When it comes to fashion, Emmanuel Alade knows it best. He is the founder and chief executive of Kodasilver Couture, a fashion line that operates in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre.
Emmanuel, a graduate of Geography and Regional Planning from Lagos State University, was inspired to establish Kodasilver Couture out of his passion for fashion and desire to always look good and elegant.
Emmanuel’s desire to build a future for himself without having to work for anybody also prompted him to establish his business even while still an undergraduate.
The young entrepreneur registered his business in 2016 after taking extensive training in fashion and design to further develop his skills.
He started his business very small with the little amount he could save during his service year. He started by sewing for his siblings and friends as well as church members.
“I started so little, gradually from making wears for my siblings and friends and I was able to save some money which I eventually used in setting up my fashion line,” he says.
Since starting, the young entrepreneur says that his business has grown comfortably, owing to increasing patronage and referral from clients.
The entrepreneur says that his business has continued to grow despite that the industry is highly populated with a lot of talents, adding that his ability to remain creative and meet customers’ deadlines have been the biggest driver.
“The business has continued to grow over time as we continue to be consistent and ensure total satisfaction of our customers.”
The geographer-turned-entrepreneur currently has two full-time employees and eight apprentices working with him.
Emmanuel says he sources his fabrics from local markets in across the country.
“We have been consistent and always kept to deadlines. This is mostly the problem of start-ups in the fashion industry,” Emmanuel says.
He tells Start-Up-Digest that the business plans to open its showrooms across major cities in the country and also a larger work station in Lagos for its operation.
Emmanuel believes that Nigeria’s fashion industry has what it takes to become the hub in Africa as it is filled with lots of talents and innovative designers.
Speaking on the challenges confronting the business, Emmanuel identifies inadequate power supply as the biggest issue.
“Poor power supply is a big challenge we experience. We need electricity to power our machines, and the issue of electricity has been frustrating. We spend a lot on fuel and this has continued to increase our production cost,” he laments.
He urges governments at all levels to bridge the country’s infrastructural gaps, especially in the power sector, noting that stable power supply remains the lifeline of industries and growth see sectors in the country.
On his advice to other entrepreneurs, he says, “Do not despise little beginnings; be consistent and open to critics and learning to better your craft.
“Also know that entrepreneurship is for the patient and brave hearted, nothing good comes easy.”
Josephine Okojie
