People always ask for the right time to start their fashion business. Of course, you don’t want to start too early and find yourself back in the trenches. Also, you don’t want to be too late to the party.
To start a fashion business in Nigeria, you need to be armed with the vital tips below. The tips will point you in the right direction as to what, when, where and how. There is no shortcut to being a fashion designer or entrepreneur in Nigeria. It is a process that everyone willing to have a successful fashion business must painstakingly follow.
1. Know your craft and understand your target market
You need to have a clear vision of what you are doing. Craft can be learned and acquired. You can learn either sewing physically or remotely. It is paramount that you know the in and out of sewing. You don’t necessarily need to know how to sew to start a fashion business. If you can’t sew, you should know what it takes to produce clothes. You cannot be swindled if you know what you are doing.
You also need to study the fashion industry. Know what works and what doesn’t. Clearly state and plan how you will thrive in the industry. Starting a fashion business can be very overwhelming. You need to be armed with all the relevant information you need.
2. Identity your niche
Your niche is the who in your business. Who are you sewing for? Who are the beneficiaries of your services? Specify who your customers are.
There are various niches you can venture into in the fashion industry. You can specialize in aso-ebi, robes, wedding dresses, corporate wears, custom outfits, children clothing, and many others.
Choose you niche based on your strength and skill set. Do something you enjoy and can do.
3. Identity your target audience
Within a fashion niche, there are various target audiences. There are target audiences within the bridal fashion industry, corporate wears industry and so on. You can decide to sew affordable or luxurious clothing.
For instance, if your niche is sewing wedding dresses, there are different price ranges under it. There are wedding dresses for below a hundred thousand naira, others costs higher. You can decide you sew wedding dresses for brides for less than a hundred thousand naira. Those intending brides are your target audience.
4. Locate a demand
The demand is the why? Why should people patronize you? What value are you offering? Your fashion business must solve a fashion problem. It is important to have a successful fashion business.
For instance, there are three fashion designers, X, Y and Z. A clients wants to sew a dress for an event and she needs it urgently. X will sew the dress in a day, Y will sew the dress in 3 days and Z will sew the outfit in 5 days. Who do you think the client will patronize?
X has identified the problem of time(T). He makes sure that he sews faster to attract more clients. X business will stand out from Y and Z businesses when problem T poses a problem. Locate a demand when starting a fashion business in Nigeria.
5. Start small and seek funds from family
It is every fashion designer’s dream to have a big fashion brand. You want to chill with the top designers in Nigeria. It is a great plan, but you have to start somewhere. Don’t despise humble beginnings.
You can start from your bedroom with a sewing machine and basic sewing tools. Take small steps and grow big. Rome was not built in a day.
If you have family that can support your business, seek their help. Be humble to ask for help when starting your business. Family will most likely give you the money for free. Ultimately, seek funds, save and invest.
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