Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemi Olofintila.
Hi Kemi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
CozyLab started with my daughter’s skin.
She had eczema as a baby, and I remember feeling like I was failing as a mother every time I saw the redness and constant scratching. I was constantly worried, sending pictures to her pediatrician, scrolling through articles and social media for body washes and moisturizers that could help curb the symptoms, avoiding foods I thought were triggers, and scrutinizing every fabric that touched her body.
Wearing garments made from truly skin friendly, 100 percent cotton became non negotiable in managing her flares. As the holidays approached, I struggled to find family matching pajamas that were genuinely designed for sensitive skin, with minimalist designs that could still be worn after the holidays. That gap became CozyLab.
At the same time, I had just stepped into motherhood, and my body changed in ways I had not fully prepared for. I bought clothes as my belly grew. I bought another set after delivery. Then I stood in my closet one day and realized almost nothing in it fit who I was anymore. Not only physically, but in how I needed to move through my days.
It felt wasteful. It felt like I was constantly dressing a temporary version of myself. I knew there had to be a better way to design for this, something more intentional and long term for women. That is where the idea expanded.
Not oversized robes. Not traditional maternity wear.
Elevated essentials rooted in high quality cotton. Thoughtfully constructed pieces designed to be worn before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and long after. Structured enough to feel intentional whether you are at home, at school drop off, grocery shopping, or somewhere in between.
My background in plant science, along with experience working directly with cotton, shapes how I approach every design decision. I study fabric the way I study a research problem. What causes pilling. Why does fit fail over time. How does fiber quality influence durability. How do we reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
CozyLab is built on that rigor.
We design garments rooted in comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility. Pieces that support women and families through seasons of change, not just for a moment, but for the long term.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, and I do not think building anything meaningful ever is.
One of the earliest challenges was learning how critical production oversight is, even when specifications are clearly communicated. I was intentional about the fabric selection and aligned closely with the mills. However, the bulk production did not fully match the approved sample in construction and performance. The shipment also arrived later than expected, which limited extended wear testing before launch.
After release and several wash cycles, I noticed pilling in the woven flannel.
That moment was instructive. Quality at scale requires tighter oversight and built in testing time before production is finalized. It pushed me to strengthen quality control and slow the process where necessary.
Another challenge has been balancing vision with budget. Premium materials and ethical production come at a cost, especially at smaller volumes. Producing high quality garments at accessible pricing is complex. I chose to grow slowly rather than compromise on standards.
Building CozyLab while navigating motherhood has also been demanding. Time is limited. Energy is finite. Maintaining a consistent social presence while managing production and brand development requires structure and discipline. It forced me to build systems that align with my capacity rather than fight against it.
Through it all, I have had strong support. My husband, family, and close friends have provided steady encouragement behind the scenes. Building can feel solitary. Having people who believe in the vision before it is fully visible changes the experience.
The biggest lesson has been patience. Developing a product rooted in durability and thoughtful construction requires iteration. It requires testing. It requires saying no to shortcuts. It is not the fastest path, but it is the most aligned.
So no, it has not been smooth. But each friction point refined the standard. In many ways, the setbacks clarified the brand more than the easy wins.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
CozyLab is a cotton focused brand rooted in long term wearability. We design elevated essentials for women and families with a focus on skin comfort and durability.
What sets us apart is our approach to development. With my background in plant science and experience working directly with cotton, we evaluate fabric beyond surface softness. Fiber quality, yarn construction, and long term performance are as important to us as aesthetics. We study what drives pilling, what causes shape loss over time, and how repeated washing affects structure. Our pieces are designed to be worn repeatedly and confidently, not just for a single season.
We are especially proud of building a brand that prioritizes refinement over speed. In an industry driven by rapid turnover and trend cycles, CozyLab chooses a slower, more intentional path. We test, iterate and improve rather than rush to market.
At its core, CozyLab exists to create dependable garments that support women and families through real life transitions. Pregnancy, postpartum, shifting routines, growing children. Our goal is simple. Comfort without compromise. Durability without excess. Integrity in both material and process.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have not had a formal mentor in this journey, and I am still navigating that myself. Building CozyLab has been largely self directed. Much of my learning has come from studying founders and builders whose values align with mine through interviews, books, and podcasts.
My advice to anyone starting out is to show up consistently in spaces where your people are, be honest about where you are, and value peer relationships. Growing alongside others at a similar stage can be just as powerful as having a traditional mentor.
Pricing:
- Adult sets: $50–$55
- Children’s sets: $30–$45
- Premium Pima Cotton collection launching soon. Pricing will reflect elevated fabric quality and refined construction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopcozylab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcozylab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/CozyLab/61584233413759/#
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopcozylab
