‘Start-up owners must be persistent, passionate about what they do ’
Even though CRYSTAL OMOTOSIMI LIGHT is a 400 level student of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, he is also the chief executive officer of HC Vestimenta, a firm that sews, designs and supplies clothes to various parts of the country. In a trait rare among many students, LIGHT has been able to grow a business worth nine thousand to one that is over half a million naira within nine months. In this interview with ODINAKA ANUDU, he reveals some secrets that should be of help to start-up owners.
What motivated you to move into sewing?
I have always loved to define my designs. I used to have a very good tailor who would make clothes for me after
I had purchased the materials. At some point, I began to get good feedbacks from friends and acquaintances about my designs. This created an opportunity for me to sell the designs. So I decided to create more designs, buy more materials while my tailor made the clothes.
It was typically a business because I would sell them to my customers after the tailor had done the sewing. I did that for two months (June to July 2014) until a particular day when my tailor disappointed me, which in turn made me disappoint my clients.
I was sad and I made a critical decision that changed everything. I decided I was going to learn sewing and was determined to ensure that customers would not continue to have ugly experiences in the hands of tailors. I also wanted to have an idea of what tailors were going through and why many of them often disappointed customers.
So I got a sewing machine the following day and got busy with it, with a determination to learn all I could within the shortest possible time.
In two days, I made my first casual top. This happened because I often watched my tailor when he sewed clothes and I mechanically learnt the whole process. That was an amazing discovery because I found out I could learn anything all by myself. So I began exploiting that part of me. I have thus far learnt other stuffs through the same process and I found sewing very interesting.
With how much did you begin?
I started with nine thousand naira. I made only four designs, arranged for a photo shoot and eventually uploaded the pictures, and the feedback was awesome. That was how selling began.
What is your current revenue?
Our current revenue is N510, 000. We are just nine-month old.
In terms of supply, which areas have you been able to reach?
The brand is currently gaining her grounds in Akure, Ondo State, and we have done deliveries to Abuja, Lagos, Osun and Ibadan.
Which places would you like to cover in the nearest future?
We are envisioning having major outlets (in the form of franchise) in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan. We also hope to have an online platform where people can order from anywhere and get their deliveries through courier.
How many people have you employed or are currently working for you?
We have three permanent staff members and some student volunteers-up to six in number.
Do you need finance for expansion?
Yes. We are at a phase where demand is almost overpowering our capacity to deliver. So we have an expansion project we are working on at the moment and we need N720, 000 to make it work.
Are there other drawbacks to your business?
Finance is one of the major drawbacks. This business has grown from nine thousand naira to where it is, and it has been a really gradual growth. We haven’t had any major financial assistance that would have helped to catalyse growth.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, we will have started exporting our products to Nigerians in Diaspora and to non-Nigerians.
Who are you looking up to in this business?
I have a number of big names such as Okunoren Twins Limited, OUCH Couture, Yomi Casuals, Kola Qudus and Mai Atafo, among others.
Do you consider sewing a good business?
The fact that you can suit yourself already makes it a good business. The creativity and the amount of value you can create for exchange also contribute to make it a great business.
Would you like to work for someone after school?
No I wouldn’t. I will only consult for firms and organisations on management options and decisions.
What advice do you have for students in school and young people like you?
Answer the question of passion and purpose, create values and exchange them for an income. It is sweet making money, sweeter when you’re not really working for someone else and enjoy what you do.
What is the meaning of HC Vestimenta?
Vestimenta is only a Spanish translation for the word ‘clothing’. It is registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission as a fashion outfit. Our website is www.hcvestimenta.com.