Focus is key — Adebowale

Ope Adebowale

Ope Adebowale, a 23-year-old designer who runs her fashion line, Scilla Couture, speaks to Tobi Aworinde on how she turned her passion for fashion into a fast-growing business

How did you get into this line of business?

I started training during long vacation while I was in the second year in the university. I couldn’t complete the training then because I had to go back to school. I started using my leisure time to learn more from my tailor in school. Immediately after my university education, I continued my training while I was awaiting my call up for the National Youth Service. I served in Tambuwal, Sokoto State. Even there, I searched for tailors, mingled with them and continued to acquire knowledge by paying them to sew my clothes myself with their machines. I did all these because I made up my mind I had to gain more knowledge wherever I found myself. When I returned from service, I started making clothes for people for little money to get things such as recharge cards and personal stuff. I decided to go into the business in 2011. That was some months after my youth service.

What was the biggest challenge you had starting up?

The greatest challenge I encountered was getting a place of my own. I started off in one of the bedrooms in my father’s house with just one sewing machine. Then I moved to sharing my friend’s bedroom; still with one sewing machine until I eventually got a place of my own. Even then, the story of one sewing machine didn’t just change overnight. It was a gradual process with little investments and contributions from my family and close friends.

Also, electricity has been a challenge which of course is a general issue in the country. Before I could afford a generator, I had to wait most times for electricity to be restored before I could complete some tasks. Sometimes, if so much time had been wasted and the deadline for a job was so near, I always ended up using stove iron to make clothes look good to the owners.

What about your educational background?

I had my primary and secondary school education in Ondo State. I gained admission into Bowen University to study mass communication in 2006 and eventually graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the university in 2010. I had my fashion designing certificate from Yetroselane Couture, Ibadan.

Do you have any role models in this line of business?

My very first role model is God because He put in me all my creative ideas right from my conception and of course, He is the number one fashion designer. My wonderful and ‘always-there’ parents have been there every step of the way. They never threw away my idea and passion for this; they have been a great source of encouragement right from the start even up till now. Their listening ears and helping hands have really been good to me. Yetunde Bamgboye, the CEO of Yetroselane Couture, Ibadan, has been a great source of help right from when she saw my interest in this. My grandmother is a great fashion designer who always gives me fashion tips whenever we have the opportunity to be together. I am so glad that I took after her.

If you weren’t doing fashion, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t doing fashion, I would probably be working in the bank or an advertising agency. I actually resigned from my bank job to face this. I seriously believe in what I am doing and I am looking forward to getting to the top in this fashion business. Even while I was in the bank, I was still sewing; I made customers out of my colleagues and worked on their clothes during my leisure and weekends. I do not regret leaving my previous job for this because I know I will make it. If I wasn’t doing fashion, I’m sure I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I have.

What is your greatest milestone since you started this business?

Making up my mind to start this business is a great milestone. Being called up to be among the fashion instructors for a girls’ club and getting a contract to make choir uniforms for a church are other milestones. There was also a time I had to make some clothes that were sent to the United States of America. It gladdened my heart that someone from there could ask me to make clothes for her. I am looking forward to achieving more and more because the more you do, the better you get. Training students is already going on and it pleases me to know that I am imparting knowledge into people with so much passion like me.

Are you involved in any mentoring programmes?

I am not really involved in such programmes now but I see it coming. I had one last year which was organised by my church in Ibadan when I had to impart basic fashion knowledge into young girls. The programme turned out to be a huge success because most of the girls had an interest in it. Another one will be happening soon; to encourage young ladies like me to do more and be more for themselves.

What sets your brand apart from others?

I can say of myself that I have an excellent creative mind that distinguishes my style from others’.  Even when my styles look similar to others, I do not look into magazines before I make most of my customers beautiful outfits. I always thrive to come up with something different. Whenever I have to work, there is always something that is uniquely different because I believe that whatever you do now, you should get better the next time.

Where do you see your business in the next 10 years?

In the next ten years, I see my business making waves at the top; exactly where God has planned it to be. I am taking this business to the next level by God’s grace. So far, each year, there has always been a huge difference. What I mean is; I am not where I was last year. I have moved many steps forward and higher. In 10 years from now, we are talking about 2024; my business will be recognised in significant places all over the world because I would have taken uncountable giant successful steps.

What is your advice to those who are finding it hard to start their own fashion line?

Focus, determination and prayers are very key. They have to be balanced. Check your passion for fashion; make sure it is intact. The truth is, when you have great passion for something, you have everything because you will ensure that you see through whatever that passion is to the end.

Once your passion is in place, every other thing will fall in line. It will only be a matter of time.

Set your standards; do not let anyone dictate or decide how you run your business. Let them know that you are in charge. Also, invest into your business no matter how small. Every little investment counts. However you can afford to let your business grow, endeavour to do so.

Do not rush, it will happen. It is only a matter of time. Also, learn to appreciate those who encourage you in one way or the other; those who contribute to your achievements no matter how little. It always goes a long way. Through that, you will be encouraging them to do more. It won’t be easy but trust me, you will make it. Stay focused and be determined.