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Summary
Gbemi Okunlola, founder of Alonuko, has transformed her £15,000 investment into a £1.3 million-a-year global brand joining league of world’s most successful start-up entrepreneur.
Oluwagbemisola “Gbemi” Okunlola, a 30-year-old British-Nigerian entrepreneur, has joined the league of founders whose businesses hit over £1million annually. She founded the London-based luxury bridalwear brand Alonuko, building a business that generates £1.3 million annually.
Founded in 2012 with £15,000 of her personal savings, Alonuko has become a leader in the luxury bridalwear market, catering to brides in the UK, US, and Africa. With a vision to create bridalwear that celebrates diversity, Gbemi introduced illusion gowns that retail as high as £25,000 and have now become a favourite worldwide.
With over 600,000 followers on her business page on Instagram and millions of views on TikTok, she has leveraged her online presence to connect with clients across continents and build her business. Today, 70% of Alonuko’s sales come from the United States, with another 10% from Africa. Trunk shows in major U.S. cities, coupled with a strong digital footprint, have also solidified her brand’s international appeal and boosted revenue.
Looking ahead, Gbemi aims to raise £1 million in funding to expand her operations, particularly in the U.S. market, where demand for her designs continues to soar. She plans to scale Alonuko into a global luxury powerhouse while remaining committed to her core values of inclusivity and representation.
