Being creative makes me real — Ummi Lawal, lawyer turned fashion designer

In a fashion industry that is fast growing and courting global attention, one lady whose designs and creative inventions will not go unnoticed, is budding fashion entrepreneur and founder Fabrics and Apparels Multilinks, Ummi Lawal. For somebody, who studied Law but fell in love with fashion, Ummi, in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks on her fashion brand and how she wants to create her mark.

You are gradually building a career for yourself in the fashion world as your brand appears to be making inroads into the big market, how have you been coping with the pressure that comes with it?

Well, so far so good. The journey has been quite tough, judging from the dress sense of the different regions of the country and also being able to bring modern trends into our African styles and make clients look good. Africans are very conscious of their dress sense and they pay a lot of attention to what they wear. I try as much as possible not to be cowed by the pressure of the job; I am always looking at the positive sides of the job. I always place premium on the satisfaction of my clients because they are the reason I am in business, so I have to ensure they call back on us.

How have you been able to push your brand to this level in just few years?

I have always said it that my magic is my originality. I don’t settle for less and I go for what I want without looking back. In this game, creativity rules, so I try to stay on top of my game always by creating something new out of the ordinary. The game is changing everyday and one has to be very creative to remain in business. So, what have worked for me are God’s grace and my creative mind.

You are a graduate of Law but you seemed to have found a new love in fashion, how did this happen?

It has not been easy to mix both education and passion. I actually developed the love for fashion since I was a child because my late mum was a designer and she was quite passionate about it. So, it was something I grew up with and I am glad I took a decision to turn it into a career. I am working very hard everyday to put my career on the map. The journey has just begun, as what people see as success now is nothing compared to what we are about to unveil in 2018.

There was not time you felt this fashion thing was not working; for that you wanted to put it aside and focus on something else?

There was never a time when such thought found its way into my head. I am actually not the type of person that gives up easily regardless of what the problem might be. I know that I have faced challenges and at some point it they almost broke me down and pushed my away but being passionate about fashion has kept me grounded. Nothing moves me. Nothing scares me again. I just want to be successful and I am ready to tackle any problem that comes my way frontally.

As an undergraduate, did it appear to you at any point that you would venture into another business, aside the Law profession?

I have never wished to depend solely on white collar jobs as I am into other businesses and fashion is one of the many things I could very well.

At what stage of your life did your creativity start overriding other things you have interest in?

As I said earlier, it is something I grew up knowing my late mum with and I loved it. So, I can say that at a very young stage of my life, I found myself loving fashion and everything that has to do with fashion.

For somebody, who is just starting up, it may not be out of place to say that you have a long way to go, how are you sure you have what it takes to give other brands run for their money?

I believe this is what I am passionate about and I am willing to give it what it takes to get to the top. I am never going to bother myself with this person or that person. I just want to focus on my job and work hard to give the brand the name that people will easily relate with. I have a long way to go, and I believe every fashion designer has its own fashion sense and design. I only look at how I can be better that what I was yesterday. With that, I am always looking forward and keeping my eyes on the goal. As long as I am consistent in giving my very best and being creative, I am going higher.

What does style mean to you?

Style, to me, means creativity. Style means invention. You have to be creative with whatever you are putting out for your clients to wear.

How do you see your creations compared to others who have been on the game before you?

I see everyone creating something nice to remain relevant in the business. Every day, you see new inventions in fashion and you ask yourself if people actually sleep in this business because by the time you think you have worked hard to put out something new, you will soon discover that a new design has been created. The sky is big enough for everyone as we are special in our own ways. Everyone has uniqueness in what they do, so I don’t see any reason for comparison. I don’t compare myself with anyone; I stay true to my creations

How big do you intend to take this trade now that things appear to be looking up for you?

My dream is to showcase my brand across the globe someday. That day is just a step away.

Etiam in des haedi, uniceni