No Amount Is Too Small To Start A Business- Aisha Shuaibu Badeggi

Aisha Shuaibu Badeggi, CEO Sublime Needlecraft Concept, who are into hand made throw pillows and other handicrafts, tells us what makes a good seamstress and business woman.

TMG> Tell us about your background? 

Aisha> I'm from Badeggi in Katcha local government area of Niger State. The 5th of 16 children, I attended my nursery and primary school at El_Amin International School Minna, secondary at Abu_Turab Islamic College Minna. I'm a graduate of Literature in English from the most peaceful university in Nigeria, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

TMG> What made you go into sewing and sales?

Aisha> I have always loved the idea of buying and selling since inception- I would help family and friends sell one or two things, then when I started my NYSC program, I asked myself, "Aisha, after your service, what next?" I thought of so many things to do then I decided to learn handicraft. I was into tailoring already, so it was easy for me to begin my business.

TMG> What sort of goods does your company make?

Aisha> We make and sell extremely beautiful throw pillows, 3D throw pillows, shirts, bedspreads, duvets,Turbans, babydresses, sweaters, boxers and basically anything that has to do with stitches as a work of art.

TMG> Which areas do you need to improve in your company?

Aisha> Already we make beautiful stuff but we need to improve on our packaging, which is very important.

TMG> What do you feel is the next step in developing your sales skills?

Aisha> I feel the next step in developing my sales skills is to actually meet up with professionals to learn more.

TMG> What are some of the challenges you have faced in starting your company?

Aisha> Capital was a huge challenge. Every other thing follows but I didn't give up. I used the little I had to start up and that was it. Also, family and friends feel it's their right to buy stuff on credit not knowing it kills ones business.

TMG> What style of management do you think works in becoming successful at your kind of business?

Aisha> In my line of business, I feel not selling your products on credit helps one to become successful. And, of course, your products should be of good quality and shouldnt be too expensive.

TMG> Have you ever lost during sales and what did you learn?

Aisha> Yes, I lost couple of times but I have learnt alot too. I have learnt not to start anyone's work without part payment even if it were family and friends.

TMG> When do you stop pursuing a client? 

Aisha> I don't give up on my clients except when I realise that client isn't really serious about purchasing my products(by showing his or her monetary commitment)

TMG> Who are you comfortable selling to and why? 

Aisha> I am very comfortable selling to any one who will buy my products and pay me immediately.

TMG> What motivates you?

Aisha> My parents are my motivation.

TMG> What is your ultimate career aspiration?

Aisha> I want to be a newscaster or a presenter. Anything that has to do with media is my aspiration.

TMG> How do you keep a smile on your face during a hard day to make sure your clients feel good?

Aisha> I tell myself every client, no matter how small or big, is important. So, I try to be jovial and other times, I tell stories.

TMG> In terms of sales skills, where would you like to get even better?

Aisha> I would love to get better in all aspects of my business and profession. 

TMG> Tell us about the greatest goal that you’ve ever accomplished professionally?

Aisha> I've been able to sell beyond my own expections. Allah has been merciful.

TMG> Have you remained persistent during sales, even though everyone else around you had given up?

Aisha> Yes, I have - I'm always persistent during sales.

TMG> What kinds of sacrifices have you had to make to be successful?

Aisha> I have had to sacrifice every little amount I have in order to succeed.

TMG> How do you manage risk, in terms of damages or loss?

Aisha> I take damage or loss as a test from Allah the most High.

TMG> Who are your role models and people that inspire you to move on in the world? 

Aisha> My mother is my role model while Maryam Danjuma Tukura and Fatima Muhammad Garba inspire me.

TMG> What way can you encourage other youths not to depend on government for jobs but to be self dependent?

Aisha> I will advise youths to stand up and find something worth doing with their lives. No amount is really too small to start a business. We all started somewhere.

TMG> Do you socialise and when?

Aisha> Yes, I socialise. I don't have a specific time though.