Luxury has always existed, but access to it has evolved. Today, it isn’t just about what you buy, it’s about who you trust to get it for you. Long before personal shopping became a buzzword in Nigerian luxury circles, Omobolaji Akinsanya was quietly building something different from his base in the UK: a service rooted in trust, speed, taste, and discretion.
What started as a simple Instagram page has grown into Lamanee, a high-end personal shopping brand that caters largely to Nigerian clients who want more than just items; they want assurance. From sourcing hard-to-find pieces to navigating time zones, trends, logistics, and the emotional urgency that often defines luxury shopping, Omobolaji has learned the market from the inside out.
In this conversation, he opens up about building a business on Instagram before it was fashionable to do so, the realities of serving Nigerian luxury consumers from abroad, the misconceptions around personal shopping, and what it truly takes to stay relevant in a fast-moving, high-pressure industry.
You started Lamanee Luxe on Instagram long before luxury personal shopping became what it is for Nigerians today. What sparked that first “Yes, this is it” moment?
It began as intuition — a quiet certainty. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful things, but more than that, I’ve always had an instinct for finding what people desire before they even articulate it. Instagram, at the time, felt like this untouched runway of possibilities. Once I delivered my first orders and saw how deeply people valued trust, transparency, and taste, I knew I had found my lane. Lamanee Luxe wasn’t just a business — it was a calling.
Take us back to your early days. What did building credibility look like when you were just starting?
When you’re new, your reputation is your only currency. I built mine meticulously, one order, one client, one delivery at a time. I documented everything, from sourcing to shipping. I communicated constantly. And I delivered consistently. In a market where trust is sacred, I made sure Lamanee Luxe felt like a safe pair of hands.
The Nigerian market is emotional, fast-paced, and unpredictable. What has working with Nigerian clients taught you?
Nigerians have an unmatched relationship with desire. When they commit to something, it’s with clarity and conviction. Their urgency isn’t impatience, it’s passion. And their taste is bold, expressive, and ever-evolving. Serving this market has taught me to stay alert, stay agile, and always stay inspired.
Instagram shows the glamour of luxury shopping, but what are the parts the world doesn’t see?
Everything behind the scenes: the sourcing challenges, sudden global price shifts, customs surprises, sold-out pieces that require personal miracles, sleepless nights tracking shipments across time zones. The final reveal is glamorous, yes, but the journey is a blend of precision, persistence, and prayer.
What’s the most memorable request you’ve ever received?
I once had a last-minute request for a pink diamond ring, and I had only 24 hours to deliver it. I used my industry network to make it happen, and it was one of the most memorable requests I’ve ever handled. Pink diamonds are rare, so it was truly remarkable.
What’s the hardest part of the job that people often misunderstand?
People see the item, not the orchestration. They don’t see the currency fluctuations, the brand negotiations, the logistics, the customs maze, or the emotional management it takes to ensure clients stay excited and reassured. Delivering luxury requires a calm exterior and a battlefield of operations underneath.
Many UK-based Nigerians are now in the personal-shopping space. What sets Lamanee Luxe apart?
Lamanee Luxe isn’t built on trends; it’s built on trust. I don’t just sell items; I curate lifestyles… We give tailored-made services which transcend personal items. My clients know that I understand their taste, anticipate their desires, and protect their interests. It’s a relationship-driven model, where consistency creates loyalty. That is what sets us apart.
What has Instagram done for Lamanee Luxe that traditional marketing never could?
It humanised the brand. Instagram allowed people to see my process, my aesthetic, and my values in real time. It created a direct line to clients across continents. It transformed Lamanee Luxe from a service into a community.
With global inflation and the fluctuating naira, has Nigerian luxury appetite shifted?
Luxury desire hasn’t faded, but it has become more intentional. Clients are investing in timeless pieces, classic silhouettes, and items with long-term value. They think more, plan more, but they still appreciate excellence. Nigerians will always love quality.
What’s the biggest myth about Nigerian luxury lovers?
That it’s all about showing off. In truth, many of my clients buy luxury for deeply personal reasons — to celebrate milestones, honour their achievements, or simply enjoy the beauty of craftsmanship. Luxury, for them, is emotional, not performative.
Your personal style is reflected across the Lamanee Luxe brand. How would you describe your aesthetic?
Soft elegance. Quiet confidence. Pieces that speak without shouting. I love beautifully structured simplicity — the kind of luxury that whispers but leaves an impression. That sensibility influences everything we curate at Lamanee Luxe.
What do you want the Lamanee Luxe name to represent in the next five years?
Legacy. Not just a luxury service, but a brand synonymous with trust, excellence, and impact. I want Lamanee Luxe to continue setting a global standard where service meets intention, and luxury meets purpose.
If you weren’t a personal shopper, what would you be doing?
Something in the creative world. Perhaps creative direction or brand consulting. I love bringing ideas to life. But no matter what, it would still be rooted in aesthetics and storytelling.
As competition grows, what’s next for Lamanee Luxe?
Growth, but intentional growth. We have expanded our offerings through Lamanee Luxe Concierge, a full-service luxury lifestyle experience — from art sourcing …event bookings to curated travel, restaurant reservations, entertainment access, and even football match tickets.
We’re also exploring more collaborations and envisioning a physical space that embodies our world: soft, elegant, and meticulously curated.
We look forward to more collaborations with leading brands. Notably, in 2022, we brought the Dolce & Gabbana MTO team to Lagos.
But the beautiful thing about Lamanee Luxe is that it will continue evolving. Always grounded in excellence, always tied to purpose, and always committed to our community. This is the heart of our brand. A percentage of every Lamanee Luxe purchase goes directly to the Fruit of the Womb Support Foundation, which supports families facing fertility challenges. For many couples, the emotional and financial weight of this journey is overwhelming. So when you shop with Lamanee Luxe, you’re not just indulging in luxury — you are giving hope to a family.
We deeply welcome individuals and businesses who want to partner with the foundation. Impact grows when hands joins.
