Hi there! 

I’m Lara Olowofoyeku, a self-made Entrepreneur, Sewing Tutor, Web Designer & Registered Nurse. I’m passionate about helping people who are interested and eager to develop their fashion designing skills thereby creating entrepreneurs who can adapt rapidly in this fast-paced fashion world, making dresses that fits perfectly and consequently build a profitable business around their ideas.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Fashion designer, I’m hoping that you will take your time to explore the contents on this site and learn something new and positive.

This website features Pattern making tutorials (sharing step by step methods of drafting patterns tailored to your body or existing garments) that will subsequently guide you through creating your beautiful apparels…..even if you are new to sewing, I got you covered. I will also be sharing tips, information and resources that will help you upgrade your sewing skills and build a business that is not only financially rewarding but also sustainable.

I was born in Nigeria but currently living in the United Kingdom with my lovely husband and two adorable kids. My love to look after people’s well-being led me to pursuing a career in Nursing and eventually graduated with Masters in Nursing from the University of Bradford but now my passion for needles and threads has gradually taken over my love for needle and syringe….hahaha.

A Nurse turned ”Fashionpreneur”…..this is my story.

At a young age, I had a healthy addiction to art and crafts. I loved to make my doll’s hair, stitching together my torn clothes with needle and thread, in general, I love creating good stuffs. 

While in the University, as a self-taught hairdresser, I was the preferred choice by friends, colleagues and acquaintance making their hair and supplementary income for my service. Since I enjoyed doing this, it was taken seriously then with no thought whatsoever to learn dressmaking.

The intention of learning how to sew emanated about a decade ago as I was rounding off my undergraduate studies from the Uni. I got frustrated when tailors kept disappointing, unduly delaying  and not coming up with my chosen styles and vogue,…….eyes rolling…..As I am the type with flair for good look (as they say, dress the way you want to be addressed) I concluded the best way to satisfy me will be to bring my creativity instinct to bare once more but first I need to join a sewing class.

MY SEWING JOURNEY

Without any previous experience, I enrolled for a-12-week training with just 20 hours a week to spare because of my schedule. My sewing instructor would not believe her eyes when she saw me cutting fabrics to measurements having spent barely 3 weeks in training…although not too perfect, it was something to be proud about.

MY PASSION

I wouldn’t have loved anything more than taking a flat piece of fabric, cut it out, stitch it together to make a beautiful garment. Could you ever believe that I couldn’t afford to buy a sewing machine while I was learning how to sew and even a while after?. But I always made use of every little opportunity I have. So, if you are reading this, not having a sewing machine shouldn’t be an excuse for you.

Because of my new found passion for fashion designing, I hoovered up knowledge from blogs, reading sewing books and lots of trial and error!……..#laughing. And here I am today, an outstanding fashion designer with zest for even further learning, May you never forget that learning is a lifelong process.

 THE ORIGIN OF DONLARRIE

The idea for my business gradually blossomed as my family, friends and colleagues at work kept telling me how creative I am and that they would also like to learn. So, I decided to open a fashion store where I would be making clothes for people and teaches as well. With the support of my husband and family, DONLARRIE COUTURE was born in 2012 while in Nigeria.

A few years ago I decided to take my sewing business to the next level by sharing my skills and knowledge to people wherever they might be across the globe. 

Some people taught I was going crazy when I told them that am putting my Nursing career aside and want to face my Sewing career squarely. It was a big risk though, but the fact that I’ll be working from home thereby having enough time to spend with and look after my family makes me even happier. Oh, very importantly I must also not forget to mention that I became my own boss answerable only to my esteemed clients.

What started as a hobby has now turned to a sustainable source of income and now a globally recognized fashion design trainer of over 2000 individuals across the world. What a joy and wonderful achievement this has been for me as I empower others.

Tell me! Who says you can’t achieve your goals? Who told you that you can’t start making money both online and offline from what you have a passion for? It is never too late for someone out there to start pursuing his/her dream and live that life you wished for, all you have to do is a commitment to  get started.

Thank you for stopping by Donlarrie Couture, I hope you’re inspired by my story and I hope you’ll enjoy reading my blog, sewing with my patterns and join my online workshop to learn the easiest way of getting started and making your own clothes and building your business successfully and globally.