"Strong support networks fuel entrepreneurial success, offering guidance and encouragement."
Aquayemi-Claude Garnett Akinsanya has founded GCBR and TCSL Campaign. While, addressing to call to action for Systematic Change. In the importance call for Equity / DEI with Equal opportunities for all. Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range “For the Eccentric, Fashionable people which are in the World.
For their Voice to be out there Heard among the Crowd.” #signatureuniqueness Which mission and reason behind Clothing Brand is in aid of supporting the awareness for, The Claudes SEN Law Campaign know in short as “TCSL Campaign.”
We offer a number innovation projects such as the Action Zone Day, Podcast Zone Day, Safe Space Tuesday and Track of The Week some projects has been received well by the wider community. Including Campaign projects such as “The Claudes SEN Law Campaign. We have an Instagram Live and Podcast Interview opportunity which we offer.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: Hello everyone, I’m Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with you today. I’m the CEO and Founder of Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range and The Claudes SEN Law Campaign, where we specialize in creating sustainable fashion that not only looks good but also does good for the planet.
At Garnetts, we’re passionate about redefining the fashion industry by prioritizing ethical production practices, using eco-friendly materials, and advocating for conscious consumerism. Our goal is to make sustainability accessible and stylish for everyone, proving that fashion can be both chic and environmentally responsible.
In addition to my work with Garnetts, I’m also deeply involved in The Claudes SEN Law Campaign, an initiative close to my heart. Through this campaign, we advocate for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities, striving to ensure equal access to education and legal protection for all.
I believe that fashion has the power to inspire change, and through Garnetts and The Claudes SEN Law Campaign, I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in both the fashion industry and society as a whole. Thank you for joining me on this journey toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.*
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: Over the past year, one of the greatest achievements I’m incredibly proud to celebrate with my team at Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range is our successful transition to fully sustainable and ethical production practices.
We made a commitment to prioritize sustainability and transparency in every aspect of our operations, from sourcing materials to manufacturing processes and beyond. This transition wasn’t easy, but it was essential to aligning our values with our business practices.
We worked tirelessly to establish partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our materials are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. We also invested in innovative technologies and processes that minimize waste and reduce our carbon footprint throughout the production chain.
As a result of these efforts, we were able to launch our first fully sustainable collection, which received an overwhelmingly positive response from our customers and the industry as a whole. Not only did we meet our sustainability goals, but we also exceeded our sales projections, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can indeed go hand in hand.
This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of our team at Garnetts. It’s a reminder that when we align our values with our actions, we can create positive change and drive meaningful impact in the fashion industry and beyond.
What advice do you wish you had received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: Looking back on my business journey, there are a few key pieces of advice I wish I had received earlier:
- Prioritize Self-Care: As a passionate entrepreneur, it’s easy to become consumed by work and neglect personal well-being. I wish I had received advice on the importance of prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Taking time to recharge and nurture personal interests ultimately fuels creativity and productivity in the long run.
- Build a Strong Support Network: Entrepreneurship can be isolating, especially during challenging times. I wish I had known the value of building a strong support network early on. Surrounding myself with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs provides invaluable guidance, perspective, and encouragement along the journey.
In the next quarter, I intend to focus on several areas for improvement:
- Streamlining Operations: As Garnetts continues to grow, I recognize the importance of streamlining our operations to enhance efficiency and scalability. I plan to evaluate our processes, identify areas for optimization, and implement systems and technologies that support our long-term growth objectives.
- Strengthening Sustainability Efforts: While we’ve made significant strides towards sustainability, there’s always room for improvement. In the next quarter, I’m committed to exploring new opportunities to reduce our environmental impact, whether through eco-friendly packaging, innovative materials, or carbon offset initiatives. Continuously striving to minimize our footprint aligns with our core values and resonates with our eco-conscious customer base.
By focusing on these areas of improvement, I’m confident that GCBR and TCSL Campaign will continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the fashion industry and beyond.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: While we look ahead to the year to come, my expectations for the continued surge in online business are high, driven by the ongoing trends in B2B and B2C commerce, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, and even innovations like Zoom medical consultations.
To the goal of capitalize on this tidal wave of online activity, I’m focusing on several key strategies:
- Digital Expansion: I intend to further expand Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range’s digital presence across multiple platforms and channels. This includes optimizing our e-commerce website for a seamless shopping experience, leveraging social media for brand awareness and engagement, and exploring new digital marketing avenues to reach our target audience.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: With the rise of online shopping and virtual interactions, delivering an exceptional customer experience is paramount. I’m investing in technologies and tools that enable personalized interactions, streamlined transactions, and responsive customer support. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, we aim to foster long-term loyalty and advocacy.
- Innovative Partnerships: Collaboration is key to navigating the evolving landscape of online business. I’m actively seeking out strategic partnerships with complementary brands, influencers, and digital platforms to amplify our reach and relevance. By aligning with like-minded partners, we can leverage shared resources and expertise to drive mutual growth and success.
