Budding cloth designer, Jennifer: a skill, secure your future today Learn

Jennifer Garba from Benue State has found love in fashion designing. The young entrepreneur currently pursuing a Masters degree in Mass communication at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi has a clothing line, ‘JAYPAB’. She shared her passion for self-em

@SimonEchewofun

What is the motivating factor your vocation? I have always loved fashion, right from secondary school. Back then in school, I was doing the work of what I would later discover is called a “stylist”. My friends always consulted me when they wanted to put together an outfit especially when they were unsure of what colours to match. I got SOS calls from friends who had gone shopping but were unsure of what to buy. I unapologetically love fashion and I decided to start my own clothing line, “JAYPAB” as I aspire to become a brand to be reckoned with shortly.

What is your typical work day like while making clothing?

I work almost every day. I love riding bicycles since I was little and adding it to my workout routine has made exercising less stressful and more fun.

As a budding entrepreneur, how are you overcoming startup hiccups?

There are so many challenges faced as a designer let alone combining it with being a student. Most times, I have to multi task as examinations clash with date of delivery of clients’ clothes sometimes.

What projects are you currently

working on?

I am working on some projects to expand my outreach. One of them is a YouTube channel where we are planning on starting the exhibition of our products. We are doing this in collaboration with ‘stylemepurple’, another growing outfit brand.

You have started this business for over one year. How do you source fund?

My start-up funding was purely from personal savings. I expand the funding as the business continues to grow.

What are your plans for expansion outlines in few years?

I see the brand growing to be one of the big brands in Nigeria and Africa. We are really working towards this and we are beginning to see the signs of good things to come.

What are words to youth about

your other selfemployment?

I will say to them, follow your heart and live your dreams. If you have passion for anything, work towards it and develop yourself. It’s only what you’re passionate about that you can overcome. The challenges that come with it; where there is passion, giving up is difficult, so believe in yourself!

For those who are unemployed, they should try to acquire a skill. Government alone cannot solve all the unemployment problems in Nigeria with the increasing number of graduates every year, so acquire a skill and be your own boss and employ people instead, secure your future today!