23. How Going Back To School Led to Business Success https://i0.wp.com/nachesnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/S78023-pin.jpg?fit=740%2C900&ssl=1 740 900 Naché Snow Naché Snow https://i0.wp.com/nachesnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/S78023-pin.jpg?fit=740%2C900&ssl=1 June 4, 2017 August 26, 2026

23. How Going Back To School Led to Business Success

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Taffi Ayodele, the co-founder of Thandos (pronounced tohn-dos; the “h” is silent) Shoes, joins me this week to discuss her thriving business and her path to entrepreneurship.

I met Taffi at a Tall Society event, where she was selling her unique Ankara-print foldable flats, and once I saw these shoes, I had to have a pair. As an owner of a pair of these flats, I can attest not only to the comfort and durability of the shoes, but also to how stylish they are.

Interestingly enough, the business was founded when a stranger approached Taffi and offered to pay $100 for a $10 off-brand pair of flats she was wearing. At that point, Taffi had a lightbulb moment, and with her background in finance and government, her vast network, and the experiences she gained through her M.B.A. studies, she started her business. Taffi shares the pitfalls and lessons learned throughout her journey, as well as her mission to serve others.

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Started career in Finance after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics
Worked in government, creating a four-year diversity program for New York State
Took a “leap of faith” following the market crash in 2008 and returned to school to pursue an M.B.A.
Leaving a full-time job and going back to school “was the best decision”
She met her business partner and husband at school
“Going back to school was one of the best decisions I ever made” – Taffi
Global internship helps to recognize a need and untapped market
Took them two years to find a manufacturer
Lesson learned: Spent 10k on a website that didn’t work; they now have a great website at a fraction of the cost
Perseverance: Missed getting sales their first Christmas because there was a major strike at the port; thought it was a huge disappointment, but they didn’t let that get them down
Instituted crowdsourcing model to distinguish business from other shoe retailers
Promotes customer engagement and participation
Supports African artists and African women in trade markets
Created a design competition for Nigerian artists
Lessons Learned: Be persistent, follow-up is important, and tap into your network
Fun fact: More than 30% of women around the world wear a shoe larger than sizes 11 and 12 (retailers make larger shoes!); Thando’s sells shoes in sizes 6 – 15!
Passionate about serving others and education
Looking to expand business globally within the next few years
Can’t live without God and Fennel tea