I’m Driven by the Desire to Stay on Top

are in place with the outfit. Designers who showcase worldwide have stylists styling their collections because a stylist just knows what works better. These are some of the challenges stylists face and we pray it gets better so stylists should be allowed to play their full role.

Apart from styling, what else do you do?

I’m into a lot of other things apart from styling. Over the years I have grown so many businesses into what they are today with my exceptional skill as a public relations guru, personal branding strategist, events manager, image consultant, publicist and many more. I also work with a couple of insurance firms as a marketing strategist. I currently got into the real estate business too.

How do you deal with difficult clients?

A client will be difficult only if you don’t understand them. For me, once I get a call from a client, research is key. I quickly do a research on their fashion history, or present fashion state so as to give me a better understanding of who I’m working with. Once that is done I start to get prepared for the job. Next, I try to always do a fitting before the D-day comes in other to avoid any hazards on the event day. So, when Swanky arrives on the D-day, know that I’m extremely prepared and my client is already happy with what we concluded to wear. The best way to handle difficult clients is to be ready for them 100 per cent. Have options for the clients in case something goes wrong. For example, a broken zip, and you have no options; client gets angry and is termed a difficult client. It’s you as the stylist who wasn’t prepared. If you are organized and you pay attention to details I’m sure your client will be happy with you and difficult clients will be far from you.

Which famous stylist do you admire and why?

Oh wow! That’s a big question. I admire a few famous stylists because they inspire me differently. Every stylist has their own crown. I’ll mention a few that I admire and why. Ryan Hastings: He has continually reinvented gothic glam over the years and I love how he explored a full range of softly dramatic, neutrally hued looks. His works are mind-blowing. Erin Walsh: I just love how she knows how to experiment and get it right. She blew my mind when five of her clients were on the top list of best dressed even though she was heavily pregnant. Samantha McMillen: She is exceptional when it comes to men’s grooming. She knows how to make a man look magical yet classy; less is always more for her.

TY Tryone: We all know Beyonce is queen of slay of all times. Tryone makes most of it happen. I love how he styles her to perfection. He’s a perfectionist; very motivating and inspiring. He’s also supportive to stylists around the world who see him as an inspiration or admire his works. I met TY at the global citizens’ festival in New York and trust me; he’s one of the most humble famous people I have met in my lifetime. He’s such a goal-getter. Plus he has just launched his own fashion line which is doing incredibly well.

Which celebrity in the world will you like to style and why?

Oh my goodness! The list is endless. When I launched Swanky’s Signatures in 2012 I had a list of celebrities I wanted to work with and my dreams came to pass. In Africa, I have been able to work with all the A-list celebrities: Dbanj, Ice Prince, Wizkid, Davido, Tuface, Majid Micheal, Juliet Ibrahim, Tonto Dikeh, Seyi Shay, Yemi Alade, Mercy Aigbe, Ini Edo, Aka from South Africa, Flavour, Iyanya, Wande Cole, Omawumi, Darey Art Alade, Annie Idibia, Toke Makinwa, Praiz, DJ Spinall, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Caroline Danjuma, Mi, Yung Six, Daniella Okeke, Victoria Kimani, Osas Ajibade, Becca, Chioma Chukuka, Banky W, Vanessa Mdee, Emma Nyra,, Simi, Dprince, Ik ogbonna, governors, presidents, royalties and many more to mention a few. So, I’m guessing let’s take this to Hollywood. I will love to style Jlo, Beyonce, Kim K, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Usher, Lady Gaga and lots more. One singular reason is because they have evolved over time and their style keeps improving.

What advice do you have aspiring stylists?

Well, note that it won’t be easy but it will be worth it. Stay true to yourself, put God first in everything that you do; be ready to be criticised, and be creative. Consistency is very important.

How do you balance work and other obligations?

I always just find a way out. It’s extremely difficult but I just make sure I set my priorities right and it works out almost all the time. It could be complicated most times. But division of labour has also helped me.

Why do you think Swanky’s Signatures has done so well?

I pretty much think it’s God almighty who has uplifted me and made me who I’m today. He sees it all. Plus my hard work, creativity and consistency also contributed to the growth.

The social media is full of people who don’t really know you giving you their opinion on what they actually think about you. How do people who know you describe you?

The people who know me will describe me as a god-fearing young man, hard-working, kind, happy, smart, and intelligent.

What outfit will you not be caught in?

I can’t say; I love to experiment. So, if you see me in a shocking outfit know that I’m a stylist and I’m allowed to experiment.

If you were not a stylist what would you have been?

One of the many things that I do now; maybe, I would have been into full-time public relations.