Exclusive Interview: Formal education shouldn't be an hinderance to progressing in the fashion industry- Olajumoke Solomon
In an exclusive interview held with OlajumokeSolomon, a seamstress in Lagos state, disclosed to Roundnews how challenging the fashion industry has been and how much she enjoys being a seamstress.
Interview conducted by Johnson Jennifer
Can we meet you?
My name is Olajumoke Solomon
What do you do?
I am a seamstress, A graduate of Yaba college of technology -Industrial design (ND)
How many years of experience do you have with tailoring or sewing ?
I have 8 years experience.
Can you brief us on how the journey has been so far?
Wow, it's been challenging, enlightening and Fun-filled. What kept me going was my passion, after graduating from high school I used to visit a tailoring shop around me, I would pedal his machine with time I started gathering pieces of clothes ,I would sew blackboard dusters for students at the rate of 10 naira, they used to come around and order for it so I used to deliver to them.
Do you have a brand name?
Yes i do. L'abeille is my brand name
Have you ever made a sewing mistake you could not correct?How did you handle the situation?
I have made a lot of mistakes, Jumpsuit has been one outfit that challenge me A lot, I used my money to buy another fabric and I had to start the sewing all over again. Another one was when my iron lost control, it burned the client cloth beyond repair, I had to buy another fabric too. It's not easy, it takes dedication.
Have you ever failed to meet a delivery deadline?How did you try to improve the situation ?
I always meet deadlines, the only reason why I won't be able to meet is probably I am sick. No one is perfect but I keep to my word.
How would you handle a situation where you have altered a person's same suit three times, but still, the costumer insists it does not fit right?
I believe in solution, If I have tried my best and she insists it doesn't fit Sew a new outfit or Refund her Money (it depends), Because I hate embarrassment.
So, what makes a good tailor and a bad one?Give examples
Good tailor Has integrity, not greedy, Treats customers well, Considerate while Bad tailo is Greedy, steals costumers clothes, treats customers badly, has no integrity.
What has been your challenges so far?
Wow, Working and studying. I work 8am to 5pm and lectures 5pm to 9pm it was really challenging, and overwhelming.Another challenge I have is Capital,as a part time student I spent so much on school and practicals, it really drained me to the last core.Though I'm still preparing for the final year fashion show and that's a whole lot of expenses on it's own, I couldn't buy the things I need for my work, I had to do side jobs too ushering and all. I believe it's a sacrifice I have to make. I will not despise my little beginnings.Getting a comfortable and affordable space is another challenge, I work from home at the moment, I am not all that comfortable with it as I have been spreading fabrics everywhere. My parents do complain at times but I am evolving.
A customer is asking you to make alterations that would be extremely time-consuming, and you have six other garments to work on, all with varying complexity. What do you do?
I have to do it. Adjusting a garment can be time consuming, But still, I will do it.If I don't do it, i might not concentrate on the remaining six garments, Like I said earlier, I believe in Solution.
What are some of the ways you keep up with fashion trends?
Naturally I am very receptive in Nature, I surf the internet often, ask questiona from designers in my field, I subscribed to YouTube channels too.
What do you enjoy the most about being a seemstress/dressmaker?
The fact that you adorn other people and make them look elegant .Being creative
What else do you aside sewing?
Ushering jobs, Sales rep. Just name it. As long as its legal and I am getting paid. I also do immunization jobs some times too.
Why did you choose sewing to other jobs?
It's what I have passion for.I look forward to the learning the higher technique, after trying 9 different institutions and all to no avail, I got an admission to yabatech, business administration 2015, I switched two weeks later because I knew what I wanted, I told my parents about it and I switched straight up.
What are your expectations in the coming year?
I look forward to a bigger and better Version of my work.
How do you intend to achieve that?
By connecting myself to the right people, improving in my field, Exhibiting creativity at its peak, Putting God first .it is imperative.
Talking about experience, is formal education a criteria to excel in this profession?
Well, No.As we all know that in this country You can make it without being educated ,But I feel that if you want to be advanced in it, you should try to study the course, it gives more upper hand,especially when you leave the country to another part of the world. This work is very technical it's more than just what people think it is, You will always learn something new all the time.
Do you have any project you're working on lately?
I'm gonna be showcasing my designs at the schools final year fashion show
Wow, that's a good news. What can you say about the nigerian fashion industry and how has it been able to influence Nigerians positively?
I must admit that Nigerian designers are not here to play at all.We are making waves.
Our celebrities wear clothes that exposes their body, what is your say on this?This sends a negative message to the African child.
Well, I believe the celebrities are matured enough to own up to the responsibilities the exposure entails.African child should copy the good part, Social media can be misleading if you take it too much to heart, You shouldn't try to be like someone, just be yourself in a Responsible and classy way.
What is the rot in the fashion industry and how do you think you can correct it?
Well, I once met a video vixen . I chatted with her and I told her that I'd be available if she needs a designer And then she told me she'll give me the the model instructor number, that I must Lay with him and my life will change forever. I declined and she rained so much insults on me. This Is something very common in Nigeria and it shouldn't be that way. It needs to stop. You can't get connected for free. It takes the grace of God. It's so heart breaking.
What do you think Nigeria fashion industry is lacking presently?
The fashion industry is currently lacking Support
What is your advise for Seamstress out there who are facing lots of challenges?
Never despise your little beginnings, Persevere, Practice makes perfect, go out there and gain experience.
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Call Olajumoke - 07067837769
