Interview with Molly

I discovered my true love in designing ladies footwear on February 14th, 2015.
I had decided to celebrate my first-ever solo Valentine’s day at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. A truly whimsical love story that I love to reminisce on.

A pair of maroon Steve Madden lace-up mules was my style choice for the day, but unbeknownst to me, these beautiful but ill-fitting shoes laced my feet with terrible blisters that became the catalyst to my design incentive. Besides enjoying a thorough walkthrough of the historic footwear museum, sitting through two Manolo Blahnik documentaries later that night inclined me to put my drawing skills to the test as I admired how effortlessly he was able to design beautiful footwear. Fortunately, I came to the realization soon after completing Manolo Blahnik: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards, that the same was true for me.

Solitude, direction and a solid plan are all that I need to successfully complete a project.
I like to think about unconventionalism... Often times, I take on sketches by hand and other times I render my designs digitally. However, I find myself immersed into projects without as much as a sketch lately.

I believe in the concepts of innovation and uniqueness- a rebel, if you will.

As an artist, I think it is very important to create and not replicate. The world needs more refreshing ideas to not only sustain but also continue to grow the various design industries out there.

I am very much at peace when I design and create footwear.
I love the stability it brings to me, simply because I re-discovered myself through my love of footwear and continue to learn about who I really am as I grow.

There is a saying “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you to your purpose”. I believe this to be true. Creating exceptional one-of-one pieces gives me that purpose because I know I am adding some sentimental value to another individual’s life. I fall more and more in love with the process every day.

Feeling unaccepted, more so despised, by certain social groups pretty much forced me to step into my independence. Knowing that I stood out, mentally and stylishly, whether I liked it or not was something I thought could be very valuable in terms of designing.

The biggest influence on my design work has not been one of physical caliber, but rather one that is spiritually motivated. I am blessed to have a mind that operates like mine, as with any artist, and believe that it is a talent that can be shared with millions of others in ways that may impact many lives in a progressive manner.

My dream as an established designer would be to develop schools around the world that are committed to teaching those with this same passion the skills they need to change their lives.
I come from a country where shoemakers are utterly underpaid, overlooked and undervalued for their skills. I hope one day I am able to grow my business to a point that I may be able to recruit these powerhouses off the streets and provide them with a life that they truly deserve.
Among other things, I also dream of a time when I can cultivate various charity organizations that contribute to dire social and humanitarian causes because I am a lover first, before a designer.

I have numerous projects that have not yet been realized, but that is the beauty of my design process. The development of new designs could potentially birth the ideas of many more and thus begins an endless cycle. Until I attain the level of a global corporation, I will have to maintain these unrealized designs as pending projects.

No idea is too small to share. The chances of your idea already existing in this crazy fast-paced world might be high, but who is to say that you cannot bring something refreshing into the world. The world needs your true self, so don’t hold back!

Also, I know it will get [very] difficult at times but never stop believing in you. Even if you are the only one on your team. You will have to sacrifice a lot, but believe me, it will all be worth it in the end.

Be diligent. Learning is a continuous process that ignites growth.
Set out a schedule and do your best to stick to it. Timelines will be your saving grace when it comes to executing projects, however do not be discouraged when things go as planned. You will fail many times, but there is beauty in failure. Take it as an opportunity to alter your plan or go in a new and refreshing direction.

My day to day is a perfect mix of work-life.
Since I solely operate my brand, Molly, I have the liberty to be a little more flexible with my timing. That being said, I could be severely focused on my projects but am still able to take a 20-minute break to make some lunch, do the laundry, get a workout in, or just relax, really.

I think trends are important in terms of visualizing a timeline that shows the evolution, desuetude or sustenance of a style.
I follow a lot of trendy pages on my social media networks that feed me with fresh and exciting content each day since I like to be immersed in my passion, nevertheless, I do not necessarily want my designs to reflect seasonal trends. Rather, I would love for them to stand out in a room full of the season’s latest buy.

In a case where I was to follow up with trends, my mind would definitely figure out a way to make it new and exciting while maintaining a similar aesthetic to what’s in style.

