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Ep. 123 How To Curate A Career You Love By Taking Every Opportunity With Irene Agbontaen

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January 27, 2025

TLDR: Irene Agbontaen, frustrated by lack of fashion options for tall women, founded TTYA (Taller Than Your Average) in 2018. She curated a multifaceted career post-brand success through hustle and adaptation. Challenges included securing first orders from prominent retailers and staying true to herself.

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In the latest episode of the podcast, titled "How To Curate A Career You Love By Taking Every Opportunity With Irene Agbontaen," the journey of entrepreneur Irene Agbontaen is laid bare. She is the founder of TTYA (Taller Than Your Average), a brand dedicated to providing stylish clothing for taller women, a market she felt was sorely lacking during her previous jobs in retail. This engaging episode dives deep into her life, career transitions, the challenges faced, and numerous opportunities seized along the way.

Irene’s Early Life and Aspirations

Irene shares insights into her childhood in South London, outlining a background steeped in hard work and resilience, stemming from her West African roots. Growing up in a household that valued academic success, she felt the pressure to excel, which helped shape her disciplined work ethic. However, she also expressed the desire for something more than just traditional career paths, igniting her entrepreneurial spirit early on.

Key Takeaways:

  • Influence of Family: Irene's Nigerian upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and an acute awareness of community.
  • Desire for More: Despite academic success being highly valued, Irene sought to break the mold and create something unique.

Finding Her Way in Fashion

Through various retail jobs, particularly at Selfridges, Irene cultivated an understanding of merchandising and the clothing industry. However, it wasn’t until her first significant opportunity at a fashion trade show in Barcelona that she began to see the potential for a brand focused on taller women.

The Birth of TTYA

Irene's frustration with ill-fitting clothing for taller women propelled her to take action. Seeing few options available for women like herself, she decided to start TTYA not just as a brand but as a movement advocating for inclusion in fashion.

Entrepreneurial Insights:

  • Seizing Opportunities: Ignoring fear, Irene boldly approached fashion professionals, resulting in her first break in the industry.
  • Community Matters: Building connections through her retail experiences was pivotal in advancing her career.

Hustle and Overcoming Challenges

The podcast discusses Irene's experience of hustling to establish TTYA, including the various challenges she faced, such as launching her brand without a clear path. Her resourcefulness was evident when she secured her first order from Selfridges, marking a significant milestone.

Challenges Include:

  • Logistical Hurdles: Learning about the intricate logistics involved in supply chain management and retail partnerships.
  • Financial Risks: Navigating financial pressures from product deliveries, including liabilities and insurance requirements.

The Power of Saying Yes

A significant theme in Irene's journey is the idea that saying yes to opportunities—even when they seem daunting—has fueled her growth. From working nights in clubs to launching a fashion line, her willingness to embrace new experiences has served her well.

Important Lessons:

  • Flexibility: Embracing the changes and learning from setbacks fosters resilience.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Building partnerships and networking effectively can open doors.

Building a Brand and Community

Irene emphasizes that TTYA is not just a brand; it signifies a community and a voice for those who often feel overlooked in fashion. As she navigates the entertainment industry, she highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping brand narratives.

Community Impact:

  • Empowering Others: TTYA has become a platform for mentoring and encouraging women, particularly tall women, to embrace their identities.
  • Creating Space: Irene aims to cultivate spaces where underrepresented voices can thrive and be heard.

Homeownership Journey

Towards the episode's end, the discussion shifts to Irene’s personal milestones, including her journey to homeownership and the lessons learned along the way. She elaborates on the significance of financial independence and the hurdles of being a female homeowner in a male-dominated industry.

Homeownership Highlights:

  • Empowering Narrative: Irene shares her struggles with builders and the vital importance of advocating for her needs during renovations.
  • Sharing Knowledge: Through social media, she aims to educate others about the complexities of home buying and renovation.

Conclusion: Curating Your Career

Irene Agbontaen’s story is one of fortitude, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth. Her reflections on embracing challenges and taking every opportunity are invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts:

  • Know Your Worth: A crucial takeaway is to always know your value and not be afraid to advocate for what you deserve in any professional setting.
  • Continuous Learning: Irene’s journey exemplifies that every experience—whether successful or challenging—is an opportunity for growth.

Overall, this episode serves as a powerful reminder to curate a career that aligns with your passions, by being proactive, resilient, and open to the diverse paths that life unfolds.

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