Emma Charles Akpan has discovered her talents and turned it into a money making machine.The advantage here is that it makes her time more flexible as she’s a mother. She speaks to Elora’s Blog in this interview.

Please tell us about your background?

My name is Emma Charles Akpan, I’m a wife and mother of 2kids. I hail from akwaibom state in nigeria.

You’re an Entrepreneur, tell us more about your business?

I’m the creative director of IDY MILLINERY, a fashion store that is into making and selling of hats, facinators, turbans and hair accessories for women both young and old. We operate both online and offline.

Photos of Idy Millinery handwork

hat inspired you to start up your business?
Hmmm, what inspired me to start this business is plenty.
I used to work in a bank. I was in the banking sector for over 9yrs. At a point i got tired of banking and i wanted to do something more creative.
So i got trained in the millinery business in Nov 2016. Then i was still working so i didn’t take it serious then. I went fully into the business in April 2017.

After few months into the business i got more inspired n motivated seeing the good results i was getting. I just knew this is my ninche and i put in my all into it

How were you able to raise fund for your business?
I started with the little i had. I started with my savings. I started small. I started with making hair accessories. I used to sell to few of my colleagues then. Gradually as the business grew i diversed into making hats and facinators and then turbans.
I usually tell people that you don’t need money to start a business. What u need is the right mind set.

How do you advertise your business?
Hmmm my dear i levearge more on social media.
It has been one tool that has helped me grately in advertising my business. Secondly my work advertises itself too. I really take my time to do a good job each time i have to. Thirdly, my customers also help to tell people about me.

What are the challenges you’ve faced while running your business?

Woah!
Just like every other small business, i also face some challenges. Like location, there is only one major market in my town where i have to get items i need for my clients orders. If i can’t find what i need there it means i have to travel out of the state to get them.
Electricity is also a challenge as most of the time i have to power my generator in order to work.
Apr 1 · Sent from Mobile
Idy Millinery

Another challenge is pricing. I don’t know if it’s an afican culture but a lot of us like to under price hand made products and i think that is not good atall.
I’ve had to turn down a lot of orders from some clients as a result of them under pricing a product.

How does it feel being your own boss?

The feeling is unexplainable. I can’t explain it but honestly it feels really good. I tell people that i don’t think i can be an employee again. I’ve always wanted to own and have my own business and now i have it. The best thing i can do for myself and my business now is to nuture and grow it to an international brand.

Has it been financially rewarding?
It is very rewarding trust me. Any business that is not competitive is not a rewarding business. Fashion is a trend that will remain forever. People will always want a fashion item at every point in time.
Just an advise to anyone that wants to be a business owner or an enterprenuer, look for a business that is competitive and bring you A-game to the table.
I’m not the best yet, but one desire i have is to be above and to be the best in the millinery industry.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
I see myself having recognitions n awards for my work. I also op to have a millinery sch or an academy to help empower other people too.