Don’t Just Wait For Chance, Create One- Hassan Kabir Sani Mai Ma

Hassan Kabir Sani Mai Ma is the CEO of MMDESIGNS NIG, a fashion industry in Zaria, Kaduna State. He speaks with TMG about the business.

TMG> Tell us about yourself...

Hassan> I graduated with a Bsc Economics from Umaru Musa Yar’adua, University Katsina.

TMG> How long did you nurse the dream of becoming a designer before it became a reality?

Hassan> I've wanted to become a fashion designer right from when I was in the second year of university in 2014, before it became a reality in 2016, my final year.

TMG> What is your area of interest: designing or tailoring or both? 

Hassan> My area of interest is both designing and tailoring.

TMG> Did you go to a professional school to acquire the skills and what credentials did you earn through the program?

Hassan> Actually, I didn’t go for any professional course to acquire my skills or chase my dreams. It's a talent given by Allah. 

TMG> Tell us about the very first outfit you designed and sewed: Was it for you? What were people's comments about it and how did it make you feel?

Hassan> It was when I first discovered my talent. I sketched some outfits and took it showed them to my tailor to sew for me. Eventually the positive comments I received from people saying, "this is beautiful, who sewed  it for you? Please can you sew it for me too?" And I would say, "Yes, why not?" That was when the idea of starting my own business came up. So I proceeded to collecting orders and delivering it within a short period of time. It was actually a great feeling.

TMG> What type of clients do you  produce for - men/women; old/young? And are you into western or traditional wears?

Hassan> My clients, both old and young men, are only interested in Nigerian outfits, traditional wears to be precise.

TMG> Who do you find easier to market your products to?

Hassan> I guess the younger clients, because we are in a more advanced, digital world now. Therefore, I find social media platforms as the easiest way to advertise my products in order to reach a larger number of people across the nation and the globe in general.

TMG>What inspires your designs?

Hassan> A unique style, simplicity, finishing and commitment are what actually inspires my designs.

TMG> Give us an example of someone you have trained or mentored.

Hassan> I have three (3) staff, including myself. It wasn’t easy at first, sketching and making it into finished outfits. Giving the customers what they want is our goal, so I only mentor my staff in order to make sure we keep our promises and give our customers the best we can.

TMG> What challenges do you encounter and how do you handle them? 

Hassan> Part of the challenges we encounter is having different customers with different points of view, which isn’t easy to handle at once but with the help of Almighty God, we try as much as possible to give you exactly what you want. Therefore, you have to be patient with/have faith in your customers.  That’s the easiest way of handling your challenges.

TMG> Tell us about an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your career?

Hassan> I'm so proud of always keeping to our promises and giving the best of what our customers want.

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon? 

Hassan> I would like to learn or improve on being more creative, having more ideas of styles and understanding exactly what my customers want.

TMG> What other back-of-the positions have you previously held before going into fashion?

Hassan> The other positions I've held before going into fashion designing was packaging and delivery of goods.

TMG> Who are your role models and what inspires you about them?

Hassan> My role model is none other than my Dad. He inspires me with the way he keeps to his promises also encourages me to pursue my dreams.

TMG> What do you say to other youths to encourage them? 

Hassan> Well, my piece of advice to my fellow youths is don’t just wait for chance, create one. Chase after your goals, Pray hard and Almighty God would guide you through. The sky is your limit.


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