‘People fancy being entrepreneurs but dodge the pressure’

Many people dream of becoming entrepreneurs but only a few dare to become business owners, said Aliyu Ahmad, owner of Xaxxoo wears.

“There is no place for procrastination to a start-up. It’s a round-the-clock affair, no vacation or sick days kind of job that demands constant forward momentum. One that demands that you make a brief assessment at every step you take and move on it,” he said.

Aliyu who started his venture in 2012, said he realized he could profit from selling readymade kaftans as long as he provided his costumers with what they wanted at the stipulated time.

He started his business after observing that customers in his locality were not happy with tailors who delay their orders. “I knew for a business to succeed, the customers must be happy at all times, so I took it up. Although it has not been a smooth ride, it has been worth it,” Aliyu added.

The kaftan designer, who started the business with just N2000 said, “There are months I make up to N200,000, while at other times, I make zero naira when I don’t get orders.”

The young employer, who has seven staff, said his challenge as with most businesses is the poor electricity supply that has crippled most SMEs in Nigeria.

Aliyu said he hopes to have three walk-in outlets in major cities where customers can have their outfits made in two hours. He attracts customers through the social media and gets referrals from customers at present.

“Trust your instincts and always be true to yourself. If you must be an entrepreneur ensure you are in it because you have the passion,” he advised other youth.