BY OUR REPORTER ON DECEMBER 20, 2015 BUSINESS
BY NKECHI CHIMA
Grace Ibironke Ojo, CEO of Grazee Stitches started her fashion business as an undergraduate. In this interview, she reflects on her challenges and success story.
**Can you tell us about your fashion outfit?**
At Grazee Stitches we make clothing for both male and female and children especially. We have been around for over four years
**How did you get into business?**
I didn’t start big. I started gradually with two sewing machines and by making design sketches which I give to my tailor to sew.
**How has it been in business?**
Business has not been so much fun all the while, but I’m passionate about everything I do. Though, we have challenges when it comes to manpower and other inputs, but over the years, I have been able to work around them and I learn new things everyday as the business is growing rapidly.
**Could you tell us about your quality control?**
It’s quite challenging as I have to work with designers that are not so educated and even with those that are educated, I vet every unit that’s made. I take my time to create nice styles by sketching for my designers and I try to work on the finishing because finishing is something most of our designers lack in Nigeria. So, I try to look at the threading for the inner lock so that it’s well done and up to standard.
**What are your challenges in the business?**
Rent is quite on the high side in Abuja. The epileptic power supply is not also helping issues, because we run most times on generator. Tailors, to some extent are a big challenge, because they’re egotistic immediately you have a solid working relationship with them. Instead of reciprocating your kindness and love, sometimes they take you for granted and misbehave. The major challenge over the years with female customers in particular is that they don’t seem to understand they are dealing with tailors or fashion designers. I think they prefer working with magicians. They just want to get their fabrics cut and sewn, but because of our body shapes in Nigeria, you need some little alterations to make it fit when they lose or gain weight.
**What’s your staying power in business?**
God has really motivated me as well as my desire to live an exemplary life.
**What’s your advice for young graduates looking for jobs?**
I would tell them not to waste their time looking for jobs. They should just try to be self-employed by acquiring a skill. Of course, their education is not a waste and being a fashion designer helps you sustain your pride.
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