Clothing design can be a labor of love and finding and understanding customers and uncovering what they actually need and what would make them buy your product. Designing clothes is all about customer-centric. I have a BSC in computer science, I learnt clothes making in 2009. I stopped after I got married and got pregnant with my first child. I got back to fashion again in 2018 and launched my female clothing brand “GoodGirlCode” 1st of October 2018. 1 year into my business I knew I needed to go back to school (I needed to get something right in my business). So I went on and studied fashion design and the business of fashion at the London College of Fashion in 2019. I always knew I was going to be an entrepreneur right from secondary school, I just wasn’t sure what exactly I was going to major in as I always thought of myself as a jack of all trades. I had concentrated on my family from 2009 - 2017 and I was finally ready to be a woman of my own. I went on a journey to self discovery towards the end of 2017, I set a timeframe to figure myself out before I clock 30 or else I’d be a straight up failure. I started attending training, conferences, training upon training and conferences. I was gladly investing in myself and I loved it!!! My husband supported my every step and had a huge role to play in my journey to self discovery. I remember I had presented a couple of ideas to him and he was totally against all of them. I got so frustrated at one point and he could see it. So one day, he said to me “when I see that thing you are really passionate about, I’d know. Get rid of your survival mentality and discover your passion” YOUR WEALTH IS IN YOUR PASSION. And I remember vividly the day I mentioned I was going back to clothes making, his eyes lit up! I on the other hand needed to be sure I wasn’t going to bail out on the process again. I had my doubts and fears for the first 2 years of starting my business. It had taken me time to discover what God wanted me to do. I had prayed about it, asked God which way he’d want me to go? And the response I got was crisp clear (Own a Fashion Line). At the time, I hated the process of clothes making in Nigeria. I just thought to myself why is this so stressful?? Lol! Today, I have not just embraced it, I am enjoying every bit of it even though I know it can still get better *Laughs*
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
I’d say fear, not having confidence in myself, I wasn’t confident enough to own my gift & see my abilities. The other hurdle was finding a balance between family and work. I see my fashion brand as my baby. I love what I do so much, I’d stay up all night burying myself with work. I exhaust myself with work & meeting up with my family needs.
What books are you currently reading?
Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur Paperback – July 4 2017 by Cara Alwill Leyba (Author)
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
From my family, I’d say no. From friends, It was more in their eyes and attitude lol. I tend to read actions & body languages more so I kinda saw through them.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your success?
I wouldn’t say I’m successful yet. I’m on the path to success, but I know hard work would be it for me.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started?
Never compromise on quality irrespective of what it’ll cost you.
What advice would you give to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
Equip yourself, stay focused, never ever let fear rule your heart. Work smart and work hard.
