Amazing Designs by Ms Ogezafe Ajanaku of OpalzCouture

I met Ms Ajanaku during our undergraduate days at the University of Benin, she's witty, troublesome, hardworking and very industrious. Back during our uni days, she was into baking cakes and I
remember always going to her room and helping out, asking questions about baking and stealing bites of icing. I noticed consistency and a passion about whatever venture she sets her mind to achieve.

Now, Ogezafe Ajanaku doesn't bake as often, her craft now is Fashion Designing. She is the Creative Director/CEO of Opalz Couture.

Introduction

I am Ogezafe Ajanaku, Creative Director/CEO of Opalz Couture. Opalz Couture is a unisex, ready to wear and bespoke tailoring outfit. I am a graduate of Industrial Chemistry from the University of Benin, presently studying to acquire my Master's Degree in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Ibadan.

How did you venture into Fashion Designing?

When I was learning tailoring I didn't have plans to make money from it, I learnt it out of curiousity and out of love for creativity. I intended to make dresses for myself and I got compliments everytime about what I wore. Whenever I mentioned that I had made it, I got pestered to make for other people too but I didnt have the confidence to actually go into it as a business. So I concentrated on making pastries which I had built confidence in and felt I had passion for.

During NYSC though, I was bored most of the time because the environment didnt encourage or support pastries business. Boredom almost killed me during that period, so I began to create designs, then I used my first Corper's allowance to get a sewing machine. Basically, I started sewing again to wad off  the boredom. There was no plans of telling people about it, I just wanted to make the designs I had in my head.

After making a few though, my flatmates wanted me to make for them, and began to model and spread the news about my designs. That sort of set the ball rolling.

What Challenges have you faced so far?

At the time, I started making clothes I didn't really have much distractions because I actually started because I had too much time on my hands.

But now that I am studying to get my Master's Degree, it has been hectic. I've had to miss classes some days just to meet up with client's scheduled delivery date.  I do not really have a social life but that's because I am still trying to build a clientele and that is prority for me.

What is your drive, in spite of this challenge? 

The finance is not my major push right now, the satisfaction from seeing clients happy with my designs, appreciation and compliments I get when people see my work is my main drive right now.

Finally, what is your advise to upcoming fashion designs?

Stay focused. The beginning is always rough, you will be required to make lots of sacrifice but they will be worth it at the end.

Opalz Couture can be reached on:

Instagram: @opalzcouture

Facebook: Ogezafe Opal Ajanaku

BBM: 7A5CA81F

WhatsApp: 08036796463

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