Hundeyin’s fashion outfit points way for young Nigerians

Hundeyin Busayo Whenayom is the CEO of HB Fashion Designs. A second-year English Education student of Lagos State University, Hundeyin combines studies with tailoring. In this interview with Gift Dike, Busayo reveals why he chose fashion over every other profession.

What motivated you to go into tailoring while in school?

I believe that everybody understands the situation of the country and that inspired me to go into tailoring. Also, during my secondary school days, people, especially my school teachers, commended my school uniform. This was a big fillip for me. Similarly, I  discovered that tailoring can give a life-time sustenance because nobody would want to go without clothes.

It is God’s will that man should cover his nakedness just like what happened in the wilderness between Adam and Eve.

How long have you been in this business?

I started this business on September 10, 2009, and it has been a wonderful time for me.

How much did you start with?

I started buying my equipment with N150,000.

Are you getting jobs from lecturers and students?

Yes, I came in contact with some of my lecturers in the year 2015/2016 when i got admission into this university and I decided to introduce myself to them. One of lecturers, Dr Dosunmu, has an interest in and passion for my service. He patronises me without owing me. I also have Dr Segun, who patronises me quite well. I see it as favour.

Students are the first to advertise my business. Whenever they wish to buy, I reduce the price because I understand what students are passing through.

Aside money-making, do you have passion for this job?

Yes, I have a passion for the job. Since I discovered that tailoring was God’s gift, I have been doing this job with passion.

Tailoring is not a business that can fizzle out. It does not have a life-span  because everybody must dress before they go out. So it is my joy to sow my customers’ clothes to satisfy their tastes.

What have been your challenges so far?

I started sowing while I was in secondary school. There was subsequently a clash between me and my boss.  He felt I was not concentrating on the work.  Another challenge was finance. I sponsor myself in school and it’s not easy to spend money on books, school fees, rent and feeding.  But God has been faithful to me. Again, I also feel tired school when I come back. It’s stressful because sometimes, I go to my boss’ place of work from school. It is not easy.