#37 - TDA (THE DARE ALIU) : From Poverty to Building One of Nigeria's Biggest Fashion Brands

Nigeria needs more people speaking sense, not nonsense.That was one of the first things Engineer Dari Aliyu said in this conversation.And honestly, it set the tone for everything that followed.Most people know Dari Aliyu as the founder of TDA, one of Nigeria's most respected fashion brands.What many don't know is the story behind the success.He lost his father at the age of two. He was raised by an uneducated mother. His older siblings sacrificed everything to keep the family together. He earned a scholarship into King's College, studied engineering in Russia under one of the toughest education systems in the world, and eventually built a brand that thousands admire today.But this conversation is bigger than fashion.It's about education, discipline, faith, value creation, poverty, success, ambition, family, entrepreneurship and the mindset required to build something meaningful from nothing.Dari shares lessons from his childhood, why he believes school is still important, why success is often misunderstood, how Russia shaped his thinking, the sacrifices behind TDA's growth, and why the pursuit of value matters more than the pursuit of money.If you're a student, entrepreneur, young professional, founder, creator, or simply someone trying to build a better life, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Much of the discussion centers on education, discipline, value creation, overcoming hardship, and building a meaningful life through consistent effort and personal responsibility.This is not just a conversation about business. It's a masterclass on life.Sound Minds PodcastHosted by Tolu AfilakaWhat was your biggest takeaway from this conversation?CHAPTERS00:00 – Why Nigeria Needs More People Speaking Sense, Not Nonsense01:33 – Meet Engineer Dari Aliyu02:25 – Losing His Father At 2 & Growing Up With Nothing04:19 – Why School Is Not A Scam07:50 – The Biggest Misconception About His Background10:07 – How His Mother & Siblings Saved The Family12:24 – Winning A Scholarship Into King's College15:56 – The Harsh Reality Of Studying In Russia18:58 – Inside One Of The Toughest Education Systems In The World21:07 – Why He Returned To Nigeria Instead Of Staying Abroad23:42 – His First Job & Lessons About Money27:19 – The Definition Of Success Most People Get Wrong32:46 – How TDA Was Started36:39 – Building A Fashion Brand Like An Engineer39:35 – Why Society Celebrates The Wrong Things42:56 – Growing TDA Through Difficult Times47:58 – Surviving COVID & Reinventing The Business51:17 – Meeting His Wife & The Power Of Divine Timing54:30 – Success, Failure & Personal Growth58:22 – Faith, Purpose & Finding Direction01:02:18 – Protecting The TDA Brand & Building New Ventures01:05:47 – The Principles That Changed His Life01:09:57 – Final Advice For Young Nigerians Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.