Onwuaso Bethel is young, higly talented, creative and innovative, she’s an inspiration. She speaks to Elora’s blog in this interview.

Please can you tell us about your background?

Onwuaso Bethel is the Name an indigin of Isialanqwa Local Government Area in Abia State.

Am a Graduate of the Prestigious University of portharcourt where I studied HydroBiology. I Live in Portharcourt.

You are an Entrepreneur. Please tell us your line of Business?

I am a Creative designer who majors squarely in the usage of Ankara fabrics, and different kinds of leather materials for the Production of fashion accessories, Suit accessories, footwear’s, handbags, throwpillows, recycled bottles, customized Polo’s/ T-shirts, home decor and the refolding of worn out footwears, handbags and cushion Leathers with new Ankara and leather fabrics.

Photos of Bethel’s handwork

Can you tell us what inspired you to start up your business?

Two things. First was the day I will never forget. My Mum had given my younger brother money to buy some personal stuffs.

He asked me to escort him to the market since he believes I had eyes for good things. Getting to the market, we were still paying for what we had already picked when my eyes spotted a very beautiful shirt. I asked my brother to follow me and we crossed to meet the man selling the shirt. He insisted on 3,000naira as his last price. I pleaded for him to take 2,700 naira as that was the only money I had. Instead, this man gave me the Insult and embarrassment of my Life.

He said ” see as you fine, make fine hair come wear fine clothes, common 3,000 naira you nor get. This man insulted my life. My younger brother held my hand and said we should leave. I looked at the man and told him straight to his face that this would be the least clothe my younger brother would ever have. I cried my eyes out when I got home that day. I vowed not to allow anyone make me feel that bad again. I had taken my decision. I will stand by it.

Secondly, as the Vision Influencer Of Ladies Empire Initiative, an NGO which i started after emerging the Abia State Culture Queen 2017. An NGO which is focused on raising Balanced Female Entrepreneurs, who would not allow failures and negative Experiences of the past stop them from achieving their unique potentials in Life. I needed to be a Balanced Female Entrepreneur myself.

Please tell us how you were able to raise fund for your business?

As an undergraduate, in school i used to sell Okrika clothes, I would buy them, wash them, Send them for the dry cleaner for ironing and High Class packaging from there, i ventured into a Network marketing Business where i saved some amount of money which helped me register into the ICO coulture and Crafts Institute Portharcourt.

I went further to register in the AfriArts Academy Lagos State. After all my training, i was left with just 7,000 naira. My hair was unkempt since I had been Busy with my trainings for months.

I needed to choose between making a new hair or starting up a business with the 7,000 naira I had left. I decided on the later. I bought few polo’s and Ankara fabric which i Customized and sold to members of a Life band.

One of the person’s that bought the polo contacted me saying a church needed something like that. That was how I got a contract to customize
And branded T-shirt with Ankara material for a Church Convention. After I was paid, i bought more materials and equipment for my
Work. That was how the door Of wealth, success and outstanding result opened up to me.

Please tell us how you advertise your business?

Social media handles (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Banners, Fashion and Craft Exhibitions, Beauty pageants, Enterpreneurial Seminars and Art Workshops.

Can you tell all the challenges you’ve faced while running Your business?

Most times after making new products, customers come with their own style of what they want different from what you have in the showroom. You have to make the particular design they want.

When this happens, we are faced with the challenge of selling out, making sure we sell out the items before they go out of trend. Getting a reliable means of delivering products to people who wants to petronize from outside Nigeria.

How does it feel being your own boss?

It has been Fantastic, fulfilling though very humbling because your integrity is at stake. One bad job can stain the image of your
Brand. You have to be on your toes always knowing this is business and other Competitors are out there too.

Please tell us, Has it been financially rewarding?

Yes, of a truth, it has been greatly financially rewarding.

Please tell us where do you see Your Brand In the next 5 years?

5 years from now, I see Bettyfaxionz as a brand involved
In equipping Nigerian Youths with Enterpreneurial skills Thereby eradicating poverty in this part of the
Country.

I see Bettyfaxionz been recognised as a fashion brand that is, creating Value and solving problems. 5 years from Now, Bettyfaxionz products will be petronized and worn by celebrities and customers beyond the horizon of Nigeria, Leaving her customers with an unforgettable experience.

Contact

Onwuaso Bethel Ngozi- Facebook
@BettyFaxionz- Facebook page
Abia State Culture Queen 2017- Instagram
08164501892- Whatsapp.

More photos of Bethel