Ayo Collections — Ayo meaning “Joy” in Olayinka’s native Yoruba language — boasts a wide range of pieces, from formal wear to ready-to-wear styles, all featuring vibrant colors and prints of African designs blended with classic Western silhouettes.

Olayinka is actively expanding her business by establishing wholesale partnerships with current boutiques and enhancing her presence in Seattle’s growing fashion community. Her ultimate aspiration is to launch an independent Ayo Collections boutique in the future.

Olayinka approached the IRC Seattle Small Business Program while searching for additional working capital to expand her clothing inventory and organize a local fashion show. With guidance from her business counselor, Olayinka successfully secured two loans totaling $20,000 with 0% interest. 

While meeting with her business counselor, Olayinka discovered she was paying excessively high interest on her car loan. Consequently, she proceeded to apply for, and successfully secure, an auto finance loan, enabling her to reduce her monthly car payment by half.

Olayinka’s counselor also helped her apply for a featured space in the Seattle Restored revitalization program. Olayinka was accepted to the program, opening avenues for Ayo Designs to be featured across Downtown Seattle storefronts. 

“This is one of the best things I have done for myself. It’s helped lower my monthly payments, and it’s a blessing. Now I can use those funds to pay off other expenses,” says Olayinka.

Website: https://ayocollections.com/