•Janet Ayegbubusi
The Nigerian fashion industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the nation’s economy and employs millions of Nigerians, especially young people.
The sector has gained world-wide recognition for its creativity and style and innovation.
One of the people that are making the sector thick is Janet Ayegbubusi, the CEO of Ranti Exclusive, one of the reputable fashion houses in the country. She spoke to our correspondent in an interview in Lagos, reports Daily Independent.
She said that Ranti Exclusive is a big fashion brand that is into making aso ebi, wardrobes for movies, costumes, dresses, pants, denim, jackets and accessories.
However, she disclosed that Ronte Exclusive was established as an umbrella for a lot of other businesses.
Ayegbusi said that her love for fashion, hair and beauty was what motivated her to “establish the business at a very, very young age.
“So, it was my love for fashion that motivated me and I went to a fashion school. I studied business and fashion.”
According to her, clothes are much more than fabric and thread; they are an expression of one’s true self.
The serial entrepreneur told our correspondent that the business was started at an early age and was first registered in the United States of America before it was registered in Nigeria. The business has been in the system for almost 25 years now.
According to her, “At the heart of every Ranti Exclusive collection, you find unique concepts and high-quality artistry. Each piece of material is cut, pinned, and sewn exclusively by our talented production team with the singular goal of producing a beautiful work of art. Ranti Exclusive is the direct result of extreme attention to style detail and a commitment to excellence.”
On how the business has fared over the years, Ayegbusi that it has been great. But she stated that the main base of the business is in Nigeria now.
The business woman said that Ranti Exclusive has been using its resources to train and empower young Nigerians to become fashion entrepreneurs, adding that one of the objectives of the company is to empower Nigerians and see them grow and thrive.
According to her, young people are the future of the country, adding that it is important to train and empower them.
The Chief Exclusive Officer of Ranti Exclusive disclosed that the fashion company plans to open an academy where young adults will be trained and empowered.
Assessing the fashion industry in the country, she said that the industry in the country is a multi-billion dollar market, adding that the industry has a lot of potential for growth.
Speaking further, Ayegbusi stated she wants to contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian fashion industry, adding, “I don’t want somebody else to tell the story of my country. I want to tell the story through my love for fashion.”
Speaking on what skills and qualities one needs to succeed and thrive as a fashion business person, she said number one is that one must understand customers.
“Without customers, you’re not in business; the skill is understanding communication and understanding the market.”
She stressed the need for businesses to value and treat their customers well.
On the challenges of doing business in Nigeria, the Chief Exclusive Officer of Ranti Exclusive said that the most critical challenge relates to power. According to her, power is not always available, adding that the company spends a lot of money to buy generators and diesel.
Ayegbusi argued that the money that is spent on generators and diesel could be invested in the business and other things.
“I wish the government would support the small business more; not having light is a big challenge for us. We run business almost at a loss because of not having power. The power situation is the biggest issue,” she asserted.
However, the Chief Exclusive Officer of Ranti Exclusive frowned at the work ethics of Nigerians.
According to her, “Everybody wants to be paid, but they don’t want to work. So, me coming from another side of the world, entering Nigeria, it’s a big challenge. Because the way people think and the way people work, and the work ethic, or even the customer service is poor. In business, it is important to respect the customer, it’s a different level here and I don’t understand it.”
