Stephanie Oduenyi is the creative director of a Nigerian-owned fashion label, called MAKANI Couture. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the graduate of Microbiology from Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, speaks on her foray into fashion. Excerpts:
Foray into fashion
I have always had passion and flair for fashion. I always thought I would own a boutique. I really didn’t think I would end up being a designer, but, in 2011, I felt that instead of owning a boutique and stocking various collections from different designers, I could actually build my brand, style and design outfits for people. I went into fashion and designing when I had little or nothing. I was working with a telecommunications company and was earning N30,000 monthly. I learnt from my family tailor at that time that was doing really well for herself.
Challenges faced
The major challenge was raising start-up capital and accessing funds to set up fully. It was also difficult getting brand visibility for the business. Inconsistent power supply was also a big issue.
The journey so far
It has been an awesome journey. I have had the good, the bad and the best times so far. It’s been a long bumpy ride, but definitely worth every bit of it. I am so grateful to God for how far He has brought me.
Coping with competition in the industry
Yes, the fashion industry is a competitive one but I believe the sky is big enough for all types of birds with wings to fly in. I don’t believe I am in competition with anyone. I work according to my pace and I try to break and meet every target and goal I set for myself with regards to the brand. I also admire the talents of other designers and try to learn a few things from their creativity. I see no competition. I only strive to be the best I can be.
Unique selling point
Well, that should be in my service delivery. I always ensure that I am prompt with meeting my clients’ needs and orders, while still maintaining quality and uniqueness in all my pieces. I really love to work with silk, organza and chiffon. They are easy to style and mere seeing these fabrics bring a lot of creative ideas to mind.
How I get inspiration for my designs
I draw inspiration from a lot of places and things around me. I mostly get inspired by reading some design-related blogs or articles. I search out many great design resources, reviews, showcases, tutorials and much more.
Role models in the industry
I admire and respect a lot of talents in the industry.
Combining my career with the home front
Seamless. As I said earlier, I work within my pace. I believe there has to always be a balance with career and family life.
Tips on how to succeed as a fashion designer
I guess with passion and the right attitude, one will definitely succeed. That’s already a stepping stone. Then, keep abreast with the latest fashion trends and happenings in the industry. I am sure that’s a good way to succeed.
Target audience
Every fashion lover out there, be it a man or a woman, who craves for uniqueness in their outfits. My clothes are relatively affordable. I am sure even students can find a piece or two at our store. Also, pricing, which depends on the exact design and fabric. Our prices vary.
Basic fashion items a woman should have in her wardrobe
A pair of jeans, nice flats, a really nice pair of heel and a black dress. You can’t ever go wrong with a black dress. So, every lady should have a nice cute black dress in her wardrobe. Fashion accessories add a bit of glam to a lady’s look. Also, nice deodorant and perfume should not be forgotten.
Fashion shows and awards
MAKANI has been on several fashion platforms and events and has more than seven fashion awards nominations. We have won three awards so far.
What a woman should consider when choosing a style
What are you comfortable in? And what flatters your body type? Those are the important questions a woman should answer when picking a style. You don’t choose a certain style or outfit because it is in vogue. A lady should first understand her body type, then know which fashion style flatters her figure. If not, a really nice outfit will end up being a mess just because it doesn’t suit your body type.
Difference between fashion and style
I will say fashion is simply dressing up in an outfit, while style depends solely on the individual and her choices. Fashion is more of latest trends made by designers and can be anything such as clothes, shoes, make-up and accessories. Style is something which is unique to everyone. Style is the person’s own choice in clothes, accessories and so on. Style is not totally dependent on clothing. It can be related to anything that makes the person look stylish.
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Beauty tips every woman should know
STANDING tall, feeling confident, believing in yourself — these are all important ways to feel your best. But as any woman who’s ever stood in front of a mirror can tell you, beauty secrets count too!
Looking your best doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, either. Experts say most of us really only need to pay attention to a few basic beauty secrets – essentials that can help you look and feel great without spending a lot of time or money.
To help you find the beauty tips that really work, WebMD talked to top skin care and beauty experts, who parted with their personal tips for looking great:
Never underestimate the power of moisturizer
Whether your skin is dry, normal, or even oily, if you can only afford one skin care product, experts say, your [money] will be well spent on a good moisturizer.
Choose your cleanser wisely
If you’re a “soap and water” girl (or guy), you may want to rethink your cleansing strategy. Dermatologists say that one of the best beauty tips around is to use the gentlest cleanser you can find – and use it sparingly.
Wash your face too often – more than twice a day – and you can damage the natural lipid barrier, the protective mantle of lubrication that keeps skin looking and feeling healthy.
Wash skin no more than twice a day and choose your cleanser wisely.
Use the right tools for the right job
You can have the best eyeshadow money can buy, the world’s most luxurious foundation, a bronzer straight from the cosmetic bag of a supermodel. But if you don’t have the right tools to apply them, their benefits will be lost.
What constitutes the “right” tools? Brushes should be soft and feel gentle on the skin, but also have substance so the product can be moved to the surface of your skin. If you dip a brush in shadow or blush and the color falls off before you make it to your face, that’s a bad brush, experts say.
Update hair and makeup every 2 years
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a change, visit the makeup counters at your favourite department or beauty store, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of the better lines are sold by makeup artistes who can quickly catch you up on what’s new.
Source: www.webmd.com.