Sandra Ozioma is young, industrious and hardworking. She’s an inspiration as she has a platform that trains young youths on her line of business. She’s also an undergraduate. She speaks to Elora’s blog in this interview.

Please introduce yourself and tell us more about your background?

My name is Sandra Ozioma, I’m a final year student of University of Port Harcourt.
I’m from Ebonyi state, growing up was a struggle for my family and I, I used to hawk vegetables while I was in primary school to aid to support the family.
Most times my mother and I would move from one dust bin to another so we could pick a few things we’ll use, things like clothes, foot wears, electrical appliances etc.

You’re an Entrepreneur, what does your business entails?

My business deals with the production of quality handmade foot wears.
We are a brand that is concerned with solving the problem of low quality foot wears and our goal is to make high quality foot wears that will equally be very affordable for the average person.
Our goal is to promote Nigerian made products and uphold the beauty of Africa.

What’s the name of your business?

My business name is X8DESIGNZ.

Photos of X8DESIGNZ shoe exhibition

Did you attend any form of training?

My training was from Google and YouTube videos.
I watched a lot of YouTube videos and did so many research to learn a few things about shoe making.

Photos of X8DESIGNZ training young students
On how to make shoes

What inspired you to start up X8DESIGNZ?

The drive to be successful inspired me to start X8DESIGNZ, I’ve always been that lady who doesn’t want to be poor or in a situation where I cannot be great or help the next person.
The hunger, passion and my love for art and craft made me start X8DESIGNZ.

How were you able to raise fund to start up your business?

I spoke to an uncle about my goals and desire to start my business and he gave me the funds to start.

How do you source for the materials you use to make your shoes?

Sourcing for materials hasn’t been a problem for me, in port Harcourt where I am based, we have a market where high quality foot wear materials are sold and it is always accessible.

What major challenges have you encountered in your business?

The major challenge I’ve encountered is the issue of “it’s a man’s job/thing” when I tell people I’m a cobbler they look at me with doubt, the society feels it’s absurd for a woman to be a shoe maker and sometimes it affects my ego and self esteem.
Sometimes a customer might really want to patronize but the fear of “can a woman actually do this design very well” sets in and becomes a challenge.
I’ve always had to motivate myself every day and tell myself that I am unstoppable and I can do it whether people believe it or not.

What platform do use to advertise your business?

Social media has been helpful to me ever since I started my business, I advertise on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, telegram etc.
Social media has been a good advert platform for me.

You’re the boss, how does it feel working for yourself?

Ah, as the boss, I would say it’s mixed feelings;
It feels good, hectic and stressful.
It feels good to be a boss and work for yourself, but, it also puts you at the spotlight and it’s like the world is looking at you, you have a lot of people who are following your foot steps so you just have to always be at your best so you don’t lead people in the wrong direction.
Being a boss is more of hard work than the name “Boss” sounds.

Will you say it’s been financially rewarding?

My business has been really rewarding financially, it has helped me grow pass a particular level financially.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

In five year from now X8DESIGNZ will be a global, international brand.
We’ll be known worldwide and growing the economy.

You can contact me via:
Instagram: x8_designz
Twitter: x8_designz
Facebook page: x8designz.com
Email: x8designz@gmail.com
Call/WhatsApp: 09099481179

Email:ellypatrick54@gmail.com