Bolupe Adebiyi is the founder of Cotton Loops, a conscious black and white artisanal brand. She started Cotton Loops in 2018 in her garage, and four years later, she has a full team, a manufacturing factory and a store front. Bolupe also started the 10,000 Girls by Cotton Loops Initiative to address disparities between males and females in the workforce and in schools.

IVLP Impact Award Project: 10,000 Girls by Cotton Loops

The project trained and empowered under-served girls in public schools across Nigeria. An intensive 3-day training on vocational, life and social skills taught them how to write basic business plans, and  placed the girls in supervised internships with continued mentorship. 10,000 Girls by Cotton Loops aims to raise 10,000 strong, financially independent, highly-skilled and self-sustaining Nigerian girls by 2030.

"It is hard to believe you do all of this for so many girls - I cannot wait to see them excel in the future." - Project Partner

IVLP Exchange Experience

Bolupe participated in the IVLP Project Promoting Economic Growth and Trade in the Fashion Industry, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360 in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City, Global Ties Alabama, Global Ties Akron and World Affairs Council - Seattle.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Huntsville, AZ; Washington, DC; New York City, NY; Akron, OH; Seattle, WA

"IVLP has amplified my work and provided me with unimaginable access to global opportunities, international networks, funding, skills and strategies." - Bolupe Adebiyi

Country: Nigeria 

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