What is the Biggest Advice for a Young Person Trying to Start their Own Business?

Q: I read about what you have accomplished and what you are continuing to do. I just had a question, I don't know if you would be willing to answer. I want to start a boutique in Nigeria, what is your biggest advice for a young Nigerian trying to start her own business. Any advice would [be] soo greatly appreciated-Mobolaji, USA.

Ans: Hi Mobolaji, of course I'd be willing to answer! The timeliness of my response, however, is the only issue. Sorry, I get so many of these so it takes time to get to you. Thank you for the question. I have never owned a business in Nigeria so I hesitate to speak on the day to day operations of running a business in Nigeria. I will rely, instead, on some of our readers with businesses in Nigeria to do so.

In terms of our advice, basic business principles apply regardless of the location and country for your business. As such, click on our "Fashion Business" and "Interview" categories to see archived interviews and business advice and resources on how to start your own business. Also a must read is one of our favorite sites Dobizo.com. It covers starting a clothing line from scratch but also has info. on retail boutiques. Finally, check out our TAN Conf. coverage because we feel it provides excellent info. including from people on the ground in Nigeria. Some other key things to think about: 1) Do you have the personality and discipline to be an entrepreneur, 2) Think infrastructure and how you can naviagte both infrastructure and logistics to have a successful business, 3) Be sure to seek quality mentors that are already doing it. There are so many opening stores in Nigeria now that you should not have to do this on your own. Examples of names to contact include Deola Sagoe who opened a flagship store in February in Lagos, Folake Coker of Tiffany Amber who has a boutique at the Palms Springs Mall in Lagos, Buki De La Zaria who has an amazing high end bag boutique in Lagos, Onna Erlich who is launching a store in Nigeria and many more.

Don't be afraid to ask. I don't anticipate they will be unwillingly to help but should that be the case, shake it off, move to the next person and keep asking till you find a fit and a mentor as you embark on an exciting journey. Let us know how it goes!
All the best!

Uduak,
Editor-in-Chief

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Where Can I Purchase Ready Made Ankara Outfits?

Q. "Is there ANY ankara designer who has a website that one can actually view and purchase an item from? I have looked through ALL your links and none of them do. [S]ome don't even publish their prices. What are they afraid of? Haven't they heard of Paypal or Visa? If one does not have the time for a fitting or resides in a non- popular city how else can one purchase a ready to wear ankara outfit? HELP!" ~Florence

A. Hi Florence, thanks for your e-mail. Designers, readers, please give Florence your suggestions. Meanwhile, Florence, I think you should check out our post on Ankara which includes the Urban knit brand & Sika designs here. I'd suggest you contact the designers on our site directly and ask regarding their price points and where you can get their garments in the USA.

E-retail for African Apparel Designers
As to prices on site or paypal/Visa, high end designers African or non-Africans usually do not have the prices of their garments listed on their site. That is where the retail stores come in to carry their brands. A lot of the African designers linked on Ladybrille.com sites are consistent with the status quo, especially since most do not mass produce. However, your question touches on the movement that is part of Ladybrille and we hope spreads across the net. E-retail for African apparel manufacturers and designers, we believe, is what levels the playing field for Africa's fashion industry and allows it sell directly to customers, without having to woo and appease buyers to give us a chance. An African owned fashion business that has done an excellent job of e-retail is Toni Payne Cosmetics.

For most, especially African brands in Africa, the problem is the supply chain including logistics that happens after the consumers in USA & [Europe] order their fashion products and how they get the product to Western consumers intact and in a timely fashion. Basically, Africa e-retailing is still in its infancy but it's only a matter of time when you'll be able to click on sites akin to GAP.com or Nordstrom.com, figure out what you like, see the price and order. For now, again, contact the designers directly. By the way, a new e-retail store owned by the Liberian born, Fashion Buyer, Chioma Amegashiemight be helpful. You can e-mail her on what you want and if she gets enough of such demands, she will be ordering from the brands on our site and more. Again, designers, please help to fill in the gap with your suggestions in case we missed something.

