"My greatest achievement will be ... to help another person earn a decent living"- Emeka Samuel, CEO Meks Bespoke
Today on Attain, we share the story of Emeka Samuel Uduma, CEO of Meks Bespoke, a premium menswear brand in Nigeria.
Kindly tell us about yourself?
My name is Emeka Samuel Uduma, I'm from ohafia in Abia state. From a family of 3; 2 boys and a girl. Was born and raised here in Lagos.
Tell us about your business Brand(s)?
I run a menswear brand called Meks Bespoke. We're a premium menswear brand dedicated to cater for the sartorial needs of the quintessential gentleman.
When and what brought about your business vision
My passion for fashion started from my childhood days as my dad happens to be a tailor and that sparked my interest in fashion. Back then I loved how clients come to the showroom, try their clothes on on beam with smile.
Initially I wanted to become an accountant as I went ahead to study accounting but fashion kept calling me so here I'm a fashion designer
What were the main challenges you faced early on in your business and entrepreneurial journey and how did you overcome them?
The first challenge was getting people to trust you with their money and expect you to deliver.
At first it wasn't easy but gradually through delivering quality jobs, we've been able to get referrals and returning customers because of what we do.
Another challenge which happens to be one every entrepreneur is plagued with is the issue of capital. Fashion is a capital intensive business but we've learnt to deliver the best with the little we have.
What was the biggest challenge you ever faced in your entrepreneurial journey?
Sourcing the right people to work with.
At what point did you begin to achieve success in your entrepreneurial journey and how did it happen?
Success I will say depends on your definition of it.
For me I believe success is living a life of purpose, driven not by the money but passion for what you do and for humanity and these I achieved the very first day I started my business.
I'm doing what I have been called to do and that is the highest level of success for me.
My greatest achievement will be the ability to help another person earn a decent living through working for my company.
My workers I will say are my biggest achievement, helping then put a smile on their face and food on the family table. That alone gives me tremendous joy
If you could go back in time, what are the changes you would have made in your business/ entrepreneurial journey?
If I could go back in time I would have started earlier than I did, allowed myself fail more so I could learn and be better.
What should we see you doing in the Future?
I'm seriously consigned about the wastage in the Nigerian fashion industry. In terms of wastage I mean the amount of money designers, retailers spend in China and Turkey just to mass produce their designers and import to Nigeria.
It will be my greatest achievement to set up a world class factory here in Nigeria where you will get the same quality you get in Asia. As a matter of fact, in those factories, many Nigerians work there as tailors, pattern cutters, seamstress so why can't they work here.
The government also has a major role to play but until then, we will keep striving for a country where things will work.
What's your advice to someone just starting out in your business field?
For someone just starting out, first thing I will tell you is to be dedicated to this job. If you aren't ready to commit to it all the way then don't start.
Another thing is to make sure you know your onions. Don't just come in because you feel everyone on Instagram is into fashion. Do it because you really wanna do it and treat it like a proper business not just a hobby.
Lastly, believe in yourself and trust in God.
What are your other interests aside business?
Aside business, I'm keenly interested in traveling, photography, food and humanitarian projects.
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I have always wanted to meet you in person.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly interesting!
Your business exposure is a force to reckon with, your designs are superb. Thanks for making me believe more in myself and business.
I am hapi u are going this higher ,may God keep blessing and enlarge u,i are such an amazing person ryt frm high school
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