The Avenue with Mamash_Exclusive.

 Phewww...Finally back here after so many years, and i am so excited to restart this blog!!!

I mean to an extent, i love to write! I have so many plans for our lil old ASOEBIAFRICA.

Over the years, Asoebiafrica has been an incredible platform for small businesses.

So i am finally doing something to help promote small businesses even further.

THE AVENUE will provide a community for SME's in Nigeria and beyond.

Today i want y'all to meet an incredible RTW owner @Mamash_exclusives on instagram.

We sent over a few questions that she was so kind to give answers to.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Mariam, I’m the last born of a family of 6. I’m a graduate of Kwara state polytechnic. Studied to be a Quantity surveyor and now a fashion designer (tailor is good abeg).

• How and when did you start a RTW business?

I started my RTW business about 3 years ago. My sister was into stoning of fabrics and I wear it to the office all the time (did I mention I worked in the bank for a while Part time?) and people would love and tell me to help give her theirs to make. The orders grew overtime and my sister didn’t want to pursue that line as she was only doing it out of passion. I didn’t want to tell the people that requested that it wasn’t available anymore so I started doing it myself and to the glory of God, it became my thing. 

• What is most crucial to you in a business?

Customer feedback 

Target market 

Marketing strategy 

• What is your greatest challenge as a small business owner in Nigeria?

The economy makes it hard in terms on exchange rate and light.

Human factor as a Nigerian also comes in as clients/customers don’t really want to rely or respect small business owner because of the doubts they have and also getting people willing to work can sometimes be challenging.

• What products and services does your business offer?

Ready to wear/made on order comfortable outfits (boubou, kaftan, pant and tops, shift dresses)

• What is one of your weaknesses and what are you doing to improve it?

Customer relation. I’m not a very patient person and I expect everyone to have same IQ or higher than myself.

Working on myself and also getting a sales rep to handle customer relations.

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

In this business, in Nigeria. But 100 times better than I am now!

• What is your greatest strength?

Knowing my expertise and sticking to it. Knowing when to say no and sticking to brand policies.

• How do you measure success?

Been better than I was yesterday or the year before! 

• In what ways can you increase business productivity?

I can set monthly goals (or weekly), motivate my team, perfect my customer relation and positive attitude always ❤

• What motivates you to continue even with all the challenges you encounter?

I have passion for the job, it pays my bills, encouragement and client feedbacks.

• What were the highlights of 2023 and what are your goals for your business this year?

Highlight of 2023? God!! I basically didn’t do much for last year, I just trusted God and did my barest minimum.

2024? I’m going to trust God even more! Entirely! And then give it my best shot! Paid and unpaid Collaboration! Influencing! Promotion! Marketing and ultimately sales! And GOD!