Funmi Lawal
Founder & CEO of Clip-Knix innovative underwear
Sonia Lambert
Last Update 9 months ago
Her Bio
Funmi Lawal is the founder and CEO of Clip-Knix, an innovative underwear brand that serves the elderly, those with limited mobility, and individuals recovering from surgery. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, she is also a trustee for the Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patient Association. Throughout her journey, Funmi has overcome seven miscarriages, a stroke, kidney failure, and the devastating loss of an adult son.
Her Story
Funmi was born in Camden, London in 1967, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where she excelled in school, completing the equivalent of GCSEs a year early and graduating from university at the age of 19. In 1987, at the age of 20, Funmi returned to England, facing a harsh winter, early morning cleaning jobs, and cultural adjustments.
Eventually, she secured a position at the Department of Education, which launched a 10-year civil service career across various departments. By 30, Funmi pursued a Master’s in Analysis, Design, and Management of Information Systems at the London School of Economics whilst trying to start a family.
Her journey to parenthood was fraught with heartbreak, including multiple miscarriages and two premature births due to eclampsia. A week after the birth of her second child, Funmi suffered a stroke, complicated by a lack of immediate neurosurgical care, resulted in cardiac arrest during a CT scan. Despite bleak survival odds, Funmi was transferred to the Atkinson Morley Hospital, a leading brain surgery centre, where she began a long and challenging rehabilitation.
After surviving the stroke, Funmi suffered end-stage kidney failure in 2007 but received a successful transplant in 2011. Determined to turn her experiences into something positive, she noticed a market gap for easy-to-wear clothing for people with limited mobility. Through relentless design and testing, Funmi created Clip-Knix, a line of clip-on underwear that enhances independence and reduces injury risk.
Launched in 2018, Clip-Knix became the first global supplier of its kind, with a presence in the US, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe. Despite this success, Funmi then suffered a family tragedy in 2021 with the tragic loss of her son, Mubarrak.
Throughout all this unimaginable grief, it was her faith that was the anchor to get her through this tragic time, teaching her that life has its blessings and temporary gifts.
Her Achievements
- Addressed Members of Parliament on tackling obesity and blood pressure
- Winner of F: Entrepreneur 2023 #ialso
- Director and Board Member of the Institutional Review Board at Spectrum USA
- Smallbiz 100 Honoree in 2022
- Finalist for She Inspires 2022
- Recognized in Specialty Clothing 2020/2021
- Trustee of the Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patient Association
- Advisor to Billion Strong
- Finalist for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Awards
- Ambassador for Lady Rebel Club
Funmi has also been featured in numerous media outlets, including MyLondonNews, Newsweek, Mail Online, The Voice, Metro Online, and The Mirror. These accomplishments are just a glimpse of her journey and resilience.