Queen Itohan Uwabuofu is not just the CEO of Clovekids, she is also a visionary entrepreneur on a mission to revolutionize the doll industry for African children. Founded in 2018, Clovekids specializes in crafting dolls using sustainable materials, catering specifically to African kids.
The journey of Clovekids began when Queen Uwabuofu, pregnant with her first child and transitioning from her makeup job, decided to create handmade items using wool and yarn. What started as a personal project quickly gained traction among her friends, who began placing orders for her unique creations. This initial spark of interest laid the foundation for what would soon become a thriving business.
However, the turning point for Clovekids came when Queen Uwabuofu realized the scarcity of black dolls in the Nigerian market. Determined to fill this gap, she embarked on a journey of self-education, teaching herself how to design and craft dolls that represented African children authentically.
Queen Uwabuofu’s dedication and creativity paid off as Clovekids soon garnered attention not only locally but also globally. Today, the company boasts clients from over 15 countries worldwide, a testament to the universal appeal of its products.
When asked about the journey of perfecting her crafting skills, Queen Uwabuofu humbly shared that the current dolls in production are not the same as when she started. It took her two years of relentless effort, experimentation, and innovation to reach the level of craftsmanship and design excellence that Clovekids is known for today.
Despite the success achieved so far, Queen Uwabuofu remains focused on continuous improvement. She emphasized that the dolls currently available may evolve further in the next six months, reflecting her ongoing commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Clovekids made its first export a year after its inception, reaching markets in Ghana, South Africa, America, the UK, and beyond. The company’s recent registration on Google e-commerce websites is poised to enhance its global reach, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
Looking ahead, Queen Uwabuofu has ambitious plans for Clovekids. She envisions the brand making its way into retail stores worldwide, making sustainable and culturally representative dolls accessible to even more children.
With a dedicated team, Clovekids currently produces 25 dolls a month. Thanks to grants received, the company is gearing up to expand its production capacity to 200 dolls a month, further fueling its growth trajectory.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Queen Uwabuofu offers valuable advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs to prioritize building relationships and engage in extensive networking. These connections, she believes, are instrumental in navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that come with running a successful business.
In summary, Queen Itohan Uwabuofu’s journey with Clovekids is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance in making a meaningful impact in the world of entrepreneurship and children’s education.
