Rosemary Osuma: The astute fashionpreneur
Rosemary Omonivie Osuma is the CEO of Ivies_ apparel, which she founded in 2015. Rosemary is a trained Industrial and Organisational Psychologist with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and master’s degree from Covenant University.
The entrepreneur tells BusinessDay that Ivies_ apparel is a clothing line that creates a positive lasting impact on designs through services.
She developed passion for fashion while growing up. Her firm has produced a number of fashionpreneurs who are doing well in many parts of the country.
“My passion for fashion developed while I was growing up. I have always loved to mix patterns and colours. I have always loved to look fashionable. In 2015, I knew it was time to develop the skill so I had to go for necessary trainings. Here we are today and I give God the praise,” she recalls.
Rosemary currently has men and women clients across Nigeria, Canada, the USA, the UK and also looks forward to building more clients across other countries.
She explains that being highly creative, having strong drawing skills, paying attention to details, team spirit as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills are prerequisites for successful fashion and design business.
“Undergoing basic training in the business of fashion is very key,” she says.
Many people may not see the fashion industry as lucrative but Rosemary views in differently.
“The fashion design is a thriving industry, not just limited to Nigeria but across the globe. Clothing line happens to be a subset in the industry. This business involves creation of the modern age and fashion style and, in some cases, people re-introduce ‘old fashion,” she explains.
“Again, the need to cover our body and look great for different occasions makes fashion industry super exciting. Successful fashion designers have a thorough grasp of the market and they know how to meet their clients’ needs by being creative and flexible. Above all, when God is involved, he will always make a crooked part straight. Ivies_ apparel, is a living testimony to this truth,” the entrepreneur says.
The Edo State native has mentors who have helped shape her creativity in the industry.
“I strongly admire Pastor Faith Oyedepo, my ‘mama’, for her mode of dressing, which brings to light that decency is gold. Secondly, Nkechi Harry Ngonadi, CEO of NHN Couture, is a woman of God focused on bringing decency back to the Church. I respect her a lot for this.”
She also shares her opinion on why most start-ups fail within a period of two to five years.
“For me, the major reason should be foundation. Psalms 11 verse 3 says, “If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do?”
The foundation of any building will determine how tall or strong the building will get, and that is very key. A start-up built on God cannot be moved, trails notwithstanding. Secondly, diligence is important. As an entrepreneur, the place of diligence cannot be over-emphasised. Diligence, yields good results,” he adds.
Bunmi Bailey