We caught up with Oyetola Isola, co-founder of leading Afro-Caribbean retail and e-commerce food business Samis Online.
Oyetola and her husband Olusegun launched the business back in 2009 after identifying a need for African and Caribbean products to be easily sourced within their community in Birmingham.
My car of choice
It has to be a Range Rover Sport – it feels good to drive, it’s spacious but looks compact, it’s classy and it’s sturdy. I feel safe carrying around my four children in it.
My favourite holiday destination
I love visiting Greece, arguably, it’s the most beautiful country in the world. I particularly love Santorini and have visited a few times. Dubai ranks second, having visited there a dozen times. We visit here with the kids annually.
My gadget I can’t live without
I am not very gadgety, so it would have to be my phone – I am an android girl! Everything else around me is Apple but my Samsung phone I can’t switch up. I just love it!
My go to fashion brand
Reiss/Max Mara is my go to for going in and finding something when I need it – I always can get something from there and I really like their style – it suits me, it’s classic. I usually go to Selfridges – Karen Millen, Valentino, Gucci, and Fendi are other brands I love. I also enjoy going to Bicester Designer Village. I usually go there and take my time and pick whatever I like that I’ll be able to wear at a later time.
My airline of choice
Emirates – I love the service. I love the shuttle service you get with business class. I like the in-flight service, the hostesses are very courteous and the food is so much better. The refreshments are great, and the seats are so comfortable. I love shopping in Dubai, so any opportunity to fly Emirates is great with me.
My favourite watch brand
Rolex – I have a couple and I can wear them with everything and they go everywhere. They are very versatile. You are never under/over dressed with a Rolex, it is light, durable and classy and you do get complimented every now and again, too.
I’d love a Patek watch, but I don’t have one yet!
My favourite restaurant
I love Thai food. My favourite is Hakkasan, Mayfair, London. We’re based in Birmingham so we aren’t too spoilt for choice, but Zen metro and Siamais are local favourites. Simpsons and Opheem are two of Birmingham’s finest and we visit regularly.
My guilty pleasure
Good wines! I love very good wine, I don’t like cheap wines. Anywhere that I travel I try to bring some great bottles back, I always try new ones. I used to love white wine, and red can be too serious sometimes. So, for now, I’m a rose girl.
My favourite way to give back
Food! I feed people. I love to cook and host, it gives me great pleasure. It’s very easy for me to cook. People don’t have time to cook these days, so for friends and family who have money, the best thing you can give them is food. It’s very easy to give and a nice way to show your love. I put myself into the food, if I give you my food, it means you’re special. I want people to feel good when they eat my food.
Also, my new foundation, Oyetty Foundation, is for special parents. It is something for parents of children with special needs. It provides a forum for parents to open up about their challenges, share their thoughts, and ask questions to others in their shoes without feeling judged or out of place. I am a special parent, so this cause is very close to my heart, and I can relate first-hand. Any revenue generated will be sent to Nigeria as there are very few available resources and awareness is still limited.
