Your brand should be able to speak for itself — Onipede

Onipede Kikelomo is the Creative Director at Kiksplace, a thriving fashion outfit based in Lagos. In this interview with
TOYIN KOMOLAFE, the graduate of English from University of Ado Ekiti speaks on why she left the corporate world to face her passion and how young entrepreneurs can build their brand.

What made you pick interest in fashion designing?
I have always loved to look good, I love fabrics and just love to play with colours, way back in the University; I used to get compliments a lot about my looks. I like matching the right colours, paying attention to details while also using good fabrics. After school, I had stint in the Corporate world for a very short time, but I wasn’t deriving satisfaction. At some point I just said to myself that it is time I started what I really love to do.
Why did you decide to leave the corporate world to start your own business?
I have always known I won’t be in the corporate world, I love to be on the move, I hate to sit by a computer all day. I was never happy there, so I just had to be sincere with myself, why not do what makes you happy while making money?

What is a typical day for you?
I do my prayers when I get up from bed. You know the world has gone digital/online so also businesses, so I check my phone to respond to clients, reply mails and then get to sort fabrics for client orders basically.

How much does one need to start this type of business?
Well, I can’t say there’s an actual amount of capital one requires to start a fashion business. One can start with as low as N50,000 and as high as a N500,000 depending on your financial capacity.  Know what you have and what is available, and work with it.

How will you say your work has evolved over the years?
Over the years, my works begin to reflect what is stand for. You hold a piece and you know it is from Kik’s place. In the course of time, people are beginning to recognise my work. It gives me pleasure when my client’s call me up and thank me for a job well done, especially over the compliments they get wearing my brand.

At the initial stage, what challenges did you have to face?
At the initial stage, my challenge was that of knowing where to get good fabrics that suits a particular design. Another was that of meeting up with client’s deadline, while delivering excellent job at the end of the day.
Having clients that love the very best of finishing and not willing to pay for it also huge challenge.
Dealing with their different personality is also a huge challenge, because the truth is that our different personalities shape a lot of things about us, including our manner of dressing. However, with time, I am learning to manage each of these things, and trying to get better every single day.

Who and what inspires your work?
I am inspired when I see men in stylish traditional outfits; basically men’s outfit is my major source of inspiration. Mai Atafo is also someone I really admire, even though he’s not so into traditional outfits, I just love his style and finishing.

What keeps you on top of your game?
Fabric is key in this business. Asides getting your Clients satisfied with the fitting, getting the right fabric goes a long way too. I get orders abroad and one reason why they keep coming back is because of the lovely fabric I use for them. My secret is Fabric! It must be right.

How does your approach differ from that of other fashion designers?
I pay attention to details and to my fabric. Then I will say I have been able to leverage on the social media. Entrepreneurship has gone beyond staying just within the forewalls of your store. The different social media platforms create an avenue to show case your products to potential customers. This approach I will say has really worked for me.

How do you stay ahead of competition?
Talking about competition, I believe that everyone has his or her strength, your work definitely reflects who you really are. So staying ahead of competition to me is about being truthful to yourself, it is about staying original. Be original with your brand and your clients will find you.

What challenges come with being in this field in Nigeria?
Light is one constant challenge we face in this field, having to work on generator all day could really be ridiculous. The money you spend on fuel can actually be diverted into other things that could help expand your business.
I would also like to state that funding is a big challenge and it doesn’t only pertain to this field, it is general. Entrepreneurs need fund, Believe me, there are a lot of energy and ideas in people, if they get seed capital, they will be able to jumpstart their business.

Talking about branding, what are the three most important points for any fashion designer to keep in mind?
I think branding for a designer should entail the following: Originality, let the public know your brand for what it is, your brand should be able to speak for itself. Fabric, like I earlier said, it is key for any fashion designer that wants to go a long way.
Finishing is important, as much as clients don’t think they should break the bank to pay a designer, they want to see a good finishing. That will go a long way in getting you a referral, businesses thrive well with referrals. One satisfied customer will eventually tell at least one, an unsatisfied customer will tell…if not ten.

What advice do you have for those who will like to venture into the fashion world?
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take time to learn and know the craft, what will stand you out is how good you are. No client wants a half-baked fashion designer so you must really be good at what you do. Then start with what you have, if you wait for the millions to come, you may never get started.  Leverage on family and friends at the initial stage of your business, don’t give up, keep at what you are doing and always remember that entrepreneurship is a gradual process

Can you tell us about you?
My name is Onipede Kikelomo, I am the Creative Director at Kiksplace. I worked with Phonersis Consulting Firm as Research and Client Executive before starting my business.  Kiksplace started last year, we are an online unisex store. I am a fashion lover and I love perfection… above all I love God.