Nigerian-born, Toronto-based author and entrepreneur Yahaya Baruwa charted his path at just 21 when he launched his publishing company, Tapestry House Publishing. In 2010, his debut novel, Struggles of a Dreamer, received widespread acclaim, followed by the second installment of his trilogy, Tunde, in 2015. In this conversation, Baruwa reflects on his influences, the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria, and the intersection of storytelling and independence.

Growing up in such a large household, how did those early experiences shape your storytelling approach?

When I think of my upbringing, “it takes a village to raise a child” comes to mind. Although I grew up with seven siblings, our home was often full of extended family members, so it felt more like living with 15 people. This environment taught me to listen and learn from various perspectives. Early on, I understood that life isn’t a single story—countless viewpoints and experiences exist. As a writer, I pull from these layers of wisdom, ensuring my stories reflect a diverse and nuanced human experience.

You’ve highlighted Nigeria’s thriving startup ecosystem. What fuels this wave of entrepreneurship across the country?

Nigeria is a hub of energy and ambition, with its economy as Africa’s most significant. The entrepreneurial mindset thrives because Nigerians are used to navigating financial or infrastructural challenges. Many aspiring entrepreneurs have no safety net, so resourcefulness becomes second nature. Combine this with a population of innovators, from tech developers, high scholars, fashion and international entrepreneurs to artists in Nollywood, and you’ve got an unstoppable force despite the hardships.

Was there a specific turning point that made you realize entrepreneurship was your path?

It happened during my second year at York University. I realized I didn’t want to limit myself to someone else’s framework for success. My parents, who instilled a strong work ethic, had shown my siblings and me the power of independence. One brother owns AllCargos, an event rental company, while another trades tech equipment. Witnessing their drive and ingenuity motivated me to take charge of my dream. That’s when Tapestry House Publishing was born.

Your first novel, Struggles of a Dreamer, portrays the challenges of migration. What do you hope resonates with readers, particularly in Nigeria?

The novel captures a Nigerian’s journey to the West in search of opportunity, but reveals the harsh realities of such a pursuit. It’s easy to romanticize life abroad, yet success—no matter where you are—demands sacrifice, resilience, and hard work. I want readers to know that the dream is attainable, but not handed to you.

Who are some writers who have had an impact on your work?

Two authors stand out for me. Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go! was a gift from my family on my 23rd birthday, and its whimsical wisdom continues to inspire me to this day. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist has been another guiding light for me. I’ve read it over 50 times, not just for its message, but for its structure and simplicity, which I mirrored in my storytelling. 

What motivated you to self-publish instead of pursuing traditional publishing?

I wanted to retain full ownership of my work. Launching Tapestry House Publishing was about maintaining creative control from my stories to distribution. Crowdfunding became a practical alternative to bank loans and allowed me to build a community around my vision. 

What does success as an entrepreneur look like to you?

Success, to me, is the ability to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Whether through my books or my entrepreneurial journey, I hope to be a testament to what’s possible when you take ownership of your story. Seeing other aspiring writers and businesspeople gain confidence in their potential—that’s true success. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to start. If you’re waiting for permission, you’ll wait forever. Take that first step and trust the journey.

How has your approach evolved from Struggles of a Dreamer to the second installment, Tunde?

With Struggles of a Dreamer, I was learning to trust my voice and find my footing as a storyteller. By the time I wrote Tunde, I had a clearer sense of direction and confidence in the themes I wanted to explore. The story builds on the first book’s foundation, but delves deeper into identity, relationships, and purpose. I’m excited to see how readers connect with the whole arc of the trilogy.

Shirley Graham | Staff Writer