Don’t be in a hurry to make money, Just…. —Meg Alabi

Meg Alabi, a graduate of Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, is a model-turned- fashion designer, event planner, producer and catwalk instructor. In this interview by TAYO GESINDE, the Chief Executive Officer of Alabi Couture, speaks on how modelling helped her to discover her passion for fashion design.

 

From modelling to fashion design
It was easy to move from modelling to fashion design because as a model, I did mostly runway shows where I had to wear clothes made by designers, modelled them and represented the brand that I was working for. I worked with several top designers. So I will say modelling sort of nurtured my hidden desire of becoming a designer. Working as a model helped me to realise that fashion design was what I wanted to do. It was easy to transit from being a designer to a model because I got to learn a lot from established designers, who were passionate about their work. I learnt a lot by looking at them, by asking questions from them and working for them. Also, what I studied in school, Mass Communications assisted me in my field because I majored in Advertisement and Public Relations. I learnt a lot about how to portray myself and my business to people. I needed to wear my own brand for people to appreciate what I do. That was how I was able to relate what I studied in school with my passion and what I do.

 

Challenges faced

It wasn’t easy because first and foremost, there were lots of designers then and even now. So, it got overwhelming and intimidating but when God has given you a passion, a desire, a fire burns inside you and that fire makes a way for you. I tried working in an office but I just couldn’t cope there, because I found out that while there, I was always busy looking at magazines, sketching designs and so on. So, it was easy for me to overcome that particular obstacle that there were many designers who were very talented and creative in the fashion industry when I started my fashion business. Another challenge was finding the right people to work for you because you can’t do it alone.

Despite the fact that I went to learn how to cut, pattern drafting and all that, I still needed to employ some people but I found that I was still the one doing most of the work because they are not  as good as they claimed to be. They don’t want to work but they want to be paid big money. If you leave them to do the job they will make mistakes so one has to do it oneself. There was also the challenge of electricity and getting a good shop at a good location. Most corporate organisations were not ready to invest in your dream so you have to fund your dream yourself. Unlike now that some banks and even people are willing to invest in your dream and support you. So, I had to source for the money myself, I used the money I saved during my modelling days and the money I made from my boutique which did extremely well to fund the fashion business.

Also, back then most customers picked styles from magazines and they failed to understand that relating what they saw in the magazine to their body type is very difficult. What I am being paid for is to create designs for customers but the customers want the style they saw in the magazine and when you try to tell them it won’t work for them, they will start arguing with you. And because they say customers are always right so you do it the way they want and at the end of the day, they found out that you were right, it takes a lot of work to make adjustments. Those were the challenges I faced.

 

Coping with competition

Everyone has his own calling. You can’t say because a million and one people are doing something, that is enough reason for you to give up. No. We are coping. We are all encouraging one another. I don’t see anybody as a competition, rather, I get encouraged when I see my fellow designers doing well and coming up with lovely designs. It challenges me and helps me to work harder and be more creative as well.

 

My unique selling point

My cut, designs and the fact that my clothes are timeless. They are designs that you could pick up and wear them five years from now and you will still turn heads and make fashion statements. Most of my customers have been with me since I started and they keep coming back. Our finishing is very good and our rate is moderate and affordable. Our choices of fabrics also make us stand out because we are particular about fabrics that are durable.

 

Tips on how to succeed in the fashion business

First and foremost, believe in God and be sure this is what you want to do because it is not easy. If you have the mind that you are coming to make million, you are wrong. The Bible says a man’s gift will make room for him. Your passion will make way for you when the time comes, so, don’t be in a hurry to make money. Enjoy what you do first then the money will come with time. Be hardworking and always be ready to learn. There are new technologies and innovations coming up every day so you need to upgrade your skills regularly. Don’t be too lazy or too big to learn from your workers as well.  Sometimes I pick some things from my workers so, be willing to learn every time. Also, try to find time for relaxation. As a creative mind, you need to take time off from work to refresh and rejuvenate.

 

How I have been combining my business with the home front

It is easy for me to combine the two because I have a very supportive family. They understand that when it is time to work, I work and when I am at home, I give them my undivided attention.  Although sometimes I bribe them by making clothes for them. But with God on one’s side, you are able to combine the two and know what is more important to you. I make sure that every little time I have, I spend with my family. Sometimes, I leave work and go home just to spend time with my family.

 

Giving back to the society

The Alabi Couture Charity Fashion Show started in December, 2011. It was inspired by the Holy Spirit that Alabi Couture should have a charity show where we will go to an orphanage and make clothes for all the children and staff in that home. Instead of using models, I use celebrities and also make clothes for them and have a fashion show where there will be bounty castles, mascots, foods, drinks and so on. We also give awards to most diligent and most caring staff. Last year, we decided to have an ambassador for the show and we picked Fred Amata. Yearly, we come up with different innovations. The reason we do the show is to basically put smiles on the faces of the children. We usually get support from Da Viva, Seven Up and so on.

 

Advice for young women

It is easy for people to get carried away with the flow of things that are happening in the society. Be true to yourself, discover yourself, have a time for yourself. Go to a corner and rediscover yourself, know what you want to do because with the waves of things that are happening in Nigeria in particular and the world at large, it is easy to go with the crowd and get lost in the move of the moment and when one is lost, it is difficult to retrace one’s step. At every point in time, be humble and know your worth as a woman. Don’t let anyone treat you the way you would not want to be treated .Your happiness is not in anybody’s hands, it is in your hands. Whatever you don’t want or don’t like, don’t allow it.