Member Uyeh @ Memsculture |
|
|
What is your background? I’ve always been interested in fashion since I was young. I started off making clothes for myself as I found it difficult to find things that fit me properly. I trained with two fashion schools and saved up for an industrial sewing machine. A real turning point came in 2018 when I created a number of outfits for my Aunty from the US. She really encouraged me to start my own business and help me see the potential of developing my own brand. I used my personal contacts from fashion school when starting out and took part in a British Council fashion programme to learn about the business side of fashion. I’ve really worked on my social media presence to promote and sell my designs.
Who is your typical client? My contacts from fashion school and friends and family were my initial clients. Now my clients mostly find me on Instagram or come from referrals. They come to me for good quality, affordable designs. Sometimes they already have an idea of the style or fabric they want, but I also work on more freestyle design projects. |
© Memsculture
|
© Memsculture
How would you describe your style/design work? My style is simple, classic and African. I want my designs to stand out and inspire a sense of confidence and joy for the wearer. I also hope to make a difference with my upcycled jewelry by using plastic bottles that complement my clothes while helping to address the environmental issue of plastic waste.
What are your ambitions?
My ambition is to build a fashion empire! I want to expand to my own production space and open a fashion school with departments where I would have employees and train people in different fashion and jewelry techniques.
© Memsculture
What has been your biggest career achievement?
My biggest achievement was last year in November/December when Street Project Foundation gave me a spot to partake in a six-week youth bootcamp where I learnt how to ake jewellery with plastics. The runway show organised to display my designs was called “revolutionary”, because I had infused plastics in all of my designs; I just wanted to show the world that nothing is a waste until you waste it. It felt like a dream come true having people model my designs.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Lagos? My advice to start-ups is to believe in themselves and their creativity. Never give up, persistence is key. Be open to learning new skills that will add value to your work (learn -unlearn-relearn) and always seek out investment opportunities. Only seek what sets your soul on fire #Dowhatulove.
My biggest achievement was last year in November/December when Street Project Foundation gave me a spot to partake in a six-week youth bootcamp where I learnt how to ake jewellery with plastics. The runway show organised to display my designs was called “revolutionary”, because I had infused plastics in all of my designs; I just wanted to show the world that nothing is a waste until you waste it. It felt like a dream come true having people model my designs.
What advice would you give to a designer just starting out in Lagos? My advice to start-ups is to believe in themselves and their creativity. Never give up, persistence is key. Be open to learning new skills that will add value to your work (learn -unlearn-relearn) and always seek out investment opportunities. Only seek what sets your soul on fire #Dowhatulove.
