In Business, Giving Up Is Not An Option For Me- Rakiya Saidu Idris

Rakiya Saidu Idris, the CEO of a lingerie boutique called "Kays Bra n Things" in Minna spoke to TMG about working hard to make her dream become a reality.

TMG> Tell us about your background and your business...

Rakiya> I come from Patigi local govt area of Kwara state and I'm a graduate of B.Tech Quantity Surveying; M.Tech Environmental Management from the Federal University of Technology, Minna. I am happily married with children.

Kay's Bra n Things is an European influenced lingerie boutique that provides high quality lingerie in a wide array of sizes and styles with exceptional customer service. 

TMG> What made you go into the lingerie business? 

Rakiya> My passion for opening a lingerie boutique dates back to my secondary school days when I sold fairly used brassiers to my classmates. They loved the comfort it gave them. With time, I decided to go into the business to solve women's intimate wear dilemma by offering them a wide range of styles and sizes that they will not find elsewhere in Minna.

I want to create a shopping environment where women (and men) feel comfortable, pampered and stimulated by the wide array of choices that are available to fulfill their needs.

TMG> What sort of lingerie can be found in your boutique?

Rakiya> Kays Bra n Things stock European labeled goods such as Slips, Daywears, Nightwears, body shapers, Maternity and Bridal trousseau. We have various sizes ranging from starters to plus size in beautiful colours.
 

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

Rakiya> That will be our location.

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

Rakiya> Sourcing for products and the foreign exchange is a big challenge to the business.

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

Rakiya> At Kays Bra n Things communication style and technical skills are most helpful.

TMG> Tell us about a successful sale's pitch you used for a difficult client. How were you able to sell the good(s) to him/her?

Rakiya> Educating and advising customers on proper fitting and the quality/value of some of the higher priced items helps.

Also! " flatter yourself at Kays Bra n Things, know your Bra size for Free" is also a good business strategy.

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

Rakiya> Yes! I have made losses but only to gain more.  I want my customers to have our lingerie and experience the flattering feeling of owning a brand new super supportive bra.
I also learnt that my customers' satisfaction makes them come back for more. 

TMG> How do you keep up to date on your target market?

Rakiya> By continuously monitoring inventory levels, and making adjustments as needed.

TMG> Who are you comfortable selling to and why? 

Rakiya> I'm comfortable selling to every lady out there. This is because a very lovely and supportive bra can easily boost her confidence in and out.

TMG> What motivates you?

Rakiya> The smiles that my lingerie brings to the bedroom

TMG> What is your ultimate career aspiration?

Rakiya> Kays Bra n Things is filling a void that exists between brand new lingerie and fairly used ones. 

It is fulfilling to be able to give the choosy lingerie shopper what she is looking for-whether in fit, comfort or style, in an atmosphere that is comfortable, exciting and satisfying. 

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

Rakiya> By simply remaining & placing my trust in Allah.

TMG> What way do you think your organization could do better?

Rakiya> I hope to be able to accommodate more male shoppers and offer a variety of price points so that customers do not feel intimidated by the higher priced offerings.

TMG> In your last position, how much time did you spend cultivating customer relationships and hunting for new clients?

Rakiya> Always. By giving every customer one-on-one attention and using superior customer service to create positive word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat sales.

TMG> What’s your approach to handling customer objections?

Rakiya> Patiently listen and filter the needful.

TMG> Have you ever asked a client to explain why she didn’t buy a product? What did he/she say, and what did you learn from that experience?
 
Rakiya> Yes! Most reasons are because of style or size being unavailable, while for others, items could be on the high side. I have learnt to always keep up with the pace of purchase.

TMG> What role does marketing play in your selling process?  

Rakiya> It gives fantastic information to potential costumers.

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

Rakiya>  Record keeping

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

Rakiya> Yes! I just don't give up.

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

Rakiya> I always have to sacrifice some lovely sexy lingerie for my costumers.

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

Rakiya> Making and having my own lingerie line.

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

Rakiya> By simply monitoring and controlling  the probability of risk impact.

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

Rakiya> My mother

TMG> What way can you encourage other youths to be self dependent?

Rakiya>  By identifying their skills they are passionate about and working on it. 

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

Rakiya> Having and enjoying a peaceful polygamous home

TMG> What do you do during your free time? 

Rakiya> I love listening to my kids' stories just before their bedtime.