Introduction
Every meaningful endeavour begins with a vision—a spark that, when nurtured, grows into something greater than its origin. Obanato’s story is a testament to this journey, evolving from a singular idea into a collective mission that honours community, resilience, and shared purpose.
1. The Genesis of Obanato
For 35 years, Nick carried a vision close to his heart. The term “Obanato” meaning “I exist because we exist,” encapsulated his belief in the interconnectedness of humanity. This philosophy aligns with the African concept of “Ubuntu,” emphasizing that one’s humanity is intertwined with others. Nick’s intention was to use the name to reflect the idea that as an individual, we are part of a larger community where one cannot thrive without the other.
2. A Chance Encounter
The idea of Obanato lived in his mind, guided his values, and shaped the way he viewed the world. But it wasn’t until a chance meeting with Rob and Heather that the idea began to take its first real steps forward. Rob and Heather, a husband-and-wife team with strong entrepreneurial roots, brought unique strengths and experience to the table.
As Nick spoke about Obanato, something resonated deeply. Rob and Heather could sense that this idea wasn’t meant to just stay a thought; it was meant to live in the world, to spark a change and make a real impact.
They felt that there was a deep sense of purpose in the room, and decided then and there, that they wanted to be a part of it. And not just as supporters, but as co-creators.
Together with Nick, they started dreaming out loud, sketching out possibilities, and slowly building the early contours of what Obanato could become.
That one chance encounter reminded them all that sometimes, the right people find each other when the idea is ready to grow.
3. Building the Foundation
With the vision of Obanato now shared and supported, the focus shifted from concept to creation. The early days were full of learning curves, brainstorming marathons, and rolling up sleeves to build something from the ground up. There were no shortcuts, just a deep belief in the idea and a commitment to do it justice.
Joanne, Nick’s wife and Linda, Heather’s sister, soon joined the team, each bringing unique strengths and perspective. What began as a small circle quickly turned into a dedicated collective, who were bound by shared values and a determination to bring Obanato to life.
Together, they tackled the essential building blocks—refining the mission shaping the brand’s voice, exploring suppliers, discussing logistics, and mapping out what Obanato could offer to the world. Every decision, from the smallest detail to the larger direction, was made with intention. At the heart of it all was a simple but powerful goal: to create a brand that lived its purpose, gave back meaningfully, and honour the vision that started it all.
4. A Pivotal Turning Point
Just as the foundation of Obanato was beginning to strengthen, life took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. Nick, the visionary, the heart behind the mission—suddenly passed away. The loss was profound. It wasn’t just the absence of a founder; it was the loss of a guiding light, a voice of purpose, and a deeply loved friend, husband, and father.
For a while, time stood still. The momentum they had built felt suspended in grief. With the pillar of their journey gone, questions hung in the air—Do we continue? Can we continue?
But within the quiet that followed, something stirred. The core of Obanato— “I exist because we exist”—became more than a name. It became a lifeline. The community Nick had wanted to build, and the values he embodied, called for continuity. The team knew that the best way to honour him was to carry the vision forward—not in spite of his absence, but because of his impact.
5. Expanding the Circle
As Obanato slowly began to take shape in the wake of Nick’s passing, the sense of community he had always envisioned began to organically grow, just as he would have wanted. What started as a small circle of family and close friends began to widen, welcoming others who felt the same pull towards purpose and shared humanity.
The first person to join the team was Nick’s daughter, Lauren. She brought with her a deep-rooted passion which mirrored that of her father, Nick. Lauren’s dedication and enthusiasm for Obanato were evident from the very beginning, and her presence added an extra sense of family connection to the team dynamic. With her shared passion and commitment, Lauren quickly established herself as an invaluable member of the team, contributing fresh perspectives and ideas that complemented Nick’s own vision.
Next to step in during this crucial phase was Mario, a long-time friend of Nick’s. Mario immediately resonated with the mission behind Obanato. His presence brough both expertise and clarity, offering not only his support but a profound understanding of the vision. It wasn’t just a continuation of Nick’s dream but a reaffirmation that this was a movement larger than any one person.
