In this interview, NAPS Press correspondent reached out to the Director of Folafits who spoke about her experiences and challenges in the business so far.
NAPS PRESS: Can we meet you?
FOLAFITS: Hi. I'm Folashade Showunmi of FolaFits, first of her kind, aspiring to be one the greats. I'm a 400L philosophy student and Fashion Designer. I own a budding Fashion brand called FolaFits and I'm working to take it to the next level. On a more personal note, my hobbies include watching a good series, doing design research, listening to podcasts, eating good food and making sure my customers are happy and satisfied.
NAPS PRESS: Why fashion designing?
FOLAFITS: Why fashion design? I think fashion design chose me. I remember all the disappointments I suffered as a child at the hands of street tailors. My Christmas fits were always a disaster. I remember making alterations to these clothes with thread and needle. I remember taking home economics in secondary school and my teacher using my class project work as a sample for others. It was an apron by the way. These and many other experiences growing up formed my interest in fashion design. I guess I'll say I always had a knack for creating things but I think I was more motivated by not wanting to be disappointed and I have sort of carried this through into my work. I never want to disappoint my clients so I put time into doing research to find what styling works best for my clients.
NAPS PRESS: Tell us a bit about FOLAFITS
FOLAFITS: FolaFits is a budding Fashion brand that currently specializes in making Female clothes. We are deeply interested in curating looks that make you look and feel confident, exquisite and satisfied. Customer satisfaction is the core of our objectives. Stay tuned to FolaFits and experience our growth journey with us.
NAPS PRESS: How has your experience been so far?
FOLAFITS: My experience with Fashion Design so far hasn't been smooth. Coming this far has been filled with a couple of road blocks and challenges. There have been times when I was filled with uncertainties about the next step and the future. I have even almost given up and tried to explore other paths but I have come to realize that this is the path for me. I am deeply motivated by the satisfaction my clients get from my pieces. That keeps me going and makes it all worth it.
NAPS PRESS: How has it been juggling school and business?
FOLAFITS: Juggling school and business has been a bit tricky as I have had to hold back from setting up something more permanent. There's the battle with my crazy schedule, and there's the battle with where to set up long term. I have great plans for the future and sometimes having to take a step back for a minute to focus on school can be really frustrating.
NAPS PRESS: The market is populous almost everybody is a fashion designer, how do you stand out?
FOLAFITS: The market is populous, yes. However, I think what motivates one is a great defining factor. Most people are motivated by how much profit can be made in the shortest time, a few others just want to create and create. I think I belong to the latter. I haven't quite found my specific voice yet as I have a lot of specific interests in the field. However, I'm not in a hurry to be the loudest voice in the field just yet. My brand does not stand out in the conventional sense at the moment but soon enough it will. Right now, I'm really focused on creating specific pieces for specific people and not just curating a general theme.
NAPS PRESS: Can you tell the difference between fashion designing and tailoring. A lot of people take one for the other because they can’t clearly differentiate.
FOLAFITS: Lol. When a person introduces themselves as a tailor, they are regarded as someone who sits in a street shop cutting and joining clothes, nothing spectacular. However a person who introduces themselves as a Fashion designer gets better recognition, they are seen as a creator of some unique and majestic pieces. I guess regarding oneself as a Fashion Designer is a testament of one's talents and ability to create something different, beautiful and timeless. However, at the end of the day, it is all the act of tailoring. To tailor is to make something to fit. Isn't that what we are all trying to do?
NAPS PRESS: What are the things people need to know when about venturing into fashion design or already started?
FOLAFITS: When going into fashion design business or any business really, one has to have a clear vision for the chosen business, Do research and more research, prepare to accommodate failure along side the successes as they both are recipes for all round growth. One has to persevere through all of this. Find a point of reference or mentor that inspires, cause you sure need inspiration. Never lose sight of the importance of customer satisfaction, put God at the center of your business and always refer back to him. Believe it or not, God gives inspiration.
NAPS PRESS: Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
FOLAFITS: In 5 years I see the brand FolaFits being a household name. I see us having 3 successful lines (Bespoke, RTW, Menswear) and kicking off a Fashion institute. As much as I dream about owning a successful business, fostering good business ties and making all the cool cash, I also dream about imparting young and old because good training and mentorship is hard to come by.
NAPS PRESS: Sell yourself to NAPsites?
FOLAFITS: Hi NAPsites! I make beautiful dresses. You should have a FolaFits dress in your wardrobe. Come aboard the FolaFits ship, you won't regret it.
NAPS PRESS: How do people who are interested in patronizing you reach you? Phone number and social media handle etc.
FOLAFITS: If you want to patronize or reach us for any reason, here are our contacts.
IG: @folafits
WhatsApp: 07086405830
Email: alongcamefola@gmail.com
0 Comments