Meet 27-Year-Old Mustapha Taofeeqah, A Shoemaker, She Started The Business With 60k

Mustapha Taofeeqah is 27 year old, she’s hardworking and focused, she speaks to Elorasblog in this interview.

Please introduce yourself?

My name is Mustapha Taofeeqah Fehintola, 27 years old. I grew up in a small town in Ogun state and I have lived there my whole life. I graduated from Olabisi onabanjo university Ago Iwoye where I studied chemistry Education. I served in Jebba Kwara state.

What are the fond memories you’ve had while growing up?

My fond memories while growing up was having endless pillow fights with my cousin’s, and also I loved washing my uniforms.

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

I’m a shoemaker by profession. I started shoemaking in, 2018 after my NYSC in 2017.

What is the name of your business?

I am the founder/CEO Pheeqah collections.

Why did you decide to choose this particular business?

I have always had love for shoemaking since childhood but didn’t realize it because I thought it was just a normal thing since I love getting myself involved in male stuffs. I had a burning passion for it. Meanwhile, it never occurred to me that I was going to practice it, I just wanted to be a Chemistry Educator. Later after NYSC in 2018, I started making fury slides which I learnt on YouTube then I proceeded to getting more ideas because as at that time, I was already enjoying shoemaking.

Did you attend any form of training?

I went through apprenticeship for about 10months, I was using my boss tools before I started working on my own.

Where did you get your inspiration from and why did you name your business Pheeqah collections?

Pheeqah was derived from my first name Taofeeqah which means Blessing” it was the name my dad gave me and I really do cherish it after my Dad died.

How do you get the materials you work with?

I get most of my materials here in Ago Iwoye, sometimes ijebu ode and once in a while I do get them from Mushin Lagos, once I’m unable to get a particular material around.

Photos of Pheeqah collections.

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

I started my business with 60k and it was from part of my savings from my NYSC allowance.

What are the major challenges you’ve encountered with customers and also setback you’ve faced doing this business?

Talking about challenges with customers, i’ve heard a lot but it has one way or the other set me back on the right track. I could remember a customer who requested for 8pairs of slides and shoes but gave wrong measurements for all and still blamed me for it after it was delivered. I tried explaining and she kept cutting me off until she checked our chats and realized she was the one at fault. I later made another set of 8pairs though.

Setback?

You know once someone don’t have money towards ones goals can be heartbreaking. The only setback I’m having at the moment is Funds

What is the most pleasant comments you’ve ever received from your customer?

A lot, I really can’t count. God has been benevolent.

Where do you see Pheeqah collections in 5 years?

In five years, I predict Pheeqah collections would have spun off. We are going to glam the feet of any human who wants to look sharp. I expect Pheeqah collections to become one of the largest shoemaking company that also makes a very big impact.

Contact
Mustapha Taofeeqah Fehintola,

08159279174

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com