Tuokpe

Lagos, Nigeria

Profession: Fashion Design
Business: Tuopsy's
Country: Nigeria
partner school: Pan-African University

My goal is to be the foremost global designer and retailer of contemporary African fashion.

Business Overview

I am positioned to be the foremost designer and retailer of contemporary African fashion with a focus on the creative fusion of African fabrics and concepts with contemporary interpretation. I am currently in the process of converting the business from a made-to-measure clothing business to a world-class clothing retail line.

Challenges

Current business challenges include lack of basic infrastructure, suitably qualified skilled labor as well as a need for funding for the next phase of business growth.

I'm learning I have to learn to delegate and let other people use their initiative.

Results

I have learned about planning and structures, knowing why, when, where and whose responsibility it is to get things done.

I had been running the business more on emotions and sentiments, not on tried and tested business principles. It was interesting to come into class and be taught the basics that we should have known before but didn't.

Since the program, I have seen a 50% increase in revenue. This steady rise has occurred despite the fact that we are currently undergoing a business restructuring.

I have brought on two new employees since the program - an administrator as well as my first independent designer. I have also successfully created distinct departments within the organization with a staff of seven. But I wanted to do more. I invested a portion of my profits to provide a tutor to help my tailors learn how to read and write, believing that with a better-educated workforce, my business can grow and provide new hope and future opportunities for my employees.

Future Goals