Proprietress of Liztim Fashion, based in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Temitope Elizabeth Adepoju, in this interview with KEHINDE OLATUNJI, discusses her foray into the fashion industry. She also speaks on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, proffering how stakeholders can leapfrog the sector to more global reckoning.
Tell us how Liztim Fashion has contributed to the Nigerian fashion industry?
Liztim Fashion, which was established in the year 2011, is a fashion-designing brand that specialises in creating high quality and trendy clothes for both men and women. Our range of expertise cuts across bridal wears and custom made dresses among others. We project modern cuts, which are uniquely homemade.
How were you introduced to the fashion world?
I got into the industry through fashion design training. I became fascinated at a point in my life and decided to go into it through training. Although it was quite challenging, I don’t regret my decision, as I am better for it today. Sustainability is key when you go into a particular practice. I am determined to keep improving my skill to remain relevant and creative.
How do you update your knowledge and skills in the sector?
I am fascinated by what unfolds in the fashion industry, so I spend a lot of time reviewing things. I stay current with trends in the industry. This helps me to understand what the marketplace is looking for and how my designs can fit in.
Some people specialise in baby dress; others stick to sewing wedding dresses while some others do corporate wear; which one is your specialty?
At Liztim Fashion, we handle all sorts of fabrics, and we treat them in a way that soothes the taste of our wide range of customers. We are committed to the yearnings of our clients because their satisfaction is a testimony of our expertise. We can feel fulfilled only if we meet their standards.
How supportive were your parents and your husband especially when you first indicated interest in the trade?
They were very supportive to the point I can say my mum was my first apprentice. She assisted and supported me a lot through the early years of Liztim Fashion. Today, I can say that the end justifies the means because the seed that was sown some years ago has started to bring fruits.
What challenges do you encounter as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry?
Number one is funds. In other parts of the world, financial institutions and other stakeholders do support businesses as a way to nurture them to full strength. Here in Nigeria, there is a dearth of support. Distrust is another factor that sets one back in the journey. Some customers have this difficult tendency; if you come in contact with them newly, they doubt your ability to deliver to their taste.
How would you rate the fashion industry in the county?
We are doing well but there are lots of grounds to cover to fully mark our global presence in terms of product quality and adaptability to market trends, etc. Our online presence should be more definite.
Do you see the industry as lucrative?
Statista Market Forecast said that the fashion market in Nigeria is projected to grow by 10.03 per cent between 2023 and 2027 resulting in a market volume of US$1.92 billion in 2027. Like other big concerns, Liztim Fashion is poised to take the advantage. Yes, the industry is very lucrative.
What are the things needed to push the industry forward?
Provision of infrastructure is key to attract active foreign participation, likewise the ease of doing business. For greater gain, it is required that the moneybags and other serious financial players should invest in the industry through adequate provision of funds. If this were done, it would be possible to deploy modern technology for higher quality and increase in production.
What role(s) must the government play to give the industry a boost?
I earlier talked about the need to improve on the existing infrastructure as well as the need for adequate funding. These are key in determining the progress that is projected to happen in the sector. Government has a vital role to play in leapfrogging the fashion industry in Nigeria to an enviable level.
