Felicia Akanbi is the owner of Fastailors, a Lagos-based company that majors in the sewing of customised ready to wear outfits. She identified high cost of power as the major obstacles facing young entrepreneurs in Nigeria in this chat with Joy Onuorah
What motivated you to go into tailoring?
Two things: I launched Fastailors to address the widespread issue of tailors frequently delivering outfits later than promised to their clients. Secondly, my fascination with sewing machines and their ability to craft exquisite garments; this began when I visited a fashion house at a young age.
Who are your clients?
Individuals, both women and men seek to have their outfits made within 72 hours, as well as those interested in custom-made, ready-to-wear, and bridal attire.
The fashion industry changes from time to time, how do you tend to cope?
Innovation, collaboration, and creativity synergise as essential elements for survival and relevance in the fashion industry.
How is the current economic challenge affecting patronage of your craft?
Access to quality fabrics and materials can be a challenge based on trust. High cost of power can also burn deep into revenue which can be used for investment back into the business. Finally, hiring dedicated and passionate manpower. This point brings me to a famous quote by Red Adair, ‘If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”
Why do people prefer handmade clothes to readymade ones?
It’s easy to customise. Often, standard sizes like Small, Medium, and Large may not suit the body proportions of African models perfectly due to our unique physique. For instance, African women typically have more pronounced bust and glute areas compared to women of other ethnicities. Additionally, based on feedback from Fastailors’ clients, there’s a strong preference for African print fabrics, making handmade outfits more desirable.
Where do you wish to be in the next 10 years?
Fastailors aims to be acknowledged as a technology-driven company specialising in designing and producing outfits swiftly within the next decade. We anticipate achieving a production time frame of 5 to 24 hours, contingent on style and volume. Ongoing deep research and collaboration endeavours are in progress to realise this objective.
Is it true that most tailors disappoint their clients?
Fastailors are closing the divide by delivering satisfaction and value to clients, ensuring they can relax knowing their outfits will be ready quickly.
Why are young ones not willing to learn vocations again?
Two factors come to mind. Perception of Prestige: Vocational careers are sometimes seen as less prestigious compared to traditional academic paths, leading to a lack of interest. Also, technological bias in a rapidly advancing technological landscape, there’s a tendency to prioritise fields related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
How do you want the government to come to the aid of SMEs in Nigeria?
I applaud the government for its support thus far, particularly through tax incentives for small businesses. Further investment opportunities, such as exchange programs for training in new technologies abroad, low-interest loans, and government patronage, would be beneficial in enhancing the local and international standing of SMEs in Nigeria.
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