Ezinne Okafor is a fashion designer and Chief Executive Officer of Nelly’s Place. She talks to BLESSING ENENAITE about her career and other issues
What spurred you to be a fashion designer?
Nothing special spurred me to be a fashion designer. It is just in me. I inherited it from my father. I love being creative and I love fashion. So far, I have been doing so good and amazingly well.
How have you been able to sustain Nelly’s Place over the years?
Nelly’s Place came to light in 2017 and I have been giving my best to my clients so far. In everything one does, there must be challenges. However, I will say it is perseverance and dedication that has helped me to sustain my business over the years. As for competition, I compete with nobody. All I do is give my best to all I do with whatever comes my way. I am a creative person and I am trying to do something extraordinary.
What are some of your notable achievements so far?
I have showcased my pieces in runways in several states. I have got some awards, styled some people and pushed models internationally. I am still pushing.
You recently made a dress for actress and a former Big Brother Naija housemate, Cindy Okafor, with Dangote cement bags. How did you come up with the idea?
Cindy is a girl I worked with briefly before and she knows that sometimes I can go all crazy on a look. So, when she reached out for the photo shoot, I thought it was for something pretty and regular. But she said she wanted something out of the box, different and something never done before. She wanted to create a trend so that others could be inspired to copy it.
Then I did what I know best and thought of the idea. I made her dress using Dangote cement bags and nails for her hair. Her second look was with seashells and periwinkle shells. The aim is to encourage recycling and to honour business mogul, Aliko Dangote, who has done quite a lot for people. I remember the first day I pitched the looks to her, she specifically chose the cement and seashells idea. I had other ideas too. As for how I came up with the idea, I actually dreamt of it. Normally, I see designs in dreams all the time. I just wake up, draw and perfect them.
What other unique ideas have you come up with as a fashion designer?
There are so many of them and I cannot really count. The thing is, I can make a dress out of anything, literally, and it will look high fashion. I just love the idea of recycling and turning assumed trash into wealth.
Do you sell ready-made clothes? Which of them is more profitable for you?
Yes I do both. I make designs for casuals, sports, night wear, date night looks, wears for men and more. Speaking on which one is more profitable, I will say personal styling. Nevertheless, sometimes the money isn’t what excites me, but the opportunity to create a look and watch someone’s eyes lit up in my design. That is everything.
What are your challenges as a fashion designer?
As long as one’s work requires dealing with different people, one will definitely encounter both pleasant and unpleasant situations. So, I will say pressure from clients and sourcing materials for exclusive designs can be challenging.
It has been said that many fashion designers have the habit of disappointing their customers. Have you ever been involved in this act, even if unintentionally? How did you salvage the situation?
(Laughs) I actually haven’t disappointed anyone but in terms of running late, I have. Honestly, I haven’t failed to deliver on a needed date or time. The best thing I did in general was to improve delivery on schedule and employ more hands. This makes everything better.
Some people prefer to patronise known names in the industry. Have you ever faced a situation where big personalities refused to patronise you because they felt you have not yet got to a certain level in your career?
I haven’t encountered that as a conversation but I’m sure some clients will definitely think so at some point (laughs). Most of my clients are from referrals. So, someone coming to me already knows what I am capable of doing and understands I can work with their budget. This is unlike some acclaimed high end designers who charge way too much and still under deliver.
When did you get the big break in your career?
That was when I got some of my works featured in a fashion week in 2018. I think that really got some high end people interested and it led to a big opportunity to style some big people. From there, the referrals just started coming.
In terms of Internet break, I will say it was when I styled Cindy Okafor on her last birthday. It really went so far that I couldn’t believe it. The number of people reaching out is quite overwhelming. I have never experienced such social exposure before. So, I’m extremely grateful. I still believe a bigger break is coming.
What are your memorable moments as a fashion designer?
That will definitely be the fashion week experience. Although there are so many memories, but let’s just say the fashion week and definitely the Cindy’s experience.
Who are your role models in the industry?
They are Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren. The way they work is inspirational. As for Nigerian designers, honestly most of them just recreate but they are amazing. It will be an honour to work with them.
What are your other areas of interest?
I supply building materials. I have been doing that for over 28 years now. Actually, fashion was my side hustle but I started taking it seriously in 2017 when I decided to set up Nelly’s Place. I still supply building materials as I do my fashion designing.
