Every Individual Has A Hidden Talent- Karima Aliyu Yunusa

Karima Aliyu Yunusa is a registered Midwife, Healthcare Consultant and the CEO of Karsul_Ventures. She spoke with TMG

TMG> Tell us about your background:

Karima> I'm Gbagi from Niger state. I attended Mypa Nursery and Primary School, had my secondary school at Mawo International School and graduated from College of Nursing Science, School of Midwifery all in Minna, Niger state.

TMG> What motivated you to go into small-scale business of producing bags and leather goods?

Karima> Well, what motivated me was a dear friend that I saw making good quality bags. So I said to myself "if she can do it, I can too." Relating it to my profession as a midwife which deals with pure practicals, bag making is similar, because sewing a bag is just like stitching an open wound and my passion is to see a very neat and well-sewn bag as well as a neat and well- stitched wound. 

TMG> Are you encouraging and creating job opportunities for other youths or what’s your aim?

Karima> Yes, I'm trying my best to create job opportunities for youths through the means of training, which I'm presently working on. My aim is to eradicate poverty and idleness by creating avenues for you to become your own boss.

TMG> How did you come about this business?

Karima> It all started last year on 25th of December 2017 when I met a secondary school mate making bags. I wasn't interested at first because I didn't know I had a hidden talent but through her, I realised that I did and decided to exploit my talents in bag making.

TMG> Where and how were you trained? Did you go to any professional school to learn the skills and what credentials did you earn through the program?

Karima> I attended 3 months training school which I completed in just 5 weeks and acquired the skills needed and a certificate was issued to me at the end of the training. 

TMG> Tell us how you get your materials and what is the process of putting them together to have the products you need for your customers?

Karima> The materials are basically obtained from a leather trannery shop and the process of putting them together involves obtaining leather materials, zippers, yard, magic gum, corner plate etc. It also involves mapping, cutting, sewing, zip attachments and many more.

TMG> How fast do your products get to the people in terms of Production, Marketing and distribution?

Karima> Well! It depends on the quantity of the order being placed but production of like 50pieces of wallet takes like 10-15days and delivery follows the next day.

TMG> How many employees report to you and how efficient are they? If you are alone how do you manage?

Karima> One employee reports to me and it makes the work a bit easier and faster because he helps in cutting and trimming  of materials while I sew. Although it hasn't been easy for me but I thank Allah.

TMG> In case of problems, how do you manage? Do you seek for help from another professional?

Karima> Well! In such circumstances, I do ask of helping hands from my colleagues and vice versa if she encounters any problems too. We rub minds; as they say, "Two good heads are better than one."

TMG> What do you do to stay educated about new trends?

Karima> Well! By staying updated on Twitter, instagram, facebook and Pinterest wall relating to Gucci,  Lv, bonia designs. I try to create my own designs out of theirs. I'm presently working towards creating my bags In shaa Allah. 

TMG> What are your challenges and how do you intend to handle them?

Karima> My major challenge is not having an apprentice to help because, honestly, it has not been easy coping with hospital things, household chores and sewing but because of my determination, zeal and passion I have for bag making, Allah keeps me going and staying strong.

TMG> Give us an example of someone you have trained or mentored. Where did they start and where are they now?

Karima> So far, I have not organised a training center yet because I just started the business but I'm looking forward to that soon, by God's grace. 

TMG> Tell us about your management style and how you handle your Customers?

Karima> My customers are my top priority because without them, there wouldn't have been Karsul Ventures. Therefore, I make sure they get the best treatment while I get a good feedback from them.

TMG> Tell us 3 things that you consider to be your strengths in this business?

Karima> My three strengths are Allah(S.A.W), all praises be unto Him as He guides, protects and gives me the life and strength to do this. My 2nd is hardwork and dedication. Last but not the least, is my understanding and caring husband who has always stood by me and encouraged me, especially in meeting up with the customers' demands. 

TMG> How do you manage costs? If your labour is running high with low profit, what measures do you take to control it?

Karima> I make sure I try my best to ensure that my labour and cost does not run over my profit through record keeping, which includes budgeting, accounting and documentation. I also try to keep up with new trends in the market at least every month.

TMG> What way can you encourage others to be self-dependent?

Karima> I will tell them to think of what they think they are very good at doing because every individual has his own hidden talent in him/her and once they find it, they should believe in themselves and exploit it. So my fellow youths, go in search of your talent and be your own boss, because your talent is the main key to your success. 

TMG> Do you socialise and when?

Karima> Hmm! I hardly socialize because I'm always pre-occupied with hospital things, my family and my business but maybe if I have the chance, I can do so.