Let’s take a glimpse into the world of Patience Onyinye Nwabueze, the brilliant mind behind Catwalk with PAT, an emerging luxury fashion brand that is redefining style. From linguist to fashion designer extraordinaire, Patience’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion and turning dreams into reality.
In fashion, Patience shines as a true entrepreneur with an unwavering love for elegance and style. Armed with a degree in English Language from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and an insatiable desire to create, she embarked on a transformative journey that led to the birth of Catwalk with PAT. With a vision to not only dress herself but to empower, dress and inspire other women, Patience merged her passion for dressmaking and her love, to play dress up with a touch of luxury and turned it into a craft.
The passion for Patience’s fashion came during the unexpected turn of events in 2020. Amidst the pandemic, she embraced the opportunity to explore her creativity and enrolled in a 6-month apprenticeship at a tailor’s shop. This ignited the fire within her. Eager to push her boundaries further, Patience got into an established fashion brand, gaining invaluable experience and insights into the industry. However, her hunger for knowledge and growth knew no bounds. Determined to refine her skills, she enrolled for another 6-month fashion class at a prestigious fashion academy. Armed with newfound expertise, she was ready to conquer the fashion world. In April 2023, Catwalk with PAT unveiled itself to the world, captivating stylish women with its bespoke, ready-to-wear, and bridal pieces.
Let’s jump right into her interview! It’s going to be an exciting and inspiring read. Hold on tight!
EM: WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
Patience: I would say, it is a mix of classy, modern and African, yet comfy. Despite this, I love to experiment with trends.
EM: WHO ARE YOU IDEAL TARGET AUDIENCE?
Patience: Most definitely a stylish and bold woman, with a blend of femininity and strength. Women who are subtle yet loud with their fashion statement, who are not afraid to be seen. My pieces cater for women who recognize value and are willing to invest in quality.
EM: WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
Patience: In the short period of professionally designing clothes, there have been a good number of beautiful moments which are always a source of motivation for me, but top on the list is seeing women wear CatwalkwithPAT and getting satisfactory reviews.
EM: WHAT’S BEEN YOUR WORST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
Patience: Hmmmm. I really want to say none so far but broooooo! Nigeria has been happening to me. Starting up a business here is a roller coaster.
EM: ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SATISFACTION?
Patience: I think 7, and this surprises me. Lol. I guess because I’m still a ‘baby’ designer, I sort of have imposter syndrome, but I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that I am indeed an incredible designer.
EM: WHAT MAKES YOUR BRAND DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
Patience: As a brand, CatwalkwithPAT is built on honesty and attention to detail. We pride ourselves in creating designs to suit each customer’s peculiar taste. Also, building a strong business relationship through impeccable customer service with our clients is our priority.
EM: KINDLY SHARE TIPS TO STAYING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS.
Patience:
- Be consistent; show up and show off your designs and brand.
- Be open-minded and ready to explore new things, new trends, and new knowledge. If you fail, you have a lesson or two to learn and if you succeed, win-win.
- Learning is a continuous practice, allow room to develop by keeping up to date with the fashion industry.
- You have to spend money to make money, this is a personal business math. Lol. Be more than willing to invest in the business, in your craft and your personal development.
- Above all, make God the centre of everything you do.
EM: WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO START-UPS WHO HAVE A SIMILAR VISION AS YOU DO?
Patience: The road to being a successful and established fashion brand is a gradual one, nobody gets up there without putting in real work and making sacrifices. Therefore, start-ups should be patient in their journey, embracing each step as they move up the ladder.
I also need to state that, there will be failures, but that should be a source of motivation rather than discouragement.
EM: TELL US 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU
Patience:
- Music, food and money make me absolutely happy, God knew what He was doing when He made them. LOL.
- I am an ambivert, but more introverted. I enjoy my own company so much but can be the life of the party when I’m out.
- I laugh a whole lot, but you will never find out about this unless you get close to me.
- I keep a very very small circle.
- The beach is my happy place. Sometimes I enjoy sitting in silence enjoying the sound of weaves. Other times, I let my inner child come out to play in the sand and water.
Hmmm, it was great to learn more about Patience’s fashion brand. Patience’s style effortlessly blends classy, modern, and African elements, creating a unique aesthetic that resonates with the bold and confident woman and she loves to experiment with trends, infusing her designs with innovation and creativity.
Catwalk with PAT is more than just a fashion brand; it’s a movement. Patience’s unwavering passion and dedication to her craft have begun to draw the attention of individuals and Exquisite Magazine is eager to see her grow and take over the fashion world.
Here are her contact details you can reach her and see more of her designs
Instagram/Tiktok: @catwalkwithpat
Facebook: Catwalk with PAT