If it is aesthetically pleasing and practical.

“Is it wearable? What about comfort?” These are the two big questions I ask myself as I go through my design process. If it’s a work of art that does not function as it is intended to, then it is simply just that- a work of art.

Again, I ask myself questions like “Is it sturdy?” “Can it withstand the walk test with comfort and ease?” “Are there imperfections?”, but of course, there will be. As someone who is currently unlearning the habit of critical self-evaluation and perfectionism, this is inevitable.

Last year I had the opportunity to partner up with a company in Ghana, Enam Kolturee, that designs and sells Ankara-infused leather bags. The company donates a portion of its income to the research and improvement of the state of pollution in garri farming and I was given the full creative control to design footwear that could augment the beauty of the existing handbags and provide buyers with more options in terms of how to wear the traditional material. That was very much an interesting challenge because not only was I forced to construct footwear using something new and exciting, I was able to be a part of something bigger.

In terms of personality, work ethic, pioneering and delivery of reliable and consistent silhouettes over the years Manolo Blahnik. In design and aesthetic, myself.

Well, since I began designing footwear I have continuously taught myself to be more free, fearless and rid of all inhibitions.
I think discovering my passion for footwear design, furthermore, shoemaking has made me an increasingly introspective person, which consequently allows me to remain in pursuit of a better version of myself.
I believe that is the importance of good design. It holds the power to ignite an authenticity and connection between the product and the consumer. Good design is so much more; it is the feeling, the sentiment and the experience all bound in one intricately finished valuable product.

Creating one-of-one pieces is something that I wholeheartedly take pride in because I design for the one who is confidently defying all odds in life. The unapologetic renegade.

So far, I work alone which gives me the liberty to operate my brand at my own pace. That being said, one of the major challenges I’m faced with is having to manage all aspects of my brand from material sourcing to designing to shoemaking to photography to web designing and marketing. I’m sure it is easy to imagine the mental toll that it could possibly bring on, however I can honestly say that I would not have it any other way.

I would say my collaboration with the Ghanaian brand, Enam Kolturee, was a contribution to specific humanitarian conditions in Ghana. Moving forward I would love to have a charity organization that takes the excess unused materials from my various footwear projects to create new and beautiful footwear for those that are less privileged and unable to dress their feet appropriately. I once read that walking around with bare feet is one of the quickest ways to admit infections and diseases into the human body, which is a very unfortunate circumstance for anyone to have to live through by default. Hopefully, one day, I would be blessed enough to contribute to and possibly provide a dynamic change to this global issue.

It is an amazing feeling having my efforts and hard work recognized by such an organization. Being able to share my designs with highly accredited designers, as well as an experienced jury is something that I believe to be beneficial for a new designer like myself. Confidence in one’s design is very important, however, I also think it is greatly important to have these designs accepted and/or possibly criticized by other visionaries in order to identify areas where design improvements may be implemented. Most importantly, the satisfaction of knowing that my designs have been comprehended and esteemed is a very indescribable feeling.

I have always designed clothes as a hobby for as long as I can remember, but I had a terrible experience with the pair of shoes that I wore to the Bata Shoe Museum, which ultimately struck my curiosity. I wanted to know the kind of materials used to create the poorly designed pair and that was the driving force behind learning about product development and how shoes are made. In response to my design incentive, I would say my vision is what keeps me going.

Not to sound cliché, but I’ve always felt like I was born to design. Growing up I remember being obsessed with footwear and how beautifully they complemented outfits, so to be gifted enough to design some gorgeous pairs is really a wonderful experience.

I design beautiful footwear according to what I am feeling or experiencing at the moment, but in the future, I would love to dabble in 3D printing from time to time.

I consider myself a young designer but I would definitely say believe in yourselves entirely and chase your dreams passionately.

A good designer is consistently expressive of their concepts in a way that enlightens and intrigues the consumer’s mind, while I believe what sets a great designer apart is the ability to influence design culture, new trends, and consumer needs.

In terms of footwear, if it is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and functional.

For starters, good design will always stand out in a crowd of parallel concepts, however, 99.9% are usually created with elevated craftsmanship and the utmost attention to detail in order to ensure value and longevity.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty. I would design a killer collection inspired by the woman that she is.

