World Entrepreneur Day Celebrates African Fashion Entrepreneur
World Entrepreneur Day, observed annually on August 21st, shines a spotlight on the global impact of entrepreneurs. In Africa, there are more than 245 million businesses, many of which contribute positively to their communities and beyond.
One such entrepreneur making waves is Ramatallahi Abubakar, a Nigerian-born fashion designer based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. With a vision to create stunning garments that empower women and boost their confidence, she established Ramatporsche Design.
“Fashion is my true calling as it allows me to express stories through fabric,” Ramatallahi explains. “I draw inspiration from African culture, incorporating bold colors, intricate lace, and flowing silhouettes with modern, minimalist elements.”
Her journey into fashion design began while studying Medical Science at Kwara State University, where she crafted lab coats for her department. She quickly gained recognition, winning the title of Student Fashion Designer of the Year in 2020 and showcasing her work at the Kwara Tradefair in 2021.
Despite juggling her business, motherhood, and sewing classes in Bradford, Ramatallahi encountered challenges in managing the creative and business aspects of her venture. “Balancing creativity with the business side, especially in terms of costs and deadlines, can be demanding,” she admits.
Seeking affordable yet high-quality supplies for her designs, Ramatallahi turned to online marketplace Temu. She found essential items like sewing needles, pattern paper, and a mannequin, which revolutionized her design process. “The mannequin from Temu was a game-changer, allowing me to streamline fittings and enhance design precision,” she shares.
Shopping online not only saved her 40-50% compared to local stores but also made her premium designs more accessible to clients. In a recent IPSOS survey, shoppers reported saving an average of 24% on Temu, with 8 in 10 praising the platform’s value for money.
Not only focused on her own success, Ramatallahi aims to inspire others to pursue their creative ventures. Through 12-week sewing classes, she imparts skills to beginners, emphasizing the importance of starting with available resources, continual learning, and embracing imperfections.
As we celebrate World Entrepreneur Day, Ramatallahi’s message is clear: “Begin with what you have, never stop learning, and don’t wait for perfection to start. The joy of seeing a client light up in my creations is truly priceless.”
