Ynorth is a fashion enthusiast who has successsful run a wholly made in Nigeria fashion brand for over six years. With over 15 retail outlets across Nigeria, he speaks to ROTIMI IGE about the local fashion industry, its recent appeal worldwide, among other issues.
What spurred you to start YNorth?
The need to do things differently in the fashion industry actually spurred me to start out my brand as a solely Nigerian made brand. I felt Nigerians had depended so much on foreign fashion products and it has really killed our economy and also depreciated our cultural values. The need for Nigerians to look good and trendy in Nigerian made fashion products with affordable prices really spurred me into the business.
Challenges you encountered as a local fashion enterprenuer?
I have encountered a number of challenges when starting out and even at this point in the business. Initially when I was starting out, Nigerians were a bit scared about patronising made in Nigeria fashion products simply because of their past experiences of getting low quality Nigerian made products as a against their mindset of having a getting a high quality products.
I thank God and all Nigerians for trying my fashion products and getting to know that we can have the best things coming out of Nigeria. Another challenge is the financing of my business, Nigerians are so scared to invest in Nigerian owned and based business. Even banks are scared in giving out loans to SMEs, but I thank God and all my investors and all banks I have partnered with.
Your testimonies?
I can only give all glory to God and to all my investors, my partners and all my customers that have always been part of my success story. My customers are always demanding for us to even spread wider and I believe with God and with the support of all Nigerians we shall have YNorth stores in all the 36 states in Nigeria as well as the FCT.
How do you finance your business?
I finance my passion through personal funding, investors funding and partnerships.
How do you source raw materials?
I basically get my raw materials in Nigeria. My materials are 100% Nigerian made. All of YNorth’s fashion products are produced from high quality materials from Nigeria.
What other projects are you involved in?
Apart from the fact that Ynorth Wears is my brand, I am also the founder of www.sharemyflyers.com which is a PR and promotion outfit with basic responsibility of promoting businesses, events etc at a very affordable rate. I am also a motivational speaker and a life coach.
Is tha acceptance of local Nigerian brands in present day encouraging?
Well, the fashion industry in Nigeria is growing rapidly and I am always happy I am part of the growth. The evolution is evident for all to see. With time and more patronage from Nigerians we shall reach the right position with our fashion Industry. Nigerians have embraced their own over the years as everyone is now aware that there is also high quality in whatever that is coming out of Nigeria.
Nigerian music and fashion is already accepted as worldwide brands. We have Nigerian Artists now selling out big capacity venues in UK, USA and all continents of the world. Nigerian Jersey to the World Cup is already trending. Also Nigerian designers are featuring regularly now on international fashion shows and festivals. Nigerian Entertainment industry as a whole is currently a viable brand worldwide.
Background
My name is Bamiro Seun Babalola. I am a Nigerian and based in Nigeria. I am an entrepreneur, founder of YNorth wears, founder of www.sharemyflyers.com I am also a motivational speaker and a life coach. I am married with two wonderful children. For the love l have for my customers and by popular demand, I am glad to announce that we are having the YNorth stores Ilorin outlet opening on Sunday.
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