Behind the Brand
SUMI (須美) - “‘elegant,’ ‘clear,’ ‘refined.’”
Hello World.
My names are Thelma Chidinma Oyedeji, Creative Director at SUMI and a real life fairy! I style, up-cycle (DIY) and design cool stuff. Usually, if I styled it, there is a DIY story behind it.
Welcome to SUMI by Chidinma Oyedeji 🤎.
In the summer of 2016, I had my first of a few news features in local Massachusetts publications as one stylist within the state to watch. At the time, I was 6 months into owning a style blog and personal styling. I was bright eyed, bushy tailed and gifted.
I was also enrolled in The School of Fashion Design Boston, with the goal of learning about the business of fashion and honing my related talent in design. The program was preparing us for a final collection display at NY fashion week. I was on track to achieving my vision of a multi-functional fashion house.
In 2017, I decided to prioritize getting a Juris Doctorate degree. I began law school, putting an indefinite pin on the progress and connections I’d made in the creative space in the Boston area. My goal was to become an Intellectual Property Law attorney working in Fashion.
As 2024 wraps up, four years after completing my academic goal, the vision is re-born.
We are SUMI - refined by the years that have passed. The creative in me is pursuing passions concurrently, stepping out in faith and re-embracing my gifts.
After a 7 year hiatus, I am overjoyed to be returning to my passion project - spreading Love Like It’s Confetti through style. It is my goal, calling even, to remind others of the beauty in their uniqueness through writing and style. I want to find the diamond within, refine it, and brainwash you into realizing that you were always art. Even if your event is only for a day, we hope the realization lasts a lifetime. At SUMI, it is more than just clothes.
First came LoveLikeItsConfetti in 2016, and now, SUMI by CO. Our goal remains the same - to see the God in others and remind them that it was always there.
We hope you stay awhile. xx
Love,
C.O.
Yvonne
With a Master of Business Administration (MBA), exceptional organizational skills, a keen ability to manage priorities and a vision for building something meaningful, our Chief of Operations & Co-Chief Financial Officer blends strategic thinking with her extensive corporate leadership experience, balancing our books and managing SUMI operations. She is the efficiency and orderliness in our SUMI recipe.
Sarah
Creative, personable, and attentive to detail, our Style Assistant supports the styling process while building client relationship. She curates client experience in the months spent planning, guides clients to the right solutions with intention, provides ease, belly aching jokes, and SUMI level care.
Bunmi
Grounded, patient, and excellent in high pressure situations, our Style Assistant supports the styling process while fostering meaningful client relationships. She guides clients with kindness and composure, always dependable, effective, alert, and a soothing presence in stressful moments such as chaotic event days.
Emmannuel
Uber talented, adaptable, and a patient listener, our In-House Sketch Artist translates the Creative Director’s vision into form, listening closely to her ideas and guidance to bring design concepts into visual form through detailed, intentional sketches.
Olumide
Detail driven, a meticulous problem-solver, and deeply thorough, our Chief Technology Officer and Co-Chief Financial Officer is the quiet force behind SUMI’s precision. From creating and maintaining our website to managing key details that keep our infrastructure running smoothly, his thoroughness ensures SUMI functions.