I created Løci, the sneaker brand loved by Nicki Minaj, after quitting my job in finance. Here's how I did it.

• Emmanuel Eribo left finance to become an entrepreneur, launching two footwear brands.
• In 2021, he cofounded Løci, a luxury sneaker and apparel brand.
• Nicki Minaj is an investor and has a range with Løci. Its shoes are worn by a range of celebrities.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Emmanuel Eribo, CEO and cofounder of Løci, who worked in finance before becoming an entrepreneur. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I never really considered a job in finance until I went out for drinks one day with a friend.

He was ordering a lot of expensive drinks, wearing a nice suit and shoes and said "Don't worry, I'm a banker." That was a lightbulb moment for me.