I’m not sure if this is solely a matter of time, but I have dreams of building my own manufacturing company that employs and educates shoemakers with little to no opportunity of expanding their craft to its full potential- mainly with shoemakers back home in Nigeria and Ghana. I also have dreams of providing these craftsmen with a life that values their skills and hard work.

Resilience and Perseverance. To never give up on a concept no matter how unattainable it may seem.

Manolo Blahnik, simply because it was his documentary “The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards” and a short interview of his titled "Manolo Blahnik: Tattoos, Milk Shakes, and Americana" that inspired me to pick up a pencil and put my design skills to the test.

It might just be the kind of person that I am, but most of the footwear I own holds some sentimental value. I do not have particularly favorite designs of mine, but I can say that the Alexander McQueen Armadillo and Jeffery Campbell Nightwalk heels intrigued my younger teenage mind to consider design silhouettes in ways other than they were conventionally created.

The Gemini Rebirth because it sparked a few new directions for my design projects and that to me beats solely creating beautiful footwear

I try to study the industry and its pioneering designers. I ask myself “What did they implement that was different from pre-existing designs?” and “What was their approach?” I watched a lot of designer documentaries over the years and continue to consistently educate myself in my art. I would advise anyone looking to improve themselves to fully immerse themselves in their craft, no matter what aspect it might be.

A footwear buyer, a footwear sales associate, a footwear blogger; I believe I would have found something relating to footwear to do for the rest of my life.

Design to me is similar to art and that is a way for me to explore my thoughts and create new realities. It is a way to indulge in myself while contributing splendor to the rest of the world.

My family and friends, but most importantly my parents.

My ability to push through obstacles and think in unconventional ways.

I would say resource and time management along with dealing with creative blocks or loss of motivation.

In the best manner possible. As well thought out as your design may be, its presentation really does the heavy lifting of communicating the designer’s intent to potential consumers.

You can expect more intriguing collections as I continue to develop my skill.

To create footwear that adds value and sentiment to my client’s life.

People expect perfection and completion- to have it all figured out and make no errors while executing my plans, but the truth is I am still learning and embracing life’s challenges.

I think design influences tradition in societal groups, therefore one must be considerate of its ripple effect as it is disseminated through culture.

I am currently completing The Gemini Rebirth collection with different styles of interchangeable footwear and a wider variety of colors.

All my design projects appeal to my satisfaction in one way or the other because crafting footwear is something that I do for joy and peace of mind.

More opportunities for fresh and promising minds to be able to learn and develop their passion.

A minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 2 weeks, provided I have all of the resources I need.

Sometimes, I begin by translating my ideas to tangible concepts on paper, researching materials, techniques, and other times, I might dive right into a project without as much as a sketch if I know exactly what I want to achieve.

I always tell myself that I am here to “create and not replicate”, not only in the sense of designing unique footwear but also in the consciousness of creating value in the lives of my future colleagues and clients.

I believe design sets the trend. Over the years I have observed that pop culture is merely a means of transferring high culture to the masses in order to drive inclusivity and fashionably eradicate the restrictiveness of class structure.

To effectively visualize and communicate concepts as well as ensure the proper functioning of footwear mechanisms.

I use Adobe Illustrator to successfully envision my designs and an array of manual tools for developing my footwear. I usually sketch with your basic pencil and use a tape measure with some masking tape to draw a pattern on my shoe last, after which I transfer and trace the outlines using an awl and retractable utility knife. Other than these tools, my sewing machine, skive knife, hammer, and electric creaser are also essentials to me.

Color adds meaning to life. One cannot accurately convey the concept of a design without utilizing the precise color palette and materials that connote its intended meaning. Materials especially supplement the sensation that the designer is going for in order to stimulate the observer’s sense of touch and appreciation of craftmanship.

I automatically delve into an analysis of the materials and techniques that went into the production of that design.

Yes, I believe in co-design, however, I do not have an ideal design partner. I truly believe that there is something to learn from everyone.

