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Salamatu Salihu is the founder and CEO of Amrah Couture, Amrah Facials and Amrah Café. She speaks to TMG about how it all started. TMG> Tell us about yourself and how you established your company? Salamatu> I'm from Niger state. My early education was at El-Amin International school, Minna-Niger state after which I attended Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja, (now Nile University of Nigeria), where I studied Petroleum Chemistry.  I am 21 years old, I was born and brought up in Abuja. Amrah is one of the names my parents call me as I am a princess from a royal family. I established my company when I was 19, starting with Fashion designing. As a little girl I designed most of the clothes my mother wore which motivated me. Establishing my company took lots of research, planning and challenges. I started with a capital of 30,000 naira, which I used in making the dresses, kimonos and skirts I designed. I didn't need anything from my parents to begin my b...

Ummulkhair Bashir Muhammad is one of the trio taking MBEEY's Apparels and Catering Service to great heights in Kaduna state. We spoke to her about one aspect of the business which she is passionate about cooking and baking. TMG> Tell us about yourself and your business. Ummulkhair> I'm from Niger State and graduated from the university of Maiduguri with BSC HONS Business(Education). I also have a Computer Diploma and certificate in catering services and cake decoration from Dee Bakers Catering Service and Cake Decoration School in Kaduna. Our company, MBEEY's Apparel and Catering Service was founded by myself and my two sisters in Kaduna where we live. I handle the catering service and cake decoration Ummulkhair Bashir Muhammad, while they handle the garment making part. TMG> Why did you choose to go into food business instead of using your degree to pursue a career in marketing or administration? Ummulkhair> I decided to become a caterer because tha...

Maryam Haruna Yahaya is CEO of La VIDA Fashion Abuja. She speaks to TMG about fashion and how you shouldn't put limits on yourself or your business. TMG> Tell us about yourself- Maryam> I'm from Bauchi State. I attended Adonai International School for my primary education and did my secondary school at the Islamic Training Center, Madalla. I'm an ABU Zaria graduate of Bsc. Chemistry.   TMG> How long did you nurse the dream of becoming a designer before it became a reality? Maryam> I have always been a fashion-conscious person. Even as a kid, I had been told by friends several times to go into fashion because I design my clothes and they saw the potential in me. TMG> What is your area of interest: designing, tailoring or both?  Maryam> My interest is in both Designing and sewing but so far, I have only designed. TMG> Did you go to a professional school to acquire the skills and what credentials did you earn through the program? Maryam> I...

Fatima Yusuf Noma is a baker from Niger State. She talks to TMG about her aspirations to be one of the best bakers in Nigeria and set up a catering school. TMG >Tell us about your background and your business.. Fatima> I am a graduate of BA English from one of the renowned universities in the country, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.  My company name is cake_affairs and it’s located in Minna. TMG> What got you interested in baking?  Fatima> I believe baking is a chance to show your creative side, self confidence and concentration.  Plus I've had a passion for baking for a while now but couldn’t get enrolled until now. TMG> How far have you gone with the business and how successful? Fatima>  Well, it’s not been long that I started baking but so far, so good. Alhamdulillah, is all I can say for now. TMG> What are the challenges you have experienced in starting up? Fatima> Concentration, using the right materials and utensils in co...

Maryam Musa runs a business known as Aromaree which deals with Arabian fragrances. She shares her knowledge and aspirations with TMG. TMG> Tell us about your background? Maryam> I was born and brought up in Abuja and Kaduna by both parents and I'm the 2nd of 3 children. I attended Shining Star Nursery and Primary school. For high school, I attended Grays International College Kaduna and transferred to Shining Star and did my final year at Nigerian Ghana International College, Abuja. I have a diploma in Mass communications and doing my degree in English and Literary Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. TMG> What made you go into business? Maryam> Honestly, the money part was what first gave me the zeal because growing up, I went from bead making to making and selling zobo but it also felt really good that I was getting paid for my hard work.    TMG> What sort of goods does your company sell? Maryam> Aromaree sells all sorts of ...

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...

Aisha Hussaina Idris Manarakis, an indigene of Bida Local Government Area of Niger state is a Nupe Writer, Teacher, Translator, Newscaster and Radio Presenter. The multiple award-winning writer is the First Nupe Language Novelist. She spoke with TMG about how she started writing.  TMG》How Did You Start Writing In Nupe? Manarakis》Writing in Nupe was just like a dream and by the grace of God. I realised l was good at writing in Nupe in 2013. TMG》Tell Us About the Novel You're Working On And Achievements so far Manarakis》 I have been working on a book for five years, because it needs more research before publishing.  However, Nupe School saw my effort and decided to give me an award as the First Nupe Language Novelist. TMG》Which Of Your Books appeals most to People? Manarakis》The one that suit people most is"Ewo na Soko kin na, yizheci a le u man(What God has join together, no man should put assunder)". TMG》Who Encouraged You To Start Writing In Nupe? Manarakis》M...