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.
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