Adenike Ogunlesi stands out as one of the few Nigerian entrepreneurs who have built not just a successful brand but a whole business ecosystem. Her work created two prominent names in Nigerian fashion, Ruff ’n’ Tumble and Gatimo Apparel, each serving different markets yet driven by the same values of quality, discipline, and long-term thinking.
This article takes an in-depth look at the founder, the two brands she built, and how her leadership connects their stories
A detailed look at Adenike Ogunlesi, the founder behind Ruff ’n’ Tumble and Gatimo Apparel, exploring her leadership, impact, and brand-building journey.
The Founder’s Journey
Adenike Ogunlesi started Ruff ’n’ Tumble from a simple need. She wanted well-made children’s clothing for her kids. What began as a home-based project grew into one of Nigeria’s leading children’s fashion brands. Her transition into manufacturing through Gatimo Apparel stemmed from a clear gap she observed in the industry, where most Nigerian brands struggled to find reliable and scalable production.
Instead of outsourcing or lowering quality, she created a solution. Gatimo Apparel became a structured manufacturing company rooted in the standards she had developed through Ruff ’n’ Tumble. This founder-led approach sets both brands apart from many others in the market, as they were built on real, practical experience.
Ruff ’n’ Tumble: The Retail Brand That Set the Foundation
Ruff ’n’ Tumble became known for children’s clothing that is durable, neat, and thoughtfully designed for everyday use. The brand’s strength comes from its focus on:
- Quality fabrics
Cotton, breathable blends, and structured materials that keep their shape after repeated washing.
- Fit and comfort
The brand designs clothing for active children, so mobility and durability guide the patterns.
- Retail experience
The stores are organised, easy to navigate, and structured around parents’ needs.
Over the years, Ruff ’n’ Tumble has expanded into multiple retail outlets in Nigeria, reaching a broad customer base. Its reputation for consistency helped position it as the leading premium children’s clothing brand in the country.
Pricing & How to Buy
Ruff ’n’ Tumble operates as a consumer brand, so prices vary by product category. Parents can shop:
- In-store across major cities
- Online through the official website
- Through seasonal sales and curated collections
The buying experience is straightforward; products are clearly categorised, sizing is consistent, and customer support is responsive.
Gatimo Apparel: The Manufacturing Brand
Where Ruff ’n’ Tumble serves consumers, Gatimo Apparel serves institutions, organisations, and businesses. It produces uniforms, workwear, corporate clothing, schoolwear, and large-volume garment orders. The brand was created to solve the production challenges that many Nigerian designers face.
Fabric and Production Standards
Gatimo Apparel selects fabrics based on their durability, washability, and suitability for long production cycles. The brand’s manufacturing covers:
- Cotton and cotton-blend uniforms
- Corporate shirts and suiting fabrics
- Polyester blends for industrial use
- School uniforms and branded promotional wear
Production runs follow structured processes: pattern development, sampling, fitting checks, bulk cutting, stitching, finishing, and packaging. This system ensures orders remain consistent even when produced in large quantities.
Pricing & Order Process
Gatimo Apparel uses a B2B model. Pricing depends on:
- Fabric choice
- Quantity
- Custom details
- Delivery timeline
Order Process:
- The client sends an inquiry.
- Gatimo assesses the project and shares a quote.
- Sampling is done for approval.
- Production starts after confirmation.
- Delivery is completed to the agreed location.
The process is designed for clarity and reduces back-and-forth, which many businesses struggle with when manufacturing clothing locally.
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How Both Brands Connect
The connection between Gatimo Apparel and Ruff ’n’ Tumble lies not in their product categories, but rather in their shared founder. Adenike Ogunlesi built Ruff ’n’ Tumble first, then expanded into manufacturing through Gatimo. The production experience from Ruff ’n’ Tumble set the standards that Gatimo now applies across various industries.
While the two brands operate independently, they share a common foundation in a leadership style that values structure, discipline, and long-term quality. This is why both brands remain trusted in their respective markets.
