‘I started my business with N25,000’

Abimbola Odunusi is the chief executive officer of Sweet N Savy Couture. She is a banker and an entrepreneur with a vast experience in the fashion industry. In this interview with JOSEPHINE OKOJIE, she reveals how she manages her careers as a banker and a designer.   

When did you start the business?

I started my fashion business in 2012, but got the business registered last year.

I have been designing since 2002. I went into sowing because of those designs I was making. After my university education, while I was waiting for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I decided to attend a fashion school. After my NYSC, I got a job with a fashion line, where I learnt how to source for good fabrics and also how to talk to customers and get the fabrics for them. All the fabrics for my business are sourced locally. I go to Yaba and Eko-Idumota for them.

What inspired you to move into the business?

I see that a lot people have good fabrics but really don’t get to put them together in a better way that would make them look beautiful.  I design clothes and make people look unique. Basically it’s about making unique pieces that will make others tell you that you look bright. A woman brightens up when people tell her she is beautiful. This is what I want to achieve for my clients.  Before I started my fashion line, I had a nasty experience with a tailor who used to spoil my fabrics. You need to build that confidence so that your client can trust you. I even have to make free dress for some of my colleagues so that I can make them trust me. And when others see it, they would want to patronise me.

What was your start-up capital?

I started my business with N25, 000 by buying sewing machines and accessories like needles, threads and zips.

Who are your target clients in the business?

I specialise in only female clothes. So I target female clients, both old and young. The fashion industry is highly populated, so as a fashion designer with a fashion line, you need to distinguish yourself to remain relevant in the industry and to your clients. Your client needs to trust you before they give you their fabrics and money to make their dress.

Have you received any external support from any organisation, apart from clients that have helped the business grow?

I have not received any external support from any organisation. You really don’t need much to start a fashion business.

Tell me a little about your background, that is, your educational and work backgrounds?

My name is Abimbola Odunusi. I am a banker and I have a fashion line called Sweet N Savy Couture. I am a graduate and went into the fashion industry immediately after my university education before I got my job with a bank.

How far would you say the business has grown since starting?

Since starting, my business has grown, but I have limited its growth because I have to combine my banking job and my fashion business. During the festive season, I don’t take many jobs so I can deliver on time to my clients. Since I started working, I had to slow down on my fashion business.

Do you have employees, full-time or part-time?

I don’t have any employee. I do most of the stuffs alone and give the sewing out to other tailors to speed up the process. I sketch a lot and do most of the designs myself.

What challenges have you faced since starting your business?

The biggest challenge I face is merging my job as a banker and my fashion business. It has really being very stressful.

Another major challenge I face is power, because  I do most of my job in the night and there is always no light at that time.

What is your advice to other entrepreneurs?

Passion! If you want to go into fashion, you must have passion for it to be a success. Be good looking and confident so that people see good designs on you and want you to make same for them.