We are so excited to interview Ayodeji Olateju, CEO of Slimmy Clothing Designs, one of the fast-rising fashion brands in Nigeria. As you know, it’s always a pleasure for us to interview Entrepreneurs making waves in their respective fields here.
One very profound lesson to learn about thriving on any Entrepreneurial journey is that Entrepreneurship goes beyond just owning a shop, an online store or even a large retail market. It takes guts, perseverance and lots of energy to thrive in the business world. And so today, we are truly excited to learn from the brain behind Slimmy Clothing Designs, Ayodeji, on what it takes to build a thriving Fashion business.
Read his inspiring interview below.
Can we meet you?
My name is Ayodeji Olateju. I am a Tailor and also a graduate of Quantity Surveying from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University.
What’s your line of business?
I’m into tailoring, or fashion designing as most tailors may like to introduce themselves. But I prefer being called a Tailor.
How did you get the idea or concept of going into the Fashion Business?
I have always had this innate desire to design and style people. And because of this, I intentionally enrolled myself for training as far back as 2009.
When did you start your business and how long have you been in operation?
Officially, Slimmy Clothing Designs started operations in November 2016. We are just a little above 2 years old.
What are the greatest challenges you encounter running your business? How do you overcome them?
The challenges are hydra-headed. But the foremost is trying to stabilize and set production standards. I sew personally but getting and training like-minded stylists to assist is somewhat a challenge. You may see a skilled tailor but he may not be committed and loyal, while you may see a committed one that can’t really sew well. So personnel acquisition maybe somewhat a challenge. It requires a lot of patience.
Also, another challenge is the epileptic power supply we have in town. Basically, all our processes and equipment are electrically powered. Beginning from the office where we have computers for the secretary to take orders, up to the production unit (another set up entirely) where all the equipment require electricity. So we are always on generator 24/7 in both locations. That is a lot of money.
What keeps you going despite the challenges?
Hmm, remembering how many hurdles I have crossed personally, and how far we have gone as a business really gives me the confidence to keep going on.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful Entrepreneur in your line of business?
Patience, Persistence, and Consistency.
Who are the people you look up to in your line of business?
Three of them- Mai Atafo, Seyi Vodi (Vodi Tailors) and Mudi Africa.
What’s the most inspiring you will tell someone who wants to venture into your line of business?
Nothing is unachievable. Believe is key, with hard work and persistence to fuel your vision, success is definitely going to be your result.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years from now?
Being an international brand.
To contact Slimmy Clothing Designs to make that bespoke apparel of yours, link up with them on his social media platforms:
IG: @slimmy_clothingdesigns
Twitter:Â @slimmy_designs
Website:Â http://Www.slimmydesigns.com.ng
PS: All images contained in this post are the original design and creativity of Slimmy Clothing Designs.
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