The zeal to start Malex Modeling Agency was ignited by the encouragement and support from friends and loved ones. My passion became my career after I dropped my career in Banking. The idea for my venture came about in 2011 when the SRC recognized my fashion sense and decided to inculcate fashion show into their program line up. Together with a friend "Lexis" we brought onboard a colleague fashion designer and after our success story, people believed in our vision of owning a fashion agency. Muddy and rough basically but with passion and perseverance, it's been a success story of pomp and pageantry. UDS Wa campus saw the birth of my journey as a stylist, image consultant and a brand influencer. This dream beckoned in 2011 when Malex Modeling Agency gained grounds in Wa, after a stupendous display of brilliance in organizing my first fashion show for the SRC. With branches in Wa, Kumasi, Accra, Ho, Sunyani and Takoradi, it's like a burning coal in my flesh to ignite the fire and pass on the torch to brighten every corner because fashion is here to stay and this dream has made me a better person, had I given in to oppressors, my dreams would have been curtailed. As the chief visionary, I play an integral role from brainstorming to implementation. My hands-on approach coupled with my passion for exceptional customer service has set the tone for excellence amongst my team, stakeholders and peers. I am deeply rooted in my ecosystem or community, providing support and encouragement to the thousands of women and men on their entrepreneurial journeys.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Fear, start up capital, opposition from family and friends due to the mindset that fashion is not worth keeping as a lifetime job.
With time, I was able to gather courage to master the art and let all concerned know that even though I've been put through school to earn a living on a white collar job, I can still utilize my passion and be my own Boss.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
Fashion Law & Business: Brands & Retailers by Lois F. Herzeca and Howard S. Hogan"
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. I would gladly recommend every entrepreneur to read the later as my pool of motivation dwells there, hence my venture into my chosen field of fashion.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Initial stages of my pursuit wasn't easy as my Dad has wanted me to become a Banker of which I graduated from school and work awhile just to appease him for his relentless support. Reverting back to my passion was gradual as I didn't want to break the ground rules of white collar jobs. I had to win the support of my family and friends through persistence, dedication and my handiworks.
I wouldn't have done anything differently because the path I chose to thread was my first love and my life in summary! Living to please others is self devouring!
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
The pride and confidence my clients exhibit after being styled. The feedback from their friends and family and the recommendations I receive there after, is the factor behind my business success.
What do you know today that you wish you would have been known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Contractual agreement has been the difference between when I first started and now. I wish gone into a written agreement before undertaking any job from clients. Legally binding documents helps to regulate remuneration and lay ground rules for smooth business transactions.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
My advice to upcoming entrepreneurs - Know your dream's worth and never compromise!
Never do business with family and friends, ensure you get value for money and get paid for service rendered.
Avoid Credit facilities with high interest rates and less repayment period however lucrative they may be.
Be your own inspiration, explore by traveling and reading wide.
