I'm Interested In Making Ideas Come To Life- Jamila Danjuma

Jamila Danjuma is a graduate of Geography from Usman Danfodio University Sokoto. The fashion entrepreneur is the CEO of Needleworks, a clothing brand located in Abuja.

TMG>Tell us about yourself:

Jamila> I'm from Niger state. I attended Abuja Children's Home, Government Girls Secondary School Dutse and Usman Danfodio University Sokoto.

TMG> How long did you nurse the dream of going into fashion?

Jamila> I've always been amazed at how clothes where made, so I'd say during the early years of my university.

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

Jamila> I'm mostly interested in making ideas come to life, so tailoring is the aspect I engage in best.

TMG> Tell us more about your ready to wear and the bespoke ones you make:

Jamila> I usually sew the clothes myself but when I have my hands full, I have another tailor who assists in the job. After production, the pieces are displayed in the shop as ready made and also posted online for our customers. So basically, I sew and sell by myself. 

TMG>What inspires your designs?

 Jamila> Well, most of the time I check for what's in vogue and then try to put the pieces together to create my own signature. I also get inspiration from people around me like my sister, who is a great inspiration  to me.

 

TMG> How many employees report to you and how efficient are they?

Jamila> I don't have any employee presently but in the near future I will, In sha Allah.

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

Jamila> Everything these days are on line, so I go through social media most of the time.

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

Jamila> The challenges I encounter vary from when a tailor messes up an outfit, to being scared if the clothes will sell or if people will like it. I try to stay positive and optimistic and tell myself "it's okay not to sell today, you will tomorrow or next week and if you don't, it's all good, you can wear them". Everyone makes mistakes, the most important thing is to learn from it.

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

Jamila> Well, without my customers we won't be in existence and customer satisfaction is our priority, so I try to give them the best so they keep coming for more.

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

Jamila> I guess one great  accomplishment I've made so far is the fact that I keep pushing myself to move forward, and getting a shop to call my own to showcase my clothes.      

                                                               

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

Jamila> First of all my biggest strength is Allah, knowing that He's always there for me no matter the situation and keeps me safe from every evil.

Secondly my family, being that my parents aren't from wealthy homes but worked very hard to train my siblings and I to give us all we need and more and be where they are today is a very big deal. It gives me strength to also strive and work hard.

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

Jamila> As no knowledge is a waste, I'd like to improve on my tailoring skills and make more professional pieces. I would also love to know how to sketch well.

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

Jamila> I was involved in a charity organization aimed at helping children and less privileged as the welfare director and I'm still interested in doing humanitarian work.

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

Jamila> Prophet Mohammad (SAW) is my first role model; he was the best man that ever lived- trustworthy, God fearing and truthful, therefore inspires me to be honest and truthful in all my dealings.  

My family also inspires me to work and hard and never give up.

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

Jamila> First of all, I say, "always remember your creator and be prayerful then work hard, stay positive and optimistic, don't give up and keep pushing, you will get there.  

TMG> Do you have time to socialise and how?

Jamila> I do have time to socialise. I go out occasionally for weddings or just have time out with friends and family. I also go on short holidays at times and during holidays or breaks I keep my work alive by posting online.