Trendy S.O.J

SOJI Ojo, the CEO House of Trendy Clothing Label, is a happy man today. Ojo is happy that he allowed his heart to rule his choice of career choice.According to the designer, who went into the needle and thread profession while waiting for admission into higher institution, 'fashion is in-born for me. When I was young, my parents would buy aso ebi for my siblings and I; and for the love fashion,I usually sketched my designs to look different. While waiting for admission into higher institution, I acted as a personal assistance to my aunt who was a designer, instead of staying at home doing nothing. And that was how and where I learnt the rudiments of sewing.'But the beginning for him was not rosy. In fact, he barely survived the early days because of the harsh terrain he operated. But he was undaunted. He persevered and today, he is respected in the neighbourhood.Ojo says, 'when my aunt travelled and left the business for me, I almost lost all her customers because some of them believed that was the end of the business.'The designer says, 'I had to put in extra effort to get some of the customers back. With the few that stood by me, and those who believed in me, I was able to turn the fortune of the place around.'With clients from across the social divide, Ojo has been able to give meaning to his creativity ' making sure that the designs meet their expectations. 'I sew what best suit my clients. I can't give someone that is on the big side something flabby that will not be comfortable for her, the shape and physique of my clients determine what we sow,' he retorts.THE head of Trendy Clothing says his materials are sourced at home. 'I love African prints, they give me the right motifs. They are unequalled and accessories stay well on them. I love using ankara and linen because they give me ideas of what to design.'For his role models, he points at Modela Couture. 'Modela is someone I look up to; his style is unique and natural.'Speaking on the challenges of the industry, he says, 'poor power supply has affected our job. Also, lack of skilled labour and insufficient materials are other challenges that cannot be hidden.'Rating the Nigerian fashion, he says, 'it has gone far beyond what it used to be. We now have people who resigned their white collar jobs for the needle and thread business. It is no longer a profession for the dropouts or illiterate.'Advising upcoming designers, Soji says, 'to go far in the business one must be dedicated and satisfy his or her clients and with that the money will come.
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