My Story
My name is Temmy Kayode, and I am the Founder and CEO of Temmy Collection—a global fashion brand rooted in culture, creativity, resilience, and purpose.
My journey into fashion began at a very young age in Nigeria, where I discovered my passion for sewing while still in elementary school. Even then, fashion was more than clothing to me—it was storytelling, identity, and self-expression. As I grew, so did my creativity. I began designing and sewing garments that reflected African heritage, bold aesthetics, and refined tailoring. My work quickly gained recognition, and those around me admired not only my craftsmanship, but also my vision.
From the very beginning, my dream was clear:
to take African fashion to the world and make African attire accessible to everyone, everywhere.
In 1998, I officially launched my fashion business and went on to design for well-known celebrities across Africa. Each piece I created carried pride, culture, and excellence—values that continue to define my brand today.
When I relocated to the United States, I entered a new chapter filled with both challenges and opportunities. Rather than allowing borders to limit my dreams, I found innovative ways to relaunch and expand my fashion business globally. Today, my designs are sold on major international marketplaces including Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and eBay, reaching customers across the world.
Our fabrics are carefully and ethically selected from the finest African prints, celebrating authenticity, quality, and heritage. Every design reflects boldness, excellence, and timeless African elegance.
What began as a childhood dream has grown into a global brand—and a lasting legacy.
Our Brand Philosophy: CRAFRIK / CRAFIRK Designs
CRAFRIK (CRAFIRK) Designs exists to empower people who proudly embrace their culture.
Our handmade designs for both women and men are known for their bold silhouettes, refined craftsmanship, and strong cultural identity. When you wear our pieces, you don’t just wear fashion—you wear confidence, history, and pride.
We believe African fashion should:
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Be bold yet refined
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Be deeply rooted in culture
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Be accessible without compromise
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Always tell a meaningful story
Our customers consistently share how our designs reconnect them to their roots, heritage, and identity, no matter where they are in the world.
If you love fashionable African outfits made with high-quality fabrics and top-notch tailoring, then CRAFIRK Designs are made for you.
Resilience & Legacy
What started as a dream has become a lasting reality.
Black-owned businesses often face unique challenges, and many struggle to survive long-term. Yet through perseverance, faith, creativity, and community support, we have remained in business for decades—a testament to resilience, consistency, and purpose-driven leadership.
My journey is proof that African creativity belongs on the global stage.
Events & Cultural Impact
Beyond fashion design, I am deeply committed to cultural preservation, empowerment, and community building. I have founded and led influential fashion and cultural platforms that celebrate African heritage and economic empowerment, including:
Africa Fashion Week Maryland & Maryland Africa Fashion Week (AFWMMAFW)
A premier international platform showcasing African and diaspora designers while positioning Maryland as a rising hub for global fashion, culture, and tourism.
Maryland Fashion Week & Fashion Week Maryland (MFWFWM)
Empowering Fashion. Celebrating Culture. Elevating Maryland.
Maryland is a state with undeniable fashion potential. Marylanders are passionate about style, culture, and creativity. Our mission is to transform Maryland into a fashion-forward hub and a nationally recognized destination for fashion and innovation through runway productions, cultural showcases, and industry development.
African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative (ACFHI)
Where Fashion Meets Identity, and Culture Becomes Global
The African Cultural Fashion Heritage Initiative (ACFHI) is a prestigious nonprofit foundation committed to celebrating the richness, beauty, and diversity of Black, African, and Caribbean cultures. Founded by Temitope Kayode, ACFHI empowers local and international Black creatives through fashion, storytelling, heritage preservation, events, media, retail, and tourism.
As a transformative cultural platform, ACFHI bridges the gap between African heritage and the global stage—uniting communities, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation of talent.
These initiatives uplift designers, models, creatives, entrepreneurs, and youth, positioning African fashion as both art and economic power.
Author & Thought Leadership
In addition to fashion and events, I am also an author and thought leader, using books and storytelling to educate, inspire, and empower aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives.
Starting Your Own Fashion Business
A Comprehensive Guide to the 25 Most Profitable Industries Under the Fashion Umbrella
This book provides aspiring fashion entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and practical guidance to launch and sustain a successful fashion venture. It covers:
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Concept development and market research
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Branding and positioning
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Financing and production
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Marketing and scaling strategies
With real-world insights, expert perspectives, and practical tools, this guide equips readers with the confidence and clarity needed to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.
AI Profits Unleashed: Earning Online Made Simple and Smart
This book explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing online income, making digital entrepreneurship more accessible than ever. It offers:
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Beginner-friendly, step-by-step AI strategies
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Practical tools for creating smart income streams
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Clear explanations with zero technical barriers
Divided by Distance, United by Blood
(Co-authored)
Written by two close friends, brothers, and entrepreneurs from different countries, this emotionally powerful book explores family, identity, distance, and reconciliation. Set across cultures and continents, it examines how blood ties endure—even when separated by time, geography, and hidden truths.
Core Themes in My Work
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Cultural identity
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African heritage
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Faith, resilience, and purpose
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Entrepreneurship and innovation
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Building a global brand as a Black woman entrepreneur
Through my books, events, and speaking engagements, I aim to inspire the next generation to believe in their dreams, embrace their identity, and build with purpose.
