By Maryjane Austine
Fasoro’s Lioness Brand Rises from Lagos Roots to Global Runways
From watching her mother twirl before a mirror in a modest Lagos home to becoming the founder of a globally recognised fashion brand, Tokunbo Fasoro’s journey is a powerful story of purpose, vision, and transformation.
Fasoro, founder of Lioness by TF and Elevate by TF, has carved a niche in the global fashion space by creating designs that are rooted in African culture yet crafted for international appeal. Her signature piece, the Agbada Kimono, is a contemporary take on traditional West African attire—elegant, functional, and symbolic of her brand’s fusion of heritage and innovation.
After years of balancing a successful international Human Resources career with her creative passion, Fasoro formally entered the fashion business in 2018. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she launched Clara’s Signature, a ready-to-wear label inspired by her mother, which laid the groundwork for the bolder Lioness by TF brand.
Her breakthrough moment came after relocating to the United Kingdom. Initially uncertain, Fasoro described the move as a turning point shaped by what she called “a moment of spiritual clarity.” In her words, “You are not starting from the bottom. This is your chance to build the dream you’ve had since you were 15.”
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In 2023, she officially launched Lioness by TF in the UK. Within months, the brand was exporting to countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Mexico, Germany, and the UAE. The brand has been featured in British Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour UK, and other major media outlets, and has graced international fashion events such as New York Fashion Week and Africa Fashion Week London.
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Beyond fashion, Fasoro is also focused on empowerment. Through her second brand, Elevate by TF, she mentors women particularly those of African descent on turning passion into profitable businesses. Her Limitless Woman Conference and Passion to Profit Workshops have reached over 300 women in the UK and Nigeria.
She is also an author, with two books that reflect her personal and professional journey: The Persistent Woman, which chronicles her struggles and triumphs, and Walking Your Way Into Career Success, a practical guide for building purposeful careers.
Through her NGO, Bi Empowerment Initiative, Fasoro continues to invest in women from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them vocational skills, mindset training, and startup support.
For Fasoro, fashion is more than style. “Whether I am designing kimonos, mentoring women, or launching new product lines, my mission remains the same: to uplift, empower, and ignite purpose,” she said. “I am building more than a brand. I am building a legacy.”