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WOMEN WE LOVE: AISHAT RAUFU OF AEESHA COLLECTIONS

WOMEN WE LOVE: AISHAT RAUFU OF AEESHA COLLECTIONS

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Our Woman Crush today is Raufu Aishat, a Nigerian female shoemaker extraordinaire. Aishat is the CEO of Aeesha Collections, a brand that she has established against all odds, in a male dominated market. Her beauty and easy-going demeanor is a best-seller among her clients, who are always impressed by the craft manship and detail that goes into every stitch of Aeesha’s shoes. We had a fun chat with her; read the full interview below.

TW: Tell us how growing up was like and your education.

AC: My name is Raufu Aishat. I was born on the 7th of June 1992. I am the first child of my family. Born and bred in Lagos, I attended Leso Round Montessori School, Gbagada. Then, I proceeded to Gideon International school Lagos/Ibadan express way for my secondary school. I subsequently attended Lead City University, Ibadan, where I studied Public Administration for my undergraduate degree. Growing up for me was fun. I wouldn’t say I was born with a silver spoon, but my parents were able to put us through good schools, feed us and make us understand the consequences for whatever actions or decisions we took in life.

TW: How old is your business and what guided your decision to become a shoemaker?

AC: My business is six years old. My decision to become a shoemaker started from when I was home for long vacation from school and I was jobless and idle. I wanted to do make up artistry but I found out that there are too many people in the profession so I opted for shoe making.

TW: Where did you receive your vocational training?IMG-20161123-WA0000

AC: My business officially started April 2011. I did my basic training at Daystar Skills Acquisition Program (DSAP) organized by Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos. Thereafter, I proceeded to Shoe Speed Academy, Egbeda where I did an advance training in shoe making. In between, I also did some other certified training at the Segun Benson Institute of Shoe Making before I became a professional shoemaker.

TW: What are some of the challenges that you faced at the onset and even now?

AC: The first  major challenge I’m facing is lack of machinery.  Secondly, importation of raw materials and finally, people looking down on you because you are a woman. Lack of funding and investors are also major concerns.

TW: The year 2016 was quite a tough year for many but you have been heard to have said it was one of the best for you. Would you say this is because many more people are buying made in Nigeria?

AC: The year 2016 was indeed a great year for me and my brand, because since the increase in exchange rate, a lot people now see us and what we do and they seldom buy imported shoes. Moreover, it was the year that marked the beginning of beautiful things for the business, because we had collaborations with some celebrities in Nigeria which helped boost our publicity.

TW: Are there special steps you take in coming up with your designs and how do you source raw materials?

AC: No, there are no special steps. What is in vogue and the kind of leather available is what inspires our designs. Our raw materials are bought here in Lagos from importers who ship them in from Italy, Spain, China and Turkey.

TW: When one thinks shoe making, whScreenshot (9)y does male come to mind rather than female?  Do you find this tendency changing?

AC: Yes it does, because it’s a male dominated industry. This is fast changing and people are amazed and supportive when they see a woman doing what a man does.

TW: Who or what inspires you and all you do?

AC: God inspires me. Also, my boss inspires me and most importantly; getting excellent feed back from clients inspires me to do more.

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TW: For someone so young, what height do you hope to conquer and do you think marriage can truncate your dreams?

AC: Marriage can’t truncate my dream because being a married woman doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dreams.

TW: Project five years in the life of Aeesha Collections.  What do u see?

AC: In the next five years, I want Aeesha Collections to be a household name -both within and outside Nigeria. We want to empower so many young people from secondary school to university stage on a free skills acquisition program not just in shoe making but in other skills, so that they are well-equipped to face life after school and reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

TW: What is your advise to young women like yourself embarking on a similar path?

AC: My advise to them is that they should discover themselves and nurture it. They shouldn’t do something because everyone is doing it. Be deliberate in all you do and importantly, don’t be in a rush.

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Aishat has recently launched her showroom at the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surulere Lagos. So, you can walk in and gush over the ah-mazing collection and buy Nigerian! Follow the brand on Instagram @aeeshacollections_page or call 08092718489 for enquiries.

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