Soaring In Fashion and Style
The Fashion Edition
The Fashion Edition
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www.thesparkng.com<br />
The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve<br />
“<br />
Creativity <strong>and</strong> profitability<br />
are not mutually exclusive.<br />
You’ve got to plan for both.<br />
“<br />
Finding the balance between creativity <strong>and</strong> business<br />
That is one of the hardest things ever. I’m beginning to work<br />
on getting a business manager because it literally is so difficult.<br />
I think what helps is knowing that the only way my creativity<br />
can be explored or fueled is if there is a strong financial backing<br />
behind it. Knowing this <strong>and</strong> the fact that we are self-funded,<br />
forced me to make smarter <strong>and</strong> more balanced decisions for<br />
the br<strong>and</strong> for longevity sake.<br />
Mistakes aspiring or start-up entrepreneurs make today<br />
Ah. There are a lot. Many of them are not interning - or<br />
acquiring pre-knowledge of some sort before launching. They<br />
also want to start big. I always advise that you start small <strong>and</strong><br />
then build up. Then we have those who try to replicate br<strong>and</strong>s<br />
that inspire them instead of being original.<br />
Not planning is another one. A business plan is so important.<br />
You also find fashion startups without a definition of their<br />
customer <strong>and</strong> market concentration. Most new businesses<br />
also lack creativity because of the urge to make money. But<br />
creativity <strong>and</strong> profitability are not mutually exclusive. You’ve<br />
got to plan for both.<br />
Keys to success in the Nigerian fashion industry<br />
Avoid making those mistakes I mentioned earlier. It’s a very<br />
difficult industry, so be willing to learn, be passionate <strong>and</strong><br />
stay focused. Look at the gaps we need to fill <strong>and</strong> build your<br />
business based on those gaps.<br />
Hopes for the Nigerian fashion <strong>and</strong> style industry<br />
An accredited fashion education system comes to play. It is<br />
vital <strong>and</strong> will help fix a lot of our foundational technical<br />
industry issues. I also envision the industry further opening<br />
up to a division of labour. We need more than just <strong>Fashion</strong><br />
designers to build sustainable businesses. It is my dream that<br />
we become a fashion capital in the world. Thanks to shows like<br />
the Lagos fashion week, this is happening already.<br />
Advice for an aspiring entrepreneur in your space<br />
Be diligent <strong>and</strong> resilient. Celebrate your differences <strong>and</strong> how<br />
you create.<br />
Giving back <strong>and</strong> empowering young people<br />
“<br />
I always knew I<br />
wanted to get<br />
into fashion but I<br />
also wanted to be<br />
educated.<br />
“<br />
I enjoy talking with teenagers <strong>and</strong> young people, especially<br />
now when Social Media is where they look to for validation.<br />
They need to see good examples of people living beyond<br />
the moment <strong>and</strong> start dreaming big. I’m always open to<br />
partnerships for anything that has to do with inspiring or<br />
teaching young people.<br />
Watch out for our Icon video with Adebayo Oke-Lawal for<br />
more. Follow our <strong>In</strong>stagram page - @thesparkng<br />
“<br />
It is my dream<br />
that we become a<br />
fashion capital in<br />
the world.<br />
“<br />
@thesparkng<br />
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