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Where Can I Find Quality Hair Extensions?

Q. First I’d like to say that I really like your [blogazine]. It’s very informative. I know this might be an unusual question for you but I was wondering if you knew where I could purchase quality hair extensions. I live in Houston and even though there are lots of beauty supply stores, I would really like to find something with better quality. I was told New York has a great selection. I was hoping you could stir me in the right direction that way I can look up the company online and see if I could call and order directly with them. Thanks for your help."--[Nnene]

A.Nnene, thank you for being a Ladybrille reader and I am glad you find the site useful! Your question is definitely NOT unusual as hair is a BIG part of the fashion industry. Stay tuned throughout the year as we cover the beauty industry including hair and skincare. To answer your question, finding quality hair can be so tough! Plus, I feel your pain. Don't you just hate it when you spend money on so called "quality hair" and it falls apart within a month. Arrrrgh!!! Ladybrille to the rescue, or at least I hope :) For quality hair, check out the following:

New York: I contacted my friend and fashion model, Funmi Alaiyemola, whose ability to get quality hair is always on point. She recommended the following places in New York: Adorable hair [212] 989-7500, Bronx hair 718-931-6631 and G and G hair 212-569-7885. I'd also recommend you contact Nedjetti for a consultation. Be sure to let her know Uduak of Ladybrille reffered you. Nedjetti is a respected expert in the beauty industry who regularly works on celebrity hair, the everyday woman's hair and models for fashion shoots. She can give you tips on how to determine quality hair extensions.

Outside New York: His and Her: Based in Los Angeles, they are one of the respected names in the hair extension business.

Also, consider Lace Front Wigs. This is famous, especially among Black Hollywood think Beyonce, Tyra Banks et al. It is costly a $1,000 plus but locally in Houston, you might have someone that can do it for as low as $700. It is so worth it because you can reuse the hair over and over again and the look is flawless. For more info, check out some of these other sites: Cyber Parlor --Cool site that shows you real people and you can buy directly from them, Lace Front Wigs-very professional site where you can purchase hair.

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What is the Best African Country to Do Fashion Business?

Q. "Hi! I love your site! I go to your site to know whats going on in Africa and fashion! I am working on a project trying to get new designers from the US to produce handmade fashion accessories in Africa. People keep asking me where I want to focus my efforts and frankly I'm not sure. I am African-American and I have never been to Africa but speak French so I first thought to try West Africa. But I do know even speaking English there are language and cultural barriers. There are many exporters and artisans who I could partner with whichever country I choose. I also heard that South Africa is up and coming in global fashion.

I know too that Kenya/Uganda have a good scene. I have friends from each of those countries and [they]say for me to pick the one I have 'real love' for. The problem is, I have love for all. I thought to base my decision on trends and potential growth one industry has over another. So with that, do you happen to have any thoughts or direction you could lead me in? Thanks so much!"~Tyese, Northern California.

A. Hi Tyese! I am delighted you love our site. Thank you for being a loyal reader! I think your friends are right when they say "pick the one you have 'real love' for." I also think from a business angle, you are wise to base your decisions on trends and potential growth. All of the countries you mention are indeed good and viable options when it comes to fashion. Also, Senegal is not a bad idea especially since you speak French and Ghana is definitely a wonderful option. My advice would be to pick an African country you love, research thoroughly and understand the trends and potential growth; and once you are successful in establishing your business in that country, then you can expand into other African countries. Remember to look before you leap by researching carefully the market you are trying to get into.

I would also look to see if there are any African-American groups that have successfully done business in Africa, especially in the fashion realm. One resource is Dr. Bill Releford's "Made in Africa" company. I would contact them.

For your African friends, I would ask to visit their countries with them when next they visit. This way, they get to be your tour guide and break you into the customs and traditions to help break the cultural barriers you are concerned about. Once in these African countries, look for the presence or lack of infrastructure, governmental support of businesses, especially foreign investments and be sure to investigate import/export issues and complications associated with it so you can make an informed decision. I hope the above helps. Good luck!

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