Today we’d like to introduce you to Shade Akinruli Founder & CEO of Addictive Brand.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

My love for fashion began when I was a youngster. As a child, instead of coloring in my coloring books, I would draw the pics and plaster them on my bedroom wall. I remember my mom would purchase the latest sneakers & clothes for me starting when I was in middle school. I was kind of spoiled, now that I look back at my life as a kid. Every week I wore a new pair shoes to school and it got to the point where my classmates would look down at my feet every week to see what new shoe I was wearing. I also liked to make sure what I wore was a little bit more customized than what I saw other people wearing. So I would do things like, paint my Air Force Ones a different color, BeDazzle my shirts, jackets, and hats. I got lots of compliments on my clothes and shoes. This kinda led me to become a creator and influenced my journey to become a fashion designer. I knew I wanted to do this as a career, the year of 2012 was when I started Addictive.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

Overcoming challenges has yet to come. I do my own thing and honest hardly pay attention to what others are doing. Honesty everything that has came along the way in my journey is truly a lesson and blessing.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

Addictive is known for its classic black staple pieces with its signature stamp and custom designs for women and men. Over the eight years, Addictive has contributed to the fashion industry by expressing its rare aesthetic streetwear designs specialzing in personal styling, retail, and numerous fashions events. Additionally, Addictive Brand has released multiple collections, including Depandance Collection (2014), Reckless Collection Series 1-3 (2015-2018), Take Your Addiction Serious Capsule Collection (2018), and Protect Yourself Capsule Collection (2020).

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

The best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life would be to stop looking for validation and start doing. Start living your dreams and get everything you want in life.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?