- Agile Adaptation: Flexibility and adaptability are essential in a rapidly changing digital environment. I’m committed to staying agile and responsive to emerging trends, consumer preferences, and market dynamics. This includes continuously monitoring industry developments, gathering feedback from customers and stakeholders, and iterating our strategies accordingly.
- Investment in Technology: Technology is the backbone of our online operations, empowering us to deliver innovative products and services to our customers. I’m prioritizing investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and augmented reality, to enhance our digital capabilities and stay ahead of the curve.
While also enable stronger network links with our investors and fellow entrepreneurs, solopreneur, the wider community of stakeholders, supporters and beneficial customers.
By embracing these strategies, I’m confident that Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range and The Claudes SEN Law Campaign will not only capitalize on the tidal wave of online business but also emerge as a leader in the digital marketplace.
Our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic collaboration positions us for sustained growth and success in the year ahead.
Christopher Hitchens, an American journalist, is quoted as saying that “everyone has a book in them” Have you written a book? If so, please share with us details about it. If you haven’t, what book would you like to write and how would you like it to benefit the readers?
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: I would focus on exploring the intersection of technology, ethics, and humanity in the digital age. The book would delve into the profound impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation on society, culture, and individual lives.
I envision the book as a thought-provoking exploration of the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, examining complex ethical dilemmas, privacy concerns, and questions of human identity and agency in an increasingly interconnected world.
While we are on the topic of Books I can confirm that the next, ‘The Truth Behind will be published in 2024.’ Shout out to our followers and supporters stay tuned for the next published book of The Truth Behind.
My goal would be to offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the implications of technology-driven changes and empower them to navigate the digital landscape with mindfulness, critical thinking, and ethical awareness.
I would draw upon diverse perspectives, research findings, and real-world examples to foster informed dialogue and inspire thoughtful action.
Ultimately, I aspire for the book to serve as a guidebook for individuals, organizations, and policymakers grappling with the complexities of the digital revolution, providing insights, guidance, and practical strategies for navigating the challenges and harnessing the opportunities of the digital age.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: One of the most underestimated aspects of running a company is the importance of fostering a positive company culture and prioritizing employee well-being.
While many leaders recognize the significance of product development, marketing strategies, and financial management, they may overlook the critical role that organizational culture plays in driving long-term success.
An example of this can be seen in the case of a technology startup that focused solely on product development and market expansion, neglecting to invest in cultivating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Despite initial success in terms of revenue growth and customer acquisition, the company soon faced challenges related to high employee turnover, decreased morale, and diminished productivity.
Upon closer examination, it became evident that the lack of emphasis on company culture had contributed to disengagement and burnout among employees. Without a sense of belonging, purpose, and mutual respect, team members struggled to collaborate effectively, innovate creatively, and sustainably contribute to the company’s goals.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these cultural issues, the company leadership implemented initiatives to promote transparency, communication, and work-life balance. They introduced flexible work arrangements, employee recognition programs, and professional development opportunities aimed at nurturing a sense of belonging and empowerment among team members.
Over time, these efforts resulted in a significant improvement in employee satisfaction, retention rates, and overall organizational performance. By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a positive company culture, the company was able to create a supportive and collaborative work environment conducive to innovation, growth, and long-term success.
This example underscores the critical role that company culture plays in shaping organizational outcomes and highlights the importance of prioritizing employee well-being as a fundamental aspect of running a company.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: If I could choose a business superpower infused with a neurodiverse and dyslexic thinking outlook, it would be the ability to perceive patterns and connections that others might overlook. This superpower, often associated with neurodiversity, allows individuals to think creatively, problem-solve innovatively, and envision unconventional solutions to complex challenges.
In practice, I would leverage this superpower to revolutionize traditional business practices and approaches to education. Here’s how:
- Innovative Problem-Solving: I would apply my unique perspective to identify innovative solutions to longstanding business challenges. By thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional approaches, I could help organizations overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities in new and unexpected ways.
- Creative Entrepreneurship:With a neurodiverse and dyslexic thinking outlook, I would pursue entrepreneurship with a focus on creativity, resilience, and adaptability. I would use my ability to see patterns and connections to identify niche markets, develop disruptive business models, and create products and services that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Promoting Inclusive Education:In the realm of education, I would advocate for the recognition and celebration of neurodiversity in learning environments. I would work to promote inclusive teaching practices that accommodate diverse learning styles and empower students with neurodiverse and dyslexic thinking to thrive academically and creatively.
- Fostering Collaboration: I would emphasize the value of collaboration and diversity in teams and organizations. By embracing neurodiversity and creating inclusive work environments, I would foster collaboration across different perspectives and skill sets, driving innovation and problem-solving to new heights.
Overall, my business superpower rooted in neurodiverse and dyslexic thinking would enable me to challenge conventional wisdom, spark creativity, and drive positive change in both business and education.
By embracing neurodiversity and celebrating the strengths of diverse minds, I believe we can unlock new possibilities and create a more inclusive and innovative world.
Brooke Young, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
