Ade+Ayo on 'Shark Tank': What is cost, who is the founder and how to buy clothing celebrating African design
It's not easy for people who migrate to have their culture and traditions easily available. However, some parents certainly put in the time and effort to help their children reconnect with their roots, for them to be tuned in to their own culture. That was certainly the case for Temidayo Adedokun, a Nigerian Canadian living in the USA. To ensure that her young son was in tune with his Nigerian identity, she created the brand Ade+Ayo, to help other children like him stay true to their roots.
But now, the question is, will Ade+Ayo be able to impress Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner and Daymond John? Continue reading to find out more about what they have to offer.
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What is Ade + Ayo?
Although it is a children's apparel brand, Ade + Ayo "aims to introduce kids to the beauty of African design to share culture, community and connection", through their vibrant and beautiful clothing.
As per the brand's website -- "Ade + Ayo" combines the Yoruba (Nigerian language) words for "crown" and "joy," reflecting the pride and happiness children bring to their parents' lives."
Who is the founder?
A Yale Law School graduate, Temidayo Adedokun is the founder of Ade+Ayo. She previously worked as an associate at Jones Hall, APLC and at Morrison & Foerster LLP. Ade+Ayo was born when Temidayo wanted her young son to reconnect with his African roots and heritage early on.
"Ade + Ayo is a dream of mine that was born when I was pregnant with my first baby. As a Nigerian Canadian now living in the United States, I've experienced a lot of changes in my life. The smell of Nigerian food, the sound of Nigerian music and the colors and patterns of traditional Nigerian clothing have made everywhere I've lived feel like home. My Nigerian culture has been a source of pride and joy for me, and I wanted it to be that for my son as well." she wrote on the brand's website.
"As I excitedly started working on my son's nursery and wardrobe, the search for nursery decor and baby clothes that would remind me of home and introduce him to the beauty of Africa revealed a huge gap. I could not find clothes in my traditional colors and patterns that would be comfortable enough for daily wear, and any "African-inspired" nursery decor I could find either equated African design with a "safari" theme or was too expensive. I was saddened to see this, but also motivated to provide a solution. So, Ade + Ayo was born." she added.
What is the cost and where to buy?
Ade+Ayo has a wide range of products, from children wear to toys and more. The bibs start from $6.50 onwards and can be purchased on the brand's website. Most of their products review well, with one customer praising their bibs -- "I bought a four pack of these bibs for my son and they are the best bandana style bibs EVER! The cotton/fleece style makes them far more absorbant than any other bibs, perfect for spit up, drool and now that we're starting solids, purées as well! And the prints are gorgeous!".
Another customer, who reviewed the brand's Kayin Short Sleeve Dress wrote -- "This dress is so vibrant and beautiful, it is every bit as lovely in person as it is in the pictures. It's soft and twirly and our 2 year old could not be happier, often requesting to be dressed in this over other dresses. You won't be disappointed! We'll be buying more from Ade + Ayo for sure :)"
Where is Ade + Ayo now?
Ade+Ayo is doing rather well, seeing that the brand is bustling on Instagram and even hosted a massive giveaway during Black History Month. They also recently launched a new line of muslin-based products as well. "Our muslin collection is now live!! ✨🥳 We have so many new products - mommy & me scrunchies, pacifier clips, crib sheets, swaddles and more - all made with super soft 70% bamboo, 30% cotton muslin. Which products are you most excited about?? Shop via the link in our bio!" they posted.
Who will steal the deal?
It's hard to say which Shark might take the bait, but all eyes are on Daymond John. However, he has turned down apparel based products before, so here's hoping Ade+Ayo has what it takes to impress him!
'Shark Tank' Season 13 Episode 15 airs on ABC on March 11, 2022, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Noggin Boss, Curie, Ade + Ayo and Behave.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.