My Husband Supports Me Through Thick And Thin- Salimat Shafiu Salmanu

Salimat Shafiu Salmanu, CEO of Maman Jay's Collections spoke to TMG about how she started her shoe making business and what impact hard work, diligence and her famiky's support has had on her.

TMG> Tell us about yourself...

Salimat> I attended Umaru Musa Yaradua University Katsina where I studied B.A Ed English.
I also did a certificate course in Computer studies, IT in particular. I'm a class room teacher and an entrepreneur.

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

Salimat> Not for long because I really didn't have it in mind.

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

Salimat> Not really. It comes from God-given talent and determination.   I'm pursuing my passion.

TMG> What type of clientele do you cater for- men/women; old/young? 

Salimat> Female, both the old and young.

TMG> Which type of shoes do you find easier to produce and market? 

Salimat> Women's shoes for both children and adults.

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

Salimat> What I made was for myself and people really liked it. It was then my Mum suggested I take it up as a business.

TMG>What inspires your designs?

Salimat> My love for shoes.

TMG> How many employees report to you?

Salimat> I don't have any at the moment mainly because the business is not very big.

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

Salimat> I have trained one person so far but she doesn't have much money to start hers yet, so she just takes orders from her clients until she can stand on her own.

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

Salimat> The challenges are not too bad because my husband is always by my side through thick and thin.

TMG> What else are you into and how are you managing them concurrently with the shoe business?

Salimat> I work as an English language teacher, so I manage between classroom and shoe making and also family matters.

TMG> Tell us about how you handle your Customers?

Salimat> I treat my customers with utmost respect; I really like it when I know that they are satisfied with my service even though sometimes you come across people who don't want to buy things but will ask whether you have that particular item.
I'm proud of the way I've come to know many people with different characters.

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

Salimat> I will want to go into business more and learn new things that come my way.

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

Salimat> Honestly, I can't even remember because there were so many and I enjoy doing anything that comes my way.

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

Salimat> My Mum is my role model. She encourages me the most because she is very active, and has taught me the importance of hard work.

TMG> What way can you encourage youths to be self-reliant? 

Salimat> I would advise them to gather what they have and start a business. This in the long run will also help them achieve the things they desire.

TMG> What do you do in your free time?

Salimat>  I like reading novels, cooking delicious meals for my family and playing with my children.