By progressively working on it and assessing my previous projects to determine areas where I can grow technically and creatively

My go-to colour is black, favourite place is my design studio, favourite food is pretty much debatable since I’m a food lover, my favourite season is Summer and my favourite brand is most definitely the one I am building, Molly.

My day is great when I am able to execute design concepts as proposed, but I remain motivated by staying focused on my vision and my ultimate goal.

I would say yes. I used to always design clothing and admire great designers and their works when I was younger.

Molly is a registered Canadian footwear company that embodies the persona of its creator and designer, Wonu Adeshina. I crafted this brand in order to create a home for my designs and subsequently cater to the diverse and open-minded individuals like myself who remain bold, fearless, and unapologetically willing to take on life’s challenges.

Design is the freedom to explore the depths of my mind, express the way that I visualize life and a means of expanding the world as we know it.

Nowadays, I love to design footwear. Even though I began my fashion design journey in the clothing sector, nothing fulfills my yearning to create quite like shoes.

My most favorite design would have to be a pair of mules designed for my mother. It was an honor to be able to design and create a work of art for the woman who dedicated so many years of her life to ensure the joy and success of all her children.

The first thing I designed for a company was a pair of slippers using hand-woven Ghanaian kente material paired with calf leather to provide its clients with complimentary footwear capable of augmenting the beauty of its existing products.

I cannot say that I have a favorite material to work with, simply because I love to challenge myself. I do not believe in limits. As an introspective person, I find myself analyzing past projects and drawing up ways I may be able to advance them in terms of resources and techniques. In reference to technology, I would have to say Adobe Illustrator (for now) since I am able to visualize projects in a vast array of options through digital representations. I am currently in the processing of learning how to render 3D images of my footwear and something tells me that it will definitely steal the top spot on the digital tier once I have mastered this skill.

Oddly enough, when I’m down and alone is when I feel the urge to re-direct my focus into designing since it is one of the few things that truly bring me joy.

Conceptualization, everything after that is really a piece of cake. I try to work out the practicality and overall look of my designs in my head before I translate it to paper.

Peace, joy, love, contentment, fulfillment, pride, gratitude... Honestly, the list goes on forever.

Excitement dabbled in a tad bit of anxiety. I guess I worry a little about my designs being understood and accepted, but I am continuously learning to rid myself of this concern. After all, art is subjective.

If it is effortlessly received by its intended audience with little to no critique, I think design can be deemed successful.

In terms of footwear, I consider functionality, comfort, and the overall aesthetic as one entity that determines the standing of good design.

I think a major role of a designer in society is bearing the responsibility of progression and sustenance. Progression in terms of discovering newer and better ways to reserve various aesthetics while morphing them into never-before-seen silhouettes, and sustenance in terms of longevity; to create without influencing obsolescence.

I think it’s becoming progressively unconventional. Over the years, we have mostly been accustomed to mainstream designs, however, avant-garde projects are seemingly at the forefront of creativity these days. Consumers are more receptive and willing to think outside the box and understand the designer’s intent in a more fluid manner, making the possibilities of design endless. No longer will an artist have to be smothered by unwavering thoughts of the public’s approval because niches have become more subcategorized.

Since I am a fairly new designer, I am yet to hold an exhibition and will have to work out the specifics and possibilities of that happening sometime soon. Nonetheless, I most definitely have considered and planned out a showcase to display all of my cohesive works and maybe even an entirely new concept.

My inspiration comes from the need to create beauty that I am yet to witness. That being said, I do not have a go-to source of motivation. Seeing as I am a lover of art, I am able to admire its existence- in colors, concepts, and objects, and morph mental images of footwear in a way that is derived from the piece.

I would say my design style is similar to my personal style- fluid. As I mentioned earlier, I do not believe in design/style limitations and like to dabble in a bit of everything. Nevertheless, in attempts to devise a clear aesthetic going forward, I will be pursuing the concept of interchangeable footwear as it pertains to completed silhouettes and detachable fragments.

