Tayo Williams: Growing from N15, 000 to N800, 000 in 3 yrs

Tayo Williams is the chief executive officer of Ty’s Couture, a fashion outfit based in Ojo, Lagos. Despite being a 300-level student of the National Open University, he has many students who learn the nitty-gritty of tailoring and others forms of fashion from him. Tayo spoke with GIFT DIKE on why he chose to play in the fashion industry.

What motivated you to start this business?

Well, let me start with this. I used to go to my sister’s shop to pay her a visit. I discovered then that she used to place fabrics on tables, cut them into pieces to produce dress. What I saw amazed me and made me fall in love with fashion and design. My sister was also kind enough to tutor me on the basics of the business.

From there I started making designs for myself. Many people commended my designs.  Whenever my friends saw my outfit, they would shout, ‘Wow! This is great!’ The result of this was that people started asking me to sew the designs for them, and whatever I sew for them would turn out to satisfy their taste. This turned out to become a major factor that motivated me to set up this business.

How much did you start with and what are your worth now?

I started with N15, 000, but now, I can tell you that fashion is helping me and I am worth N800, 000. I still believe God for more grace in this business.

How were you able to get sewing machine and other necessary tools to start this business?

It wasn’t easy but I started by getting equipment on credit and I paid by instalment.

When did you start?

I started this business in 2014.

What are your targets?

My major target is to become a renowned fashion designer.  I wish to gain and sketch new styles every now and then, because fashion as a whole deals with new styles.

You tutor others on fashion. How much are they buying into your ideas?

I commend my students and I love them all because they are very smart and they easily catch up with whatever knowledge I transmit to them.  Today, I am proud of many of them. They are ready to learn within a short time. They really impress me and not only that, they do all that I tell them to do– both great and small among them– not minding whether I am younger than they are. I am so glad with them all the way for their cooperation when duty calls.

Do you consider fashion a good business?

Yes, of course. This is a business that can feed anybody, enable them to pay their bills and still have something to go home with.

Aside making money, do you have a passion for this business?

Yes, I have a passion for it and I didn’t basically go into it because of money. Also, I love satisfying my customers by sewing the exact style they want me to.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is finance. I need more funds to expand.