We had the good fortune of connecting with Abolaji Alabi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abolaji, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a young boy in Nigeria, I had a classmate “Obinna” in Kindergarten who wore a wristwatch to school every day. One afternoon on the playground, I accidentally broke the watch. Sadly, my parents could not replace the watch due to financial hardships. However, Obinna’s parents were kind enough to let it go, and as a result, Obinna and I became good friends.

Unfortunately, Obinna had Lymphoma and passed away during his last year in high school. This childhood memory endeared me to wristwatches and, ultimately, the desire to own mine in memory of my dear friend. I maintained the penchant to own a wristwatch brand. The desire was further ignited amid the global Covid pandemic and its attendant uncertainty. These events metamorphosed into Flexaago, established in San Diego, California, in 2020.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Flexaago, our art lies in the fusion of timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology, redefining the essence of wristwatch craftsmanship. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation, seamlessly integrating advanced functionalities into our designs without compromising style.

We take immense pride in our ability to marry tradition with innovation, offering timepieces that not only tell time but also enhance the wearer’s lifestyle. Our journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. We faced numerous challenges, from sourcing quality materials to navigating the competitive landscape of the watch industry.

However, through perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, we overcame these obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient. Along the way, we’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of adaptability, creativity, and staying true to our vision.

What we want the world to know about Flexaago is that we are more than just a wristwatch brand; we are a symbol of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance. Our story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. With Flexaago, time is not just measured; it’s celebrated.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1:
– Morning: Start with a breakfast burrito at a local favorite spot like The Taco Stand in La Jolla.
– Afternoon: Head to Balboa Park to explore the museums, gardens, and catch a performance at the Old Globe Theatre.
– Evening: Dinner at Little Italy, enjoying fresh seafood at Ironside Fish & Oyster or authentic Italian cuisine at Bencotto Italian Kitchen.

Day 2:
– Morning: Take a scenic hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
– Afternoon: Lunch at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood for some of the best fish tacos in town.
– Evening: Sunset cocktails at Altitude Sky Lounge for panoramic views of downtown.

Day 3:
– Morning: Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo in the morning to beat the crowds.
– Afternoon: Explore the Gaslamp Quarter for shopping and lunch at the Nigeriabreeze restaurant for an authentic African meal.
– Evening: Dinner at Buona Forchetta in South Park for authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Day 4:
– Morning: Kayak tour in La Jolla Cove to explore sea caves and see marine life up close.
– Afternoon: Lunch at The Cottage La Jolla for a cozy, beachy vibe and tasty California cuisine.
– Evening: Catch a Padres game at Petco Park, enjoying the lively atmosphere and ballpark snacks.

Day 5:
– Morning: Relaxing morning at Mission Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the boardwalk scene.
– Afternoon: Lunch at Hodad’s for massive, mouthwatering burgers.
– Evening: Sunset cruise in San Diego Bay, followed by dinner in Seaport Village at Edgewater Grill for waterfront dining.

Day 6:
– Morning: Visit the USS Midway Museum to explore a historic aircraft carrier and learn about naval history.
– Afternoon: Lunch at the Abule restaurant for an authentic African meal.
– Evening: Take a brewery tour in the Miramar area, sampling craft beers at Ballast Point, AleSmith, and Green Flash Brewing Co.

Day 7:
– Morning: Brunch at Breakfast Republic for creative twists on breakfast classics.
– Afternoon: Spend the day at Coronado Beach, relaxing in the sun and exploring the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
– Evening: Farewell dinner at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla, enjoying contemporary cuisine with stunning ocean views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my incredible team at Flexaago. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life and achieving success. Additionally, I want to recognize the unwavering support of my family and friends who have been my pillars of strength throughout this journey. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me have been invaluable. Lastly, I’d like to extend gratitude to our loyal customers and supporters who have embraced our brand and helped us grow. Thank you all for being a part of the Flexaago story.

Website: https://Flexaago.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flexaago

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexaago/

Twitter: https://x.com/flexaago

Image Credits
Baba Lemi Productions

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.