Aisha Suleiman Garba, CEO of Spectrum by Aisha tells us about her Journey in the Fashion Industry

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

Funny enough, going into fashion was never planned, although I grew up inside the fashion scene, I always thought I was going to be a career woman. 

CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE GROWTH OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY AND WHAT HAS CHANGED, COMPARED TO WHEN YOU STARTED? 

A lot has changed with the advent of the social media, but all I can say is that some fashion trends are more acceptable now than when I started, people are allowed to be more expressive through fashion 

WHAT ARE THE PRESENT TRENDS IN FASHION NOW?

For me I feel it’s volume and tulle, A lot of people enjoy wearing dramatic pieces 

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT DETAILS TO PAY ATTENTION TO, IN ORDER TO EXCEL IN THE FASHION BUSINESS?

Every detail is important in the fashion bussiness,from production to choosing colors to customer service!

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED SO FAR IN RUNNING THIS BUSINESS?

Logistics can be difficult and also at the production level lack of constant electricity can be a hindrance! 

THE INDUSTRY IS CHURNING OUT A LOT OF CREATIVE DESIGNERS, WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ABOUT THIS GROWTH?

It’s very admirable, it shows that as Nigerians we have a lot of offer to the world 

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY REGARDING THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA?

I wish it could be better, we have soo many creative people in the country that just need to be supported to show their ability to the world! Improving our textile industry will increase exportation and also build a lot of

Jobs for unemployed people 

AS A WOMAN WITH SO MANY RESPONSIBILITIES, HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY?

I take it one day at a time, it’s not easy but as women we are expected to work 10 times harder and smarter. There’s nothing we cannot do if we set our minds to it 

HOW DID YOU FINANCE THE BUSINESS IN ITS EARLY DAYS?

With my little savings from my school allowances.

SO, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO CARVE A NICHE FOR YOURSELF, DESPITE THE COMPETITION OUT THERE?

I feel customer service is key to maintaining this, there are people that keep coming back to your bussiness because of their first experience, that way you gradually build a community and this Ofcourse goes hand in hand with producing quality products  

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST FEARS WHEN YOU STARTED THIS BUSINESS?

Will I be good enough? Will I be able to maintain my customers and also will I be able to handle the stress of training staff and all those other things 

HOW CAN THE FASHION INDUSTRY COMPETE WITH OTHER SECTORS IN BOOSTING THE ECONOMY OF THE COUNTRY?

I think the fashion industry already plays a big role in boosting our economy, but I feel it will be better if we improve our textile industry, that way a lot of designers won’t have to source for fabrics abroad 

HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT CREATE AN ENABLING ENVIROMENT FOR BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS TO THRIVE?

They can help by offering bussines loans and also training and encouraging a lot of people to join the industry, there are never going to be too much trained tailors or textile designers in the industry 

TELL US ABOUT A HIGHLY DIFFICULT PERIOD WHERE YOU PROBABLY THOUGHT OF GIVING UP AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT?

There have been so many, all I can do is to thank God for giving me the ability to push through 

A YOUNG FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR OUT THERE IS THINKING OF FOLLOWING YOUR FOOT STEPS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER?

Be sure this is really what you want to do,then push it with all your strength. You have to be patient also because somethings take time 

PLEASE, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO DO ONE LAST THING, AND THAT’S TO LIST 5 SHORT BUSINESS LESSONS FOR A BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR?

Be patient 

Never give up

Be quick at solving problems( no time to sulk) 

You can never be perfect, just do your best 

Never ever ever down play yourself.

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