‘You can succeed in public jobs, but more when you start a business’

Aisha Muktar, 29 is a graduate of Political Science from Kaduna State University (KSU). The mother of one told her story in this interview about how she started her ‘Clothesovertoys’ business line.

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hat’s the story behind your motivation?

It all started from my passion for fashion generally, like ‘Jalabiya’ and corporate kaftan. I liked the way my husband was always dressed in a very comfortable kaftan and my son always had the same clothing.

People always admired my son when dressed in native; so I sketched some more designs, got assorted materials and explained to the tailor exactly what I wanted out of them. At first it was just for kids but we later expanded to adults including women.

As a successful entrepreneur, what are some challenges in the business?

We face a lot of challenges daily. Sometimes we work a whole day without electricity which we need throughout for cutting and the sewing process. At other times, we have orders ready for delivery but have transportation difficulties to the various destinations; there are also delays when the available transporters do not have passengers in time.

What projects are you working on?

I am working on getting our clothes on some online marketing platforms like Jumia for easy access to our customers. I am also upgrading the delivery of our products to the southern and western parts of Nigeria.

What other things have you engaged in to build yourself?

I do lots of research and watch a lot of YouTube videos on clothing lines to get more ideas on how to run them. I also attend seminars on starting a clothing brand in Nigeria and the challenges involved. I’m planning on going for more seminars and workshops.

What are the platforms you are creating to empower others?

Currently am building a page/site where interested people can get involved online before joining us at the workplace. It will help them to at least get prepared and have ideas on what we do. I have two persons working as tailors and two others learning already, with one delivery personnel. I am also planning to expand so I could create an environment where we will have more of these interested persons come to learn and be on their own.

What are your plans for expansion in the next three to five years?

I see ‘Clothesovertoys’ expand and accommodate different kind of clothing styles like blazers, long and three quarter jackets, kimonos, and ready to wear gowns. I will also work to have a fully equipped shop to take up all operations and get a part of it dedicated to the youth for skills acquisition.

What is your advice to youth, who are still unemployed?

I advise our youth to take up something they are passionate about and build on it to make their dreams come true. You don’t only succeed working in government agencies but will succeed more in working and starting a business and taking big risks on your own.