At the intersection of architecture, technology, and cultural heritage, Jumoke Dada has forged a bold vision: furniture that honors African identity while embracing modern living.
As the founder and CEO of Taeillo, she is building more than furniture—it’s an experience woven from heritage, innovation, and e-commerce.
Jumoke’s journey began in Lagos, where she earned a first-class degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Environmental Design from the University of Lagos. She cut her teeth interning at architecture, interior design, and furniture firms, absorbing the craft and discovering a passion for creating tangible spaces rather than just designs.
At an architecture conference in 2016, a chance comment—that Africans were seen only as consumers, not manufacturers—lit a spark. She quit her job, traversed Nigeria to study its design traditions, and brought those insights home in physical form.
A Facebook post of a prototype design caught a customer’s imagination—she paid a deposit, and that spark became Taeillo, launched in 2018.
The brand’s DNA lies in blending “Modern Africa”—fusing Ankara and Aso Oke fabrics, vivid local woods, and clean contemporary lines to create pieces that feel both rooted and timeless.
Jumoke describes her design philosophy simply: “Taeillo is the concept of a home that reflects African beauty,” built on the Yoruba adage, “Ile la tin keshorode”—the wellness in your home is reflected in your outlook .
What sets Taeillo apart is its digital-first approach. As Nigeria’s first e-commerce furniture brand, the company uses Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) so customers can visualize pieces in their spaces before purchase.
The “Amakisi” work table, launched during the COVID-19 lockdowns, sold thousands of units within months—proving that tech-enabled design resonated deeply.
Growth followed rapidly. Starting with zero capital, Jumoke reinvested her profits and leveraged grants and competitions—including the She Leads Africa Accelerator and the Diamond Bank BET award—to scale operations.
Today, Taeillo operates a large factory near Lagos and a 500 m² facility in Nairobi, employs nearly 100 people, and ships nearly 900 units monthly.
In December 2022, the company closed a significant $2.5 million funding round from Aruwa Capital to expand further into Africa, with ambitions to enter markets like Côte d’Ivoire next.
Jumoke’s contributions have earned her recognition near and far: notable mentions include features on BBC World News, CNN Inside Africa, the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, and accolades like Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneur, Milestone Maker, Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria (Leading Ladies Africa), and HER Network Woman of the Year (Entrepreneurship) .
Through Taeillo, Jumoke commands an ecosystem: part manufacturer, part storyteller, part tech innovator.
She shapes not just furniture but aspirations—elevating African design, creating jobs, and building infrastructure that challenges the continent’s dependence on imports. Each piece tells a story, each sale affirms identity, and each expansion carves space for African creativity. By rooting innovation in culture and marrying craftsmanship with digital strategy, Jumoke Dada is not just building furniture—she’s building a future that feels like home.
