The #BNSConvos: Africa Designers’ Connect which held on Saturday the 20th of March, made one thing clear; to succeed in the African fashion industry you have to be intentional; from writing out a proper fashion business plan to excellent craftmanship. All the discussions emphasised one common fact; having a successful fashion business is possible if you find out what works for your brand and then put in the required effort.
BellaNaija Style hosted 5 African women fashion leaders from around the continent in fashion education and fashion design over a 2-hour Clubhouse session to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the fashion industry in Africa and beyond.
We’ve rounded up 5 unmissable quotes from Saturday’s event.
Don’t be in a rush to suceed, everything takes time, have a vision, learn, focus and put in your best. -Sumaiya Dzietror Co-owner/Creative Director Pistis Ghana.
Be intentional with your prints, focus on product designs and create pieces that transcend boundaries and try to get as much inspiration as you can while being authentic to your brand. – Lisa Folawiyo Founder Lisa Folawiyo Studios.
If you decide to go into the fashion business and you don’t have a proper business plan, you’re basically living a dream and the bubble will most definitely burst.- Teni Sagoe Creative Director & Founder CLAN.
You have to have some form of financial backing, you either have your personal funds or an investor putting money into your fashion business. – Didi Akinyelure Creative Director April & Alex.
There’s no one way to fashion success, define what formula works for you and use what’s available to you to the best of your ability.- Ejiro Amos Tafiri Creative Director & Founder of Ejiro Amos Tafiri.