Interview: Success is really nice but failure is nice too -Amina Nadada
Designer Spotlight
Could you briefly describe your educational background and the steps you took to go from it to become a fashion designer?
I majored in computer science at Nile University of Nigeria. Different courses in my undergraduate program prepared me on how to use research, Math and information technology to overcome business challenges, generate sales and marketing. I generate revenue to establish my business named “Anada Nigeria” efficiently using my skills and knowledge from school. For an instance, I took a course “ Advanced entrepreneurial studies” where I learnt the skills to start small, apply strategy and chase my fashion dreams. I started with trading perfume, wrappers and clothings. Then I moved to having a deal with a tailor who has his workshop to sew my customers cloths starting with family and friends. Through referrals I began to establish my clientele & fashion business. Then I turned our house courtyard to a mini workshop. My customers happen to come home to place their orders. I deliver with a tailor working for me while I supervise him. Then I moved to a shop outside home in maitama though my customers still come home to place orders with their fabrics.
Because workshop is at a location that is not easily accessible. From there I moved to Utako “Suite A23, 2nd floor, Plot 6, Abraham plaza, A. E. Ekukinam Street (next to ABC transport), Utako, Abuja. That is a more strategic location, in town and easily accessible where I am currently running my business. I partitioned the shop to establish an office there where my customers come to place their orders, run other business activities also with a workshop where my tailors work under my supervision.
In 2016, I went to “Hudayya Fashion School” where I took a course in “ Basic tailoring, Illustration and Fashion Design”. The course improved me in my fashion sketch’s and taught me a lot in pattern making, fashion business and tailoring.
What motivated you to make such a significant career shift?
I have been passionate about creating unique fashion and clothing styles for myself through inspiration and creativity.
How has your educational background affected the way you approach fashion design?
Very positive
Are there specific skills or knowledge from your degree programme that you find particularly useful in fashion design?
Yes. Communication skills, fundamentals of data structures, Entrepreneurial Studies, Database Management systems, Software Programming, Operations Research, Industrial training and Project
What was your experience like studying at Nile University of Nigeria, and how did it prepare you for your career change?
It was quite hectic and fun especially at the latter stage. I really enjoyed the courses I took at my year three and four. My project which was an android based mobile app for e-commerce really put me through how technology makes an impact in the fashion industry. It has helped in online marketing and generating of sales.
How would you describe your design style?
Luxury and Chic
What are the key influences and inspirations behind your work?
Fabric, Nature.
How do you stay current with fashion trends while maintaining your unique style?
Through the use of social media fashion influencers, online blogs and magazines
Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to finished garment?
This got me giggle a bit because I could just use a bit of coding or a part of software engineering to answer your question(state diagram or ERD). Well, for my bespoke firstly, I welcome my customer and ask them if it’s custom made or they would like to purchase from our ready-to-wear collections. If it’s bespoke I observe their fabric and listen to their specifications. As they tell me I sketch their ideas on paper according to fashion style sense and we reach to an agreement with the customer. I take their measurements as needed and serve them some treats to make them comfortable. After my customer leaves I write down all the necessary items needed for the particular style(s) they chose. At the end of the week I send my assistant to purchase the items from the market after putting her through the list. After she brings the items I give them to my tailor and guide him on how the design should appear. After he finishes the task at hand. I prepare him to seeing the style according to the sketch and specifications of the customer. Then I supervise him until the garment is ready. Then I notify my customer that it’s ready they can come for fittings. After fittings, we make all necessary adjustments there and then. Incase where it will take too long we give another date for the customer to come for another fitting before we package the clothes for them once they are satisfied. We welcome all kinds of reviews for improvement.
In the case of our ready-to-wear on order, I mostly sketch my styles through inspirations and creativity as discussed above. Then I purchase the fabrics and necessary items needed for the designs mostly one samples of each of the few collections. I arrange the photoshoot for them with models and market them through my social media handles to generate sales. If a customer places an order we sew that design for him/her based on order and according to their sizes.
What materials and techniques do you prefer to work with, and why?
I prefer to work with silk because it has a luxurious smooth and soft texture, it has elegant appearance in the eyes and is friendly to the skin.
Technique: Through sketching and drawing designs from inception. I work with complimentary color fabrics and guide my tailors in sewing the design. I stay up to date with fashion trends. In conclusion I use combination of creativity, technical skills and business acumen.
How do you approach sustainability and ethical practices in your designs?
We try to make sure it’s modest and we tend to use fabrics that are almost the same price range. I work using fair labor practices, worker rights and ethical sourcing.
I also promote equity, diversity and inclusion in my designs, marketing and business practices.
Can you tell us about your latest collection and the inspiration behind it?
I’m yet to start working on my latest collection due to personal and some business challenges we are facing at the moment
Tell us a few from passion projects you did before
Mostly they’re bridals here are few pictures.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer, and how did you overcome it?
Getting my tailors to deliver on time: Solution is I put them through processes that works easier for them and results come out as needed.
Another challenge is me having to be involved in fabric sourcing that compliment my design and the process of making decisions in the market sometimes these decisions happen to be a bit tough.
What has been your proudest moment or biggest achievement in your career so far?
Developing my fashion brand to a high-end luxury brand. I started from my parents’ courtyard to moving to my own high-end office at a strategic location. This is an achievement because aside the fact that I scaled from home to own an office outside home( my present location). It took me a lot of time, effort and resources, boosting sales, building relationships, reaching targets to getting there.
I am able to successfully finish three different projects through collaboration with the creative industry. We planned bridal photoshoot that is educating and fun. We do this projects to attract customers through social media marketing which results to boosting of sales and increase in revenue.
Participating in a seamless mentorship program in fashion and other mentorship programs.
Other achievement is having my company “Anada “ to represent northern Nigeria in showcasing the northern attire of hausa fulani in the last presidential inauguration exhibition at Sheraton hotels Abuja and more.
How do you see the fashion industry evolving in the next few years?
Educating and fun
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?
Be sure you’re passionate and determined to keep you going. Stay true and be very particular about customer satisfaction.
Who are your style icons or favourite designers, and why?
Elie Saab because of his exotic designs of bridals Nizar Roumani because of his choice of fabrics.
If you could design an outfit for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
Hudayya Fadoul Abacha
How do you balance creativity with the business side of fashion design?
Through choice of fabrics, design structure inspirations and style.
What are your goals for the future, both personally and for your brand?
In the long-term, with skills, wealth and experience gained in the business industry, I will partner with other business interest groups to foster positive change in the Nigerian business system by leading advocacy, build on my success with the relationships to ensure poverty-alleviation, sustainable development, wealth/job creation, offer conventions/trainings and grants to start-ups to provide opportunity for future leaders to thrive which aligns with SDG-8 goal. I intend to establish SPI charity school for the less privileged, donate boreholes to different communities in need, aligning with SDG-4 and SDG-6 goals respectively.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Yes. after Eid-l-Adha
Where can our readers find your work and follow your journey?
My social media handles: Instagram- “@anada.ng , @anada.man
Facebook: Anada Nigeria, anada.man
Are there any final words of wisdom for current students pursuing their passions?
Success is really nice but failure is nice too. They both teach us a lesson. So don’t feel bad if you fail keep striving but learn from your lessons you will get there with the help of God.