And then, as if guided by something greater than coincidence, Ron entered the picture.
Ron called Rob just a few days after Nick passed. It was a casual call about him just checking in, nothing more. But in that moment, Rob, still processing the loss and the weight of what lay ahead, invited Ron out for coffee. What started as a simple catch-up turned into a meaningful conversation about life, legacy and Obanato. Rob shared the story of Obanato, its roots, its hopes, and its purpose. Something about it struck a chord with Ron. Without planning to, he became a part of the journey, his involvement born from a chance encounter, but rooted in purpose.
A chance call. A coffee. And then another soul aligned with the mission.
Obanato was never meant to be built alone. With every new person who stepped in, the circle grew stronger, woven together not by circumstance, but by intention. Each member, old and new, carried a piece of Nick’s spirit, and together they began to transform a dream into a movement.
6. Concept of the Logo: A New Beginning
As the vision and team of Obanato continued to develop, the evolution of the visual concept followed suit, prompting a deeper exploration into the significance of imagery. Delving further into the creative process, the team engaged in lively discussions that centered around the incorporation of symbolic elements that would speak to the core values of unity and togetherness. Drawing inspiration from Nick’s fondness for the colour purple and the number nine, the team found a profound connection with the symbolism embodied by the nine-pointed star, signifying a harmonious unity among diverse elements. The image of children holding hands, symbolising innocence and pure unity, emerged as a poignant representation of the brand’s ethos. Within this context, the idea of unity and oneness, encapsulated in the circle ‘O’ of Obanato, emerged as a guiding principle in the design process.
Taking into account the myriad influences at play, Lauren crafted the new logo concept by combining these diverse elements. The central motif of a nine-pointed star served as the focal point, with a clever twist that saw a circular boundary encasing the stars points, subtly forming the letter ‘O’. Subsequent exploration revealed the presence of nine rounded triangle shapes within this intricate design. Through a creative metamorphosis, these triangular shapes seamlessly transformed into depictions of nine people or children intertwined in a symbolic gesture of unity, ultimately infusing the logo with profound meaning and depth.
7. From Concept to Reality
Transforming Obanato from a heartfelt idea into a living, breathing platform was a journey shaped by purpose, persistence, and deep personal meaning. The team poured themselves into every step—translating vision into function, and purpose into action.
At the heart of this transformation was the development of the Obanato website. More than just a digital storefront, the site was envisioned as a space where commerce could coexist with compassion. Every element, from the product categories to the user experience, was built to reflect the soul of Obanato: a place where every purchase gives back, and every customer becomes part of something greater.
Twelve months after Nick’s passing, the website was launched. It was a deeply emotional moment—a tribute to the man whose vision brought everyone together, and a symbol of resilience in the face of loss. Though the road to that launch was filled with both grief and grit, the team knew they were fulfilling something bigger than themselves.
Key milestones included:
- Website Development: With care and clarity, the team crafted a platform that felt both accessible and meaningful. Categories like House and Garden, Pets, Entertainment, and Arts and Crafts were designed not just for convenience, but to reflect the diversity of everyday life.
- Supplier Partnerships: Sourcing products from suppliers aligned with Obanato’s mission ensured that the 100% donation model could be integrated without compromise. Quality remained a priority—because giving back shouldn’t mean giving up on good products.
- Charity Integration: One of Obanato’s most distinctive features is the ability for customers to choose a charity at checkout. This was not just a feature—it was the foundation. It ensured that every transaction carried a ripple effect of kindness.
8. Continuing the Legacy
From a concept shaped over decades, to a digital presence built with love and intention, Obanato is now a space where values meet action. The website stands as both a business and a legacy—continuing Nick’s mission to remind us all: “I exist because we exist.”
Conclusion
Obanato’s journey is a poignant reminder of the strength found in community and shared vision. From its humble beginnings to its current impact, the story of Obanato celebrates resilience, unity, and the enduring power of collective existence.