shoes, but her determination, coupled with the knowledge and support from Shecluded, has allowed her to not only officially register her business but also lay a strong foundation for her brand. Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Start from wherever you are, do not think too much, do not procrastinate. In the process of doing, you will learn and meet opportunities. Preparation meets opportunity.”

She also emphasises the importance of moulding oneself, writing out a clear vision, and not comparing oneself to big brands:

“Every business has its own customers, and success is about finding and serving them.” 

Now armed with the much-needed tools and confidence to pursue her vision, Bariat looks forward to expanding her brand and playing in the big leagues of international fashion.