Mifland founder Tobi Egberongbe built his brand from limited resources into a label known for handcrafted leather goods and more.
Starting with less than $200 and a camera, he developed the brand through a hands-on approach that continues to shape how it operates today.
“In the beginning, my resources looked very different… I had more time and ideas than money, and limited opportunities,” he said in an interview with Blavity. “It was me figuring things out in real time. I didn’t have a roadmap or funding… I had curiosity, taste, and a willingness to learn.”
He managed every part of the process early on.
“I was sourcing materials in small quantities, hand-making pieces, shooting them myself, and uploading everything online,” he said. “There were no big production runs, just long nights of trial and error, and a strong belief in what I was building. Every sale felt personal because it was directly tied to the work I was putting in with my own hands—literally hand-making each item.”
How his creative background shaped the brand
Egberongbe said photography informed how he approached both storytelling and product design.
“Photography gave me direction and taught me how to see things from other people’s perspectives, or with other people in mind—how to frame moments and tell stories without saying too much,” he said. “That translated directly into how I approached Mifland.”
He said this perspective shaped how he thought about the relationship between product and audience.
“I believe I’ve always had an ‘eye’ for photography. I’ve consistently thought about the brand and how the products make people feel, how they live in the world, more specifically, in their world. That perspective really shaped the narrative and individual storytelling. I would pair bags with potential owners and imagine their journey with each piece.”
He also relied on that skill set to remain independent early on.
“Photography also gave me creative independence early on. I didn’t have to wait on anyone to shoot campaigns or create content—I could build the world of the brand myself, which was critical in those early stages,” he added.
How Mifland approaches growth and cultural impact
As the brand expanded, Egberongbe said quality remained the priority.
“Quality is the most important thing in this era, where so many items are disposable and easily replaceable,” he said. “It comes down to discipline and intention. I’ve never been interested in chasing volume at the expense of quality.”
He said the focus remains on long-term value.
“For me, it’s about building products that last—pieces that feel considered, hold value over time, and elevate a constantly evolving wardrobe. That means being selective about materials, maintaining a close relationship with production and quality control, and growing at a pace that allows us to uphold that standard,” he explained.
“Scaling doesn’t have to mean compromising… it just means being more strategic,” he added.
He also sees the brand as part of a broader shift in how Black creativity is represented.
“Brands like Mifland help expand, shape, and sometimes even redefine a narrative,” he said. “There’s so much depth within Black creativity, and so much room for exploration—yet for a long time, only certain stories were amplified.”
“We’re part of a generation that gets to showcase that range through immense creativity and our unique perspectives on how we approach design,” he added. “Black designers exist across every tier, from luxury to streetwear and are expressing their creativity through craftsmanship, minimalism, and active participation in global design conversations.”
What’s next and advice for founders
Egberongbe said future growth will focus on expansion while refining the brand’s core.
“I see Mifland continuing to grow into a more expansive lifestyle brand, beyond accessories and RTW into new categories, new experiences, and more global visibility,” he said. “At the same time, I want to deepen what we already do well, refining craftsmanship, storytelling, and community. Growth for me isn’t just about size, it’s about impact and staying culturally relevant while remaining grounded in the original vision.”
He said the brand’s long-term goal is rooted in what it represents.
“I want Mifland to represent what’s possible when you build something from the ground up with intention,” he said. “Not just aesthetically, but structurally. A brand that stayed true to its identity, prioritized quality, and created opportunities along the way. If it inspires someone else to start, even without resources, and believe they can build something meaningful, that’s a legacy I’m proud of.”
For founders starting with limited resources, he emphasized learning every part of the process.
“Resourcefulness is everything,” he said. “I think founders sometimes move too quickly to get rid of or delegate tasks they don’t find enjoyable. Having limited resources at the start is actually a gift; it allows you to learn and experience every part of the business.”
“As you grow, this makes it easier to communicate with your staff who take over those responsibilities,” he added.
He said delegation and relationships become more important over time.
“On the flip side, one of the most important skills to hone is delegation. Being able to identify where you are most effective is critical,” he said. “Another equally important skill is building your network. These connections will become your future collaborators, coworkers, colleagues, and even decision-makers.”