I am Ezinwa Chioma Miriam. A final year student of University of Benin, Benin City. The CEO of Mira-Omah Couture.
HOW I FOUND FASHION
I graduated from secondary school the year 2010 at a very young age. Then my parents didn’t allow me to write Jamb Examination because I was way too young in their eyes. When I actually started to sit for the exam, I couldn’t get admission into the school of my choice.
It was in 2013 September, my mum advised I start learning another skill to add to my baking skill instead of staying at home day after day. So tailoring was her suggestion. It was one hell of an idea, I was like. “For real, Tailoring?”
CHALLENGES AT THE EARLY STAGE
At last, I started and of a truth it wasn’t an easy ordeal. I had occasional muscle pull, body aches and the likes because I started with manual machine. Thank God for my siblings, they take turns in massaging my body when I return from work almost on daily basis. Adding to that I started to slim down due to the unusual stress unlike when I stayed at home 24/7.
Another challenge was my Boss. She made me work for real and not send me on errands like most fashion home owners. That was the reason I could pick a lot within the few months I stayed with her.
WHAT INSPIRED ME INTO FASHION AS A CAREER
Yeah! you all know I could have abandoned the whole tailoring idea since I got admission into the university but I couldn’t, not like I didn’t want to but I just couldn’t, rather I had to only get better at what I was doing.
My mum was my first inspiration as she pushed me into learning the skill; my second inspiration is my field of study. God being all knowing, He already knew what I will be before He formed me so He made lines to fall unto me in pleasant places. Imagine Chioma who gets irritated by the sight of blood studying Nursing. I laugh at myself at every flashing of that thought.
University of Benin changed my career choice from Nursing to Home Economics Education and it was awesome studying this course because I passed without the stress my colleagues put in to make good grades. I was actually one of the best in practical works especially when it comes to anything sewing. I was admired in class, so it inspired me to major in fashion; learn harder.
HOW I BALANCED SCHOOL WORK AND BUSINESS
You may ask; How did I go about this business as a students, attending lectures, making sure my academics wasn’t lagging behind and also fellowship activities.
Here are some tips that helped me through my success, at least for now;
- Make sure you are having a good stand with God. His Grace does a lot.
- Proper time management.
- Avoid procrastinating.
- Draft out a good reading time table, knowing yourself and placing your priorities accordingly.
- Surround yourself with positive and inspiring friends who push out the best in you.
HOW I MANAGED MY BUSINESS IN SCHOOL
Being an Home Economics student, I have access to sewing machines during school hours on week days. Then on Saturdays or holidays, I have a tailor who owns a shop outside school campus. We had an agreement that I will pay her #200 whenever I come around to make use of her sewing machine. I agreed to that but as a matter of fact, she collected the #200 just once for reasons personally known to her and I call that favor as far as I am concerned.
Some other businesses I did as an undergraduate “Campus-preneur include: Buying Hair Extensions (weavon), Ladies Sandals and Slippers and putting them for sale in the hostels.
WORD OF ADVICE TO MY FELLOW STUDENTS
Working for myself in a business I am passionate about has taught me to push myself and stay optimistic. My advice to you student out there is that you should explore your talent/skill and add passion to it. Yes! You got all it takes. Take a bold step and start it somehow. Make a mistake and learn from it and despite them all, never give up.
NB: You must not start it big, start it now then give the testimony later. Believe in yourself, stay positive and always pray for God’s direction.
So as a student, are you looking for a fashion designer you can trust to tailor it to your taste?
Mira-Omah couture is here for you
Facebook: Ezinwa Chioma Miriam
Whatsapp: 08137203020
Call: 09092623915
See you at the top, I love you thickly!