Stakeholders in the Cross River fashion industry recently met in Calabar with a view to unite players in the industry, promote networking and sharing ideas to ensure the industry contributes its quota to the Gross Domestic Product of the state.
Convened by the Rod and Staff company, the Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Etim said the essence of the event is to aid the promotion of fashion brands in Calabar and the South South region of Nigeria no matter where the players fall in the fashion value chain.
In a panel discussion focused on the topic ‘The Fashion Business: Connecting the players? Calabar renowned Fashion designer, Joseph Edet advised upcoming fashion entrepreneurs to start small and plan to expand from there. He shared his experience where he started his business with just NGN20,000 and built a reputation that endeared him to clients and opened doors for him.
Similarly, another Panelist, Lovita Ita a creative expert urged “upcomers” in the industry to be patient, learn and master their trade before venturing into the business as experience gained by understudying someone will help in creating a brand that can stand the test of time.
Lovita charged fashion designers in the state to up their game. She slammed some of the designers she has worked with in the state whom she described as been “below par.”
Also, a beautician and fashion retailer, Esther Ekom said her venture into fashion retailing was in response to the need to fill a gap and demand that was hitherto unattended to in Calabar. She advised participants to build relationships and integrity.
The workshop featured panels and discussions on social media, marketing, photography and business e-book keeping.
See pictures below;
By Monday Ogar