I live in my home away from home- Canada. As a Nigerian-Ghanaian inhabiting a different country for the last 9 years, the resilience and strength of my roots are most definitely mirrored in the need for my designs to be bold, daring, and powerful. With respect to planning out editorials and marketing campaigns, I am heavily driven to include my origins in a more visual manner while remaining blessed with the opportunities and resources of dwelling in a more technologically inclined country.

When working with a company, I make sure to maintain respect as it relates to the brand’s vision and aesthetic while, of course, incorporating my unique ideas in order to attain a higher objective.

It should go without saying that design portfolios speak for themselves. However, I would personally have an in-depth conversation about the designer’s mindset and vision to ensure that both companies are aligned in their goals. After a decision has been made, it would be important for companies to ensure that the designer’s creative control is valued and not constrained in order to actively pursue the progression of both the company and the designer.

I think and I do. Literally. When it comes to design, there are not many tactical measures taken to realize an idea with me. One brilliant trait of my design process, however, is that I tend to identify the possibility of more concepts in the process of designing one project.

A chalkboard with writings and drawings of all my dearest friends, a handmade wooden boat gifted to me from Sri-Lanka, a hand-crafted leather and Ankara hand fan from Ghana, a custom walk-in closet that I had the pleasure of constructing myself and a handmade wooden rose also gifted to me from Sri-Lanka.

A day in my life consists mostly of me attempting to put my thoughts in order. Despite having a set plan for the day, my mind runs a million miles an hour with ideas that I try to map out.
Hence, if I am not already creating, I am designing and visualizing the future of my brand.

Create without doubt and fear, but with lots of intellect. Designing is one part creativity and one part wisdom, so if you are able to effortlessly fuse the two then you will continue to unlock your artistic potential in more ways than you imagine.

A great positive of being a designer is definitely being blessed with a mind that produces beauty and holds the capacity to visualize an entirely new reality. Contrary to that, a general con is being subjected to constant scrutiny, whether constructive or negative. Being a designer, you are expected to take into consideration the accuracy of representation and since art is majorly subjective, the connotations of your work become an unending battle of your passion versus existing worldviews.

Complex simplicity. I often think of ways to augment finished designs to take my mind outside of its confines.

I think communication to be precise in the delivery of your ideas, time management to produce designs in a timely manner, the organization to approach tasks efficiently and problem-solving to visualize new solutions.

A lot of manual tools! I usually sketch with your basic pencil and use a tape measure with some masking tape to draw a pattern on my shoe last, I would then transfer and trace outlines using an awl and retractable utility knife. Sometimes I design on Adobe Illustrator before the previously stated routine, but I usually have a clear vision of what I want to create and don’t feel the need to.

I usually like to create a timeline for myself, giving room for delays. For example, I might break down the entire project into smaller goals in order to estimate how long each of them will take to be completed. This way I am able to keep myself on track as opposed to setting a single goal for the entire duration.

I can draft a concept on paper in about 5-10 minutes and about 30 minutes to an hour on Illustrator, depending on the complexity of the design. In terms of realizing these designs, the duration of each footwear project is again dependent on the complexity of the design and availability of resources. It can take me anywhere from two days to two weeks to handcraft a unique pair.

“You made that?!” lol I think designing footwear is one thing, but knowing how to make them is a whole other shock factor.

Getting the opportunity to work closely with a brilliant designer, Angela Huntington, and being able to share my designs with an individual who is very accustomed to art and fashion. The chance to be able to learn through and from another person’s vision was indeed an inspiring and uplifting experience.

Kolturee, a brand that produces unique handcrafted products in attempts to improve population health and contribute to research and development in the garri production industry of Ghana.

Footwear design, because it is a truly elevating skill that will never go out of style.

I plan to work my way into small-scale mass production and begin offering my designs to the general public. A lot of editorial shoots and videography need to be executed for marketing campaigns to accurately mirror my brand’s vision and for my designs to be communicated effectively.

For now, I develop my designs myself.

I am currently developing 4 additional designs to complete my Gemini Rebirth collection. In addition to that, I am considering offering a range of colors for each design in the series in order to provide consumers with more options that complement their preferences.

You can reach me via E-mail at brandedbymolly@gmail.com or via Instagram @brandedbymolly.