Exquisite magazine got the opportunity to have an interview with the creative director of Dfa signature and Lifestyle, who offers training services, ready-to-wear and bespoke wear. let’s know more about her brand.
Tell us about Yourself
My name is Faith Aribisala. I am the creative director of DFA SIGNATURE AND LIFESTYLE
I am an entrepreneur and a fashion designer
My vision is ”to create my fashion niche and build businesses in different sectors of fashion aside from clothing (bags, make-up, shoes etc..). More than anything else, encourage and work every day to remind fashion entrepreneurs that they also have something special to offer the world.”
In my pursuit of new creative endeavours, I am excited to find the fashion model opportunity. Identifying innovative approaches and improved solutions to business challenges both motivates and drives me; observation, inspiration and determination are my foundation for success.
What does your business do, and how it started
Dfa Signature and Lifestyle is a fashion design brand that started officially in 2019, and we offer training services, ready-to-wear, and bespoke tailoring.
We also offer fashion design training for intending fashion designers to become exceptional fashion brands with our committed and experienced instructors who are inspired by their love and passion for fashion by birthing new brands for the expansion of the fashion industry in Nigeria, reducing the rate of unemployment in Nigeria. We have adopted a gradual growth plan to be the best.
How do you solve your customers’ challenges?
We are currently at the Growth stage:
1. We meet a current market need of supplying and production of ready to wear for different fashion brands
2. We offer more choices to the customers
3. We offer flexible payment plans for our students
Despite the increased preference for women, a lot of women are not qualified enough to take on key positions due to the low level of education they receive.
The general belief that women end up in the kitchen is a barrier to women’s education in Nigeria.
Women should not be looked down upon. We should realise that in educating a woman, we have educated a nation
Who are your ideal customers?
Women are ideal customers, most especially vulnerable/underprivileged women, and we offer free and reduced tuition fees to women.
for our garment factory, we mass produce women, men, and kid’s outfits.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
Being an entrepreneur has really changed everything about me. I am always active with my business from morning till evening, always trying to be productive, so I will say what my day looks like is determined by the task I have to work on daily, but basically, from home to my office, I go the market on some days and back home.
The most incredible part of being an entrepreneur is the control I have over my own doubts. But this is only true because I built something that complements my life rather than works against it. When one work competes with one’s life every single day, then you have no control. But when you have created something that works with the kind of life you are leading, then it’s really good.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
A big part of building a business that complements my lifestyle is building a business that is based on my values, which is my family supporting each other.
Spending time thinking about what matters to me as a human and a lady, what values I want to hold, and what personal message I want to convey to the world, all of these and more have become the foundation of my business and brand.
What motivates you?
My vision motivates me,
My vision is ”to create my fashion niche and build businesses in different sectors of fashion aside from clothing (bags, make-up, shoes etc..). More than anything else, encourage and work every day to remind fashion entrepreneurs that they also have something special to offer the world.”
What is your greatest fear?
GIVING UP
How do you define success?
The strength to continue even when all looks too shallow, not minding failure but looking forward by encouraging yourself where there seems to be no encouragement
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Rather than feeling as though I have to adhere to the old-school version of what a fashion brand is, I am building lifestyle brands that have purpose and meaning and are fulfilling not just for me but for the people who purchase from me, work with me, and also collaborate with me.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Learn more about business branding and development.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Accountability
Risk & Safety Management
Leadership Development
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My family
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Learn from your mistake and do not give up on your dreams because your dreams are valid
What business-related book has inspired you the most?
STRATEGIC PLANNING
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
GRACE, FAITH AND WORK
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
09055566386
dfasignatures@gmail.com
@DFA SIGNATURES on all social media platforms
