By Jalene Moman, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
2-minute read
“There’s nobody that comes in to play that doesn’t leave with some excitement,” says Ayo Orisalade, founder of Oaks & Flannel Ltd., the Manitoba-based company behind Another World Winnipeg, a virtual reality gaming space.
Upon moving to Winnipeg in 2022 in search of an opportunity, Orisalade founded Oaks and Flannel Ltd., a vehicle for investing in community-driven ideas.
He began conducting market research, looking for ideas on what sorts of products or services might be successful, and how to best serve the people around him. A common phrase he’d hear from people new to the city, like him, is “oh, there’s nothing fun to do in Winnipeg.” That’s when it clicked, and he identified a gap in the entertainment industry.
So, he asked himself, “What can I do to bridge this gap?”
This is where virtual reality (VR) comes in. Orisalade stumbled upon VR while researching new forms of entertainment, and it immediately piqued his interest.
“This is something interesting and new,” says Orisalade. “I want my friends to try this.”
He then made his first community investment by purchasing Another World Winnipeg; an immersive virtual reality arena located in North Kildonan that uses VR free-roam technology.
“For VR free-roam,” Orisalade explains, “you have the headset on and you’re moving around with your friends in the same space – but you’re also together in another world.”
While Orisalade was creating a new space for Winnipeggers to play in a virtual world, he was also passionate about investing in and building the very real community around him. He incorporates this into his business plan through connecting with nearby businesses, hosting online giveaways, offering a party space, and partnering with the Manitoba School eSports Association and United Way Winnipeg. Through these partnerships, Orisalade says he welcomes “organizations and people that wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford these games [to] come in for free and see what next-level entertainment is.”
A full circle moment arrived when one of Orisalade’s staff members realized that the very program she once participated in, would now be coming to experience VR for the first time. Reflecting on this impact, Orisalade shares, “Connecting with our community like this gives me that fulfilment from what we’re doing here.”
Starting a new business always comes with its challenges: “We made a few mistakes and would have made more if we didn’t come across organizations like the World Trade Centre Winnipeg and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.”
“I was advised to do market research, brands to work with, and events to attend. I attended a couple of events where I met with other entrepreneurs and got to discuss the challenges we face.”
Orisalade continues, “It’s just like a one-stop shop for you, helping you build your ideas. Both organizations have really helped to influence our growth, and we’re grateful for them.”
This is only the beginning for Oaks & Flannel Ltd. “In the coming years, we look to explore other industries, like manufacturing, healthcare, and exporting and importing products from other parts of the world to Winnipeg.” Guided by the same commitment to thoughtful research and a belief in community, the future of Oaks & Flannel Ltd. is full of possibilities.
And for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps, Orislade says he has one message.
“I’d like everyone who has an idea or is looking to impact the community to start from where they are right now. No matter how small.”
