Fragile Giant: Mrs Esther Ike
CEO, Shop Fabs 'N' Stitches (Clothing brand)

Industry: Fashion and Design.
Nationality: Proudly Nigerian

INTRODUCTION
Africa, particularly Nigeria, needs young innovators strong enough to create jobs, solve problems and drive economy across all sectors.

So when I find women who fit into this category, I am quick to celebrate their courage!

This is my opportunity to Support, inspire and collaborate with a new generation of change makers.

It is on this note that I bring to you the profile of a very young Entrepreneur,
Mrs Esther Ike, CEO shop Fab 'N' Stitches.


BACKGROUND STORY
Mrs Esther Ike is a graduate of Linguistics and communication from the prestigious Abia state University Uturu (ABSU).

Born into the family of Chief and Mrs Smart Nwoko on the 9th of April, 1990 in Portharcourt, Rivers state.

Growing up as a first child, a lot of "fashion experiment" was conducted on her. Lol.
So it was only normal for her to become fashion conscious early in her life and then with the advent of time she became a fashion freak!

As a child Esther loved whatever she could do using a needle and thread ( little wonder about the "Stitches" in her business name).
You are free to imagine how " dressed up" her dolls would have been.

Hers is not necessarily a story of being born into affluence, so she naturally sort to turn her PASSION INTO MONEY!


START UP STORY
Naturally Esther had a unique style while she was on campus.
It was an established fact that she loved to Look good in an eye-catching way, so in time she became a "fashion consultant" of some sort to her friends and family.
She was the "go-to-girl" for expert advice on colour combination, style and accessories.

She continued to do all these on a small scale until she gathered enough courage and know-how to launch her Fashion House in May of year 2017.


START UP CAPITAL
Esther cannot really put her start up capital at a total sum but she mention's that she had to complete a certain training in line with her business she was undergoing at the time to tune of #100,000.
Bought sewing machines and business was ready to fly!


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Shop Fab 'N' Stitches line of product include
1. Bespoke Tailoring
2. Asoebi collections
3. Ankara throw pillows
4. Adorbs Shoes and Bags


CUTTING EDGE
It is hardly a secret that the fashion industry is quite populated but Fab 'N' Stitches doesn't seem daunted by that.

As I probe into what makes her thick, she is quick to respond.

In her words, "Fab 'N' Stitches offers a unique differentiating factor from what is obtainable".
Her proof is that clients keep coming back!
Which by the way should be the bane of every good business person.

She goes further to say that her service rate off course aligns with the " budget power" of the clients.

Lastly she says she connects with her clients on a personal level.
In her words, "we try to see their needs through their own eyes".


CHALLENGES
As with any other start up, she is not left out on her fair share of challenges.
Clients want the best but are not willing to pay commensurate amount and this could be quite disheartening.
Just like many other Entrepreneurs, she has felt discouraged enough to want to give up.


LONG TERM PROJECTION
Regardless of how tough competition gets, I'm glad to announce to you that Fabs 'N' Stitches have plans for being around for a long time.

Fabs 'N' Stitches have strategies (which I am not at liberty to discuss here) to become a "Big Name" in the fashion Industry.

Take part in costuming shows and events; and with time have a school where she can help build the passion of like minded youths into reality!

That's my kind of woman, she doesn't want to grow alone!

She says, "fingers crossed, we will go into lots of things; Just watch out for us"!

Ladies, we are far from done on our Journey with the CEO Fabs 'N' Stitches.

Don't go anywhere as we conclude in our next episode on what she wants other FASHIONPRENEURS TO LEARN using her experiences so far!

Did I forget to mention that she is a mom?

Oh she is an amazing mom to three wonderful children and she jogs both home management and business excellently.

Talk about the strength of women!

Up next is Tips on how to balance family and work life from women who have been there!

I am propelled most importantly by love to see you succeed and that's why I sign out with;

Love,
Your Fragile Giant.