The Chief Executive Officer of Minuel Designs Limited, Emmanuel Faleti, has said that his foray into shoemaking goes beyond fashion and style, as it is deeply rooted in heritage, dignity and expression.Speaking with Sunday Scoop, Faleti, who has been in the shoemaking industry for over a decade, revealed that his passion began as a child growing up on Ladipo Street in Mushin, Lagos. He said, “I loved making things with my hands from an early age. I saw footwear not just as a product, but as a form of identity and dignity. Founding Minuel Designs in 2016 was a natural evolution of that passion. I wanted to build more than shoes; I wanted to build confidence and legacy.”
The entrepreneur stated that his company’s growth over the years has been spurred by a number of key moments. “First, early clients trusted us and referred others. That word-of-mouth growth gave us validation. Then came awards like Entrepreneur of the Year and the Craft Heritage Preservation Award, which helped to boost our credibility. Also, moving into comfort-driven and orthopaedic footwear allowed us to reach new markets, including the elderly and people with special foot needs,” he said.
Faleti, who studied Business Administration and later obtained an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Lagos Business School, added that his academic background has greatly influenced how he runs the brand. He stated, “It helped me think beyond the craft. While I was honing my skill with my hands, I was also learning how to build systems, solve problems, and scale a business. That balance has shaped Minuel Designs.”
Highlighting the impact of the Minuel School of Shoemaking, which he established to train artisans and empower young people, the entrepreneur said, “The school was born out of the belief that skills can change lives. Many of our graduates now own their own brands or work in the footwear industry. The ripple effect has been fulfilling.”
Sharing his plans for the future, he noted that he wants to establish Minuel Studios in the UK and Canada, and launch an orthopeadic footwear division.