Milestones & Achievements
Adenike Ogunlesi’s journey with Ruff ’n’ Tumble and Gatimo Apparel reflects remarkable growth, impact, and recognition. Ruff ’n’ Tumble began in the mid-1990s as a small venture selling children’s clothing from the boot of her car and has since expanded to 17 retail outlets across Nigeria, employing over 300 people in roles ranging from store operations to design and production oversight.
Gatimo Apparel, the brand’s manufacturing arm, has evolved into a facility capable of producing over 1,500 garments daily, showcasing its scale and operational capabilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company adapted to make thousands of face masks per day, helping to meet local demand.
Beyond business growth, Ogunlesi has made a substantial social impact. Through the Betti-Okuboyejo Foundation, she has trained over 200 young people in garment-making and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to the development of skills in Nigeria’s textile industry. Her initiatives, including “I Share, Because I Care”, have provided school uniforms and shoes to hundreds of children, highlighting her commitment to supporting communities while running a successful business.
Her leadership and influence have been recognised at the corporate level. In 2025, she was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Unilever Nigeria Plc, marking her contribution to the broader corporate landscape.
Brand Message & Vision
Both Ruff ’n’ Tumble and Gatimo Apparel reflect Adenike Ogunlesi’s philosophy of quality, local excellence, and sustainable growth. Ruff ’n’ Tumble communicates a message of thoughtful, durable, and comfortable children’s clothing, focusing on designs that balance style and practicality for everyday use. The brand emphasises timeless quality over fast-fashion trends, creating garments that withstand repeated wear and washing while supporting children’s active lifestyles.
Gatimo Apparel embodies the vision that Nigerian manufacturing can meet global standards. The company prioritises structured processes, consistent quality, and scalability to serve both corporate clients and institutions effectively.
Beyond business, both brands carry a strong social responsibility ethos, from training young people in garment production to supporting female entrepreneurs and donating to local communities. Ogunlesi’s approach demonstrates long-term thinking: building systems and infrastructures that generate profit and leave a lasting positive impact on the Nigerian fashion industry, empowering the next generation of designers, manufacturers, and business leaders.
Impact and Contribution to the Nigerian Fashion Industry
Adenike Ogunlesi’s work has created measurable change:
- She built one of the strongest retail fashion brands in the country.
- She established a manufacturing company that provides consistent production for Nigerian businesses.
- She contributed to the development of local skills in tailoring, production management, and garment finishing.
- She demonstrated that Nigerian brands can scale through structure and documentation.
Her work shows what is possible when a founder builds with clarity and focuses on solving real problems in the market.
Conclusion
Adenike Ogunlesi’s story ties Ruff ’n’ Tumble and Gatimo Apparel together, but each brand has its own identity and purpose. Ruff ’n’ Tumble remains a leading children’s fashion retail brand, while Gatimo Apparel stands as a dependable manufacturing company. Their connection through a single founder reflects a clear vision: build solutions that last and create systems that improve the industry.
Explore the full story of Nigeria’s leading fashion brands on OMIREN now.
FAQs
1. Who founded Gatimo Apparel and Ruff ’n’ Tumble?
Adenike Ogunlesi, a Nigerian entrepreneur renowned for her contributions to the fashion and apparel industry, founded both brands.
2. Is Gatimo Apparel the same as Ruff ’n’ Tumble?
No. They are separate brands. Ruff ’n’ Tumble is a retail children’s fashion brand, while Gatimo Apparel is a garment manufacturing company.
3. What does Gatimo Apparel produce?
Gatimo Apparel produces uniforms, workwear, schoolwear, corporate clothing, and large-volume apparel for institutions and businesses.
4. What fabrics does Ruff ’n’ Tumble use?
Ruff ’n’ Tumble uses cotton, breathable blends, and durable fabrics chosen for comfort and long-lasting wear for children.
5. How can I place an order with Gatimo Apparel?
Orders are made through a B2B structure. Clients contact the company, review a quote, approve samples, and proceed with bulk production.
