Mrs Akinola Mojisayo Iyabo is a professional fashion designer with many years of experience. In this interview with The Hope Newspaper, she spoke about her passion, challenges and how she was able to overcome them. Excerpt.

Can we meet you?
Ans: My name is Akinola Mojisayo Iyabo.

What motivated you to become a fashion designer?
Ans: I have had a passion for becoming a fashion designer since I was a child. As I grew up, I developed an interest in it, and today, by the special grace of God, I am a professional fashion designer.

Did you learn it or you inherited it from any of your parents?
Ans: I learnt it. I didn’t inherit it from either of my parents. It’s a product of my personal interest.

How many years did it take you to learn the job?
Ans: It took me just a year because I was totally committed to it. I gave it the needed attention and time, so it didn’t take me much time to learn it. It’s a matter of commitment and concentration.

What are the challenges you encountered during your years of apprenticeship?
Ans: The only challenge I had was that at the beginning, it was somehow difficult, but I later overcame the difficulty because it was something I really wanted. I was not forced to lean it. There is no trade that does not have its own challenge, but with your commitment and perseverance you will surely overcome it.

Did you in any time think of quitting the job while learning it?
Ans: Not at all, that never crossed my mind. Because I was fully committed to learn it I didn’t give room for any distraction or discouragement.

What dream did you have as regards the job while learning it?
Ans: I knew I was going to excel in becoming a fashion designer because of my interest and total commitment to it. I was not ready to give room for a failure.

After graduation, how did you start your own business?
Ans: I rented a shop, bought two sewing machines, and started having customers.

Can you tell us the challenges you encountered while setting up your own business and how you were able to overcome?
Ans: The challenge I encountered then was finance, but my husband sourced for funds. So, with the available resources, I was moving on with enthusiasm and passion.

Which day do you think your breakthrough started on the job?
Ans: My breakthrough started after a year that I set up my own business and people around began to know me and my competence. I was working to ensure that my customers were well satisfied without any form of disappointment.

How many students do you have?
Ans: I have seven apprentices. Four have already graduated, and three are about to graduate. Some students are still registering because of the testimonies from the students I have trained and the customers.

Can you let us know how you get more training on the job since it’s not all the styles in vogue you learnt from your boss?
Ans: I learn more on YouTube and personal experience. You know the world now is a global village, and with little data on your android phone you can go online and learn new things to improve your skills.

Are you married?
Ans: Yes, I’m happily married.

What is your husband’s view on the job?
Ans: He’s a supportive husband, he stood by me during my apprenticeship, and also during my personal establishment. So, he is giving me the necessary support and we don’t have any issue at all.

How do you manage home with work, most especially during festive period that most people believe it’s the time for them to take a lot of clothes to tailor?
Ans: My husband is an understanding person, he used to take care of home when I’m busy in the workshop. He’s very supportive, just like I have said earlier.

What is your advice for those who look up to becoming great in their choosing career?
Ans: My advice for the upcoming career achievers is to be steadfast, committed and hold their stand even in the face of obvious challenges. They should not give up but remain focus. They should always know that determination today brings success tomorrow.