‘Fashion as diverse as every being’s DNA’

Aisha Dansabo is into retail clothing business. Her clothing line, ‘Classy You’, designs clothes, organises wardrobes and helps with dressing for occasions. In this interview, she explains how she got into the business, the ups and downs of the business among others. Why did you choose to venture into this business? I have passion for […]

Aisha Dansabo is into retail clothing business. Her clothing line, ‘Classy You’, designs clothes, organises wardrobes and helps with dressing for occasions. In this interview, she explains how she got into the business, the ups and downs of the business among others.

Why did you choose to venture into this business?

I have passion for it. Fashion and design has always being a part of me. I started by designing my own clothes and people liked them. Some people will even borrow them to sew the same style. I then thought; why not make money out of it. With fashion you can really express yourself personally; it serves as language, a non-verbal communication. It is one way cultural beliefs, norms, customs etc are portrayed. Fashion is everywhere, and everyone is part of it, but it is as diverse as every being’s DNA.”

How did you get the capital to start the business?

I started saving up to design more and also to advertise. Well, unlike other big businesses, I started with something small. I think it was about N10,000. Since I am currently a student, I mostly save from my pocket money and also the little I get from my makeup business.

You can see I am in love with fashion; I do both designing of clothes and makeup. You could say I am a jack of all trades. I sell varieties of long dresses and also buy matching veils. There are times people wear clothes and mismatch the accessories so I do reorganize clothes and match them to their more appropriate dressing.

What are some of the challenges you have faced so far?

One of my major challenges is people that come and get products or services on credit and do not want to pay up on time, even though some other customers can be a little demanding. Marketing the business is another major challenge for me because I do not really know how to advertise or get people’s attention to what I do. Even with the social media, when you have low followers, it tends to limit your coverage.

What advice do you have for those who want to venture into this same business?

I’ll advise that they learn how to market their products and services due to the high competition out there. It is a very open and direct business everyone can go into. Plan a marketing strategy that involves both free and paid advertising methods of getting your brand in front of your target market.

What is your educational background?

I attended Trust International School for my primary education, and then proceeded to Federal Science and Technical College, Kuta, Niger State for my secondary education. I am currently in my final year at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Niger State.