Yewande Hakeem-Habeeb, CEO of Qubraz Designs speaks on her Journey into the Fashion Industry

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

It has been amazing doing what I love. Every business has its ups and downs,but my passion for fashion has made me weather the storm and has brought me this far.

WHAT ARE THE PRESENT TRENDS IN FASHION NOW?

Using Africa as a case study 

Adire and Ankara being an african fabric has been accepted globally , we now have top designers using Adire and Ankara adorn lovely styles

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

In fashion there's a lot to pay attention to... and it's all summarised into one word.... TREND.... 

Asides one has to create a Niche for ones self.

Following trend is okay, but learning to be unique and different while at it is a plus too.

Because you don't want to create the same look everyone will be trying to create , your uniqueness is in being different

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

Man power, Electricity and insufficient tailoring materials, you have to import little or nothing is being produced locally 

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

It's great and gives people loads of options to choose from,

It's a competition and every brand is trying to be in the forefront

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

They're doing great, we believe they'll do much better.

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

I have a triangle life. Lol I wake up pray school runs,work home.

HOW DID YOU FINANCE THE BUSINESS IN ITS EARLY DAYS?

From buying and selling of ready made then I will produce   one or two of my designs when sold I throw bck the money to make more.

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

We'll firstly we need to start by looking into our textile industry,

Patronize our own industries

Part of the problem has been that most of the fabrics ain't made in Nigeria, so we need to first of all start working much more with our own fabric creators and empower people with creative ideas for the industry.

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

Well electricity is one of the main challenges we face in Nigeria, we'll need at least a stable power supply.

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

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

Be focused

Be creative

Be persistent

Be smart

Always think one step ahead 

It's not going to be easy... but you'll got to develop patience to deal with a lot 

Learn to develop a thick skin because issues will arise and this business entails you dealing with people, so you will have to be ready to get hit.

But don't worry, you can catch your breath sometimes

Follow on Instagram @womenconnectng 

Follow on twitter @WomenconnectNig

Follow and like Facebook Page womenconnectwithoyinlolasale 

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our YouTube page, Women Connect Niger