Patience Ojotule Peter abandoned her Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science from Kogi State University to face her passion which is Fashion Designing. In this interview by SAM NWAOKO, the fashion entrepreneur and part-time realtor speaks on her journey and what her aspiration.
How would you describe what you do and how long have you been doing it?
I am in the business of inspiring and connecting people through creative innovations in art. It’s been over seven years now since I fully plunged into the industry. Shortly after that I have taken courses in Fashion Design, Business development, Advertising etc
What would you say brought the idea of going into fashion business to you…? What was your trigger?
History has shown us that humanity has and still is in constant search of how best to express itself and fashion is nothing more than an expression. I would say that I joined the fashion industry to inspire and connect individuals who are elegant and conservative in their expressions. My main purpose is to inspire and connect people to become the best versions of themselves through creative innovations.
For you, was fashion a passion or a means of making ends meet or both?
Before I left the university, there were a few things I was engaged in. I was into public speaking, writing and project management. I was also trying my hands on another aspect of beauty which is hair-making (hairdressing) and styling. I even started a waste collection business which wasn’t sustainable because the local government won’t approve a dump site for me. Any of these could have been means for me to make a good living but I have found a way to merge all these with fashion, and the result of this expression is profitable.
Considering your educational background and your degree in the field of agriculture, don’t you think Nigeria would have needed you more as a farmer than your current pursuit?
No doubt, I would have made an amazing farmer and I haven’t ruled out the possibility. Who knows what can come out of a mixture of fashion design and agriculture? However, agriculture isn’t a field I am as passionate about as compared to fashion design.
Why did you study your course then since you seemed to know you weren’t going to use it?
As at when I applied to the university, I was in a position where I didn’t know my gifting and what career I wanted to pursue. So I relied on my father to make the decision for me and in his words “Agriculture is the future of Nigeria”
What has this line of business done for you and how has the height you’ve attained shaped your personality?
The fashion industry has helped me understand the important role clothing and accessories play in the formation of a person’s identity. It has given (and it is still giving) me a platform to inspire people to embrace their true self and communicate that to the public.
As for heights, I haven’t attained any yet. I am just like a graduating student who is ready to take on the industry.
You must have had to jettison some things to be able to take up fashion as a way of life. What is that which you have turned your back on?
It is white collar job. My dad had an arrangement for me to start a job somewhere after graduation. I told him that I would not take the job and that I would rather go to a fashion school and become a fashion designer. At first he wasn’t taking me serious. We were living in the same house and there was a lot of fuss. Along the line when he saw that I was taking it serious and that I was doing well in my fashion training; and that I was ready to set up after my internship, I think he perceived that there was a level of seriousness and a focus in that direction, that was when he started supporting me. It’s a case of when a parent would have a plan for a child and the child will reject all the plan and say ‘I don’t want it’. It was a case of ‘take care of yourself. You are on your own, suit yourself.’ Although we were under the same roof, but he gave me that boundary like “you are on your own.” When he saw that I was ready to go the whole hog, he had a change of heart and started to support me.
Was there a clash of interest between you and your parents as regards career interests? How was their influence?
My parents, like most parents, want better life than they had or are having for their children. They were a little sore that I didn’t follow through with the arrangement they had for me as regards career, but time revealed how passionate I am about fashion design and they have been one of my major pillars so far
Any regrets so far? And what challenges are there which you didn’t envisage and the would you love to see in the fashion industry?
No regrets, just lessons. Regarding challenges, I never knew it would be this difficult working with people
Are there specific areas you’d love to see government intervention in the fashion value chain? What should those interventions be?
We have lost most of our textile companies due to poor power supply, high importation of foreign textiles (which are cheaper) and this has dwarfed our textile industry. I believe that if the government can play their part in making available basic amenities like electricity, and gradually cut down on the heavy importation of textile thereby giving room of operation to our local textile manufacturers, I guess we will be well on our way.
What are your future plans and objectives…? Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the first five years, I see myself becoming a true expert and master at my role as a fashion designer. I plan to immerse myself in constant learning, thereby improving on areas I am still average until I hit excellence. I also hope to really get know the ins and outs of the business side of the industry and look for opportunities to build generational impact.
For the other five years after that, I see myself as a key finance business partner and liaison to brands in the industry. I want to be able to extend my expertise and offer help to other brands; whether it’s in design, manufacturing, distribution chain, investments, using my skill and knowledge gained over the years
How do you unwind…? Parties? Family?
I love communicating with nature. I also take time to engage in meditation, long walks, time with family and friends, fellowship with the Holy Spirit, parties.
What would you have been doing if you were not into the fashion business?
I still love public speaking and I don’t have any problems with project management.
If you’re to advise, what would you tell those who want to toe this line of business?
Be your absolute self. Imitation is a waste of who you are. Give your 100 per cent to every task. Believe in yourself, you will need that a lot on this journey.
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