Big Lin aims to take Sir Lin Derachi global
Driven by sheer determination, Daniel Kalu Ibe, known as Big Lin, is setting his sights on making Sir Lin Derachi, his clothing brand, a globally recognized name.
Big Lin, the astute entrepreneur behind the fashion label, envisions it as a brand beloved worldwide.
He said: “I see my clothing brand being one of the most loved, valued, and talked-about brands in the world.
“In years to come, it will have stores open globally. That is my dream, and I see it coming to pass.”
Reflecting on his journey, Big Lin explained how he initially started in 2020 by showcasing his creations to a small circle of friends.
“I launched my brand in 2020, initially introducing it to a few friends. Before that, I worked as a shoemaker, specializing in female footwear since 2016,” he recalled.
In 2020, he decided to pivot, focusing on men’s footwear, laying the groundwork for what would become Sir Lin Derachi Wears.
The brand’s expansion continued in 2022, as Big Lin introduced a broader range of products, including Senator wear, shirts, trousers, polos, jeans, and caps.
However, the shift from commercial shoemaking to branded production came with its own set of hurdles.
“My branded footwear has a higher quality, which is harder to achieve in smaller quantities,” he noted.
“Suppliers and machine operators were often reluctant to work with smaller orders, making it difficult to access necessary materials and services.”
Recalling additional challenges, Big Lin, a native of Abia State, described the setbacks he encountered with unreliable workers and fluctuating costs.
“In the clothing line, I faced setbacks with unreliable workers—some took off with payments, while others delivered substandard work, leading to significant losses,” he said.
“Additionally, rising material costs created further challenges. Despite these obstacles, I’ve gradually grown the brand.”
Through resilience and passion, Big Lin is building Sir Lin Derachi toward a future as a respected name in global fashion.
