Family History: Royalty Inspire ADASSA
ADASSA----Short version of HADDASAH--
A teenage orphan who lived in Persia centuries ago. HADDASAH finds herself in the palace as the Queen of Persia against all
odds, encouraging us that miracle still happens.
The ADASSA brand is the creation of Princess Fumi Ogunleye
of Nigeria's Adumori Royal Dynasty. The brand name is de-rived from the name of a teenager named Hadassah, who became
Queen Esther. The story of this noble queen bears semblance to that of Princess Fumi's mother, Princess Remi, a young orphan
who overcame adversity and married a prince.
Princess Fumi's passion for
designing clothes began when she was 12 years old. Her ADASSA brand is inspired by her mother, who always wore elegant loungewear
at home in her royal haven, whether she was enjoying a peaceful afternoon with her family or hosting dinner guests. Princess
Fumi wants to share her mother's sense of style with women everywhere, because she believes every woman should be able to
look and feel like a princess.
Her first lounge to daywear collection,
Inspirations from the Royal Palace: Her Majesty's Wardrobe & Brash and
Sassy:
BELIEVE, meshes vintage with modern day chic by fusing luxurious fabrics
with lace and unique accessories from around the world.
The 50 designs in the collection cater to today's fashionistas
who work as well as entertain at home but cannot find clothes that suit their style or busy schedule.
Every woman deserves to enjoy a taste of couture, smiles
Princess Fumi. But women want clothes that take them through the day without having to change two or three times.
My
collection features couture-quality pieces that can be worn at home during any occasion or at work.
Princess Fumi's interest in creating a line of women's
lounge to daywear also stems from her own experience. Having been a critical care nurse for years, the princess understands
a woman's need to slip into something comfortable and classy after work.
When I come home from work, I want to replace the scrubs
I've been wearing for 12 hours with something elegant and luxurious something that will pick me up, says Princess Fumi.
I
believe that whether you're a nurse, a homemaker, or a business professional, you deserve to look and feel your best.
Growing up in a royal household in Africa allowed
Princess Fumi to experience a life unfamiliar to most westerners, a life of royalty blended with a rich tribal heritage. Her
grandfather, King Ogunleye II, reigned for 21 years as the leader of Emure-Ekiti, a prominent community in Nigeria that is
home to the Yoruba tribe.
Her cousin King Emmanuel Adebayo was crowned king of
Emure-Ekiti in February 2008, and the princess had the privilege of at-tending his coronation. This marked her first trip
to her homeland in 23 years, and the experience was both joyful and heart-wrenching. Princess Fumi received a royal welcome
and reclaimed her royal title, but what moved her most was seeing her people and their fight to survive.
"It broke my heart to witness in my homeland broken
down schools, clinics with no running water or basic equipment, and hungry children having to walk miles to school, she laments.
This experience has showed me that I can no longer pretend that Africa is not in dire need of assistance. Something has to
be done."
Returning to Africa fueled within the princess
a passion to improve the lives of women and children on the continent of Af-rica. That passion led her to launch the
ADASSA - Adumori Foundation, a non-profit organization that will receive a portion of the proceeds from ADASSA product sales
to develop and support advancement projects in third world countries. Some of the projects the Foundation will develop include
a food distribution system for impoverished communities, a micro credit system for small business owners, and a leadership
development program for African communities. The Foundation will also provide funding and other resources for health clinics
and a youth development center.
Having witnessed King Emmanuel's positive impact on
the nation of Nigeria has given Princess Fumi new insight into what it means to serve.
"For the first time, I understand that being a princess
is not a fashion statement, but rather a mantle of responsibility for mak-ing a difference in the lives of my people," she
smiles.
ADASSA has given me a special opportunity to serve my people by investing in their future. When you purchase
an ADASSA product, you are not only changing your life and living the dream, you are also making a difference in the life
of another person across the globe.
"I am indeed humbled that I've been granted the privilege
to champion this cause for my people, she adds. With this challenge ahead of me, I invite everyone to take part in keeping
this dream alive -- the dream of one day seeing every child and woman overcome poverty."
Whether she is designing
sketches of beautiful garments, caring for the sick or serving her people, Princess Fumi Ogunleye has one goal in her life:
to make women look and feel like royalty.
ADASSA is not a product -- it is a lifestyle for all women . A
lifestyle that brings out the princess in each of us. No matter your age, your height, or your weight, you can live that dream.
It's your destiny.
