Exquisite magazine spotted out a fashion designer who is exceptionally gifted and her designs have proven to be timeless, chic and comfy. Let’s meet Afimia Jatto, Ceo of Fancybyjudy.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Afimia Jatto (Mrs) I am married with two beautiful boys. I own a couple of small businesses including FancybyJudy (my most recent baby).
I have a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and statistics from the University of Benin.
I live and work in Lagos.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN?
I would say my journey in fashion began at the University of Benin from buying and seeking clothes to traveling to Ghana for a fashion internship in 2014 with Della Foundation right after my National youth service (NYSC).
I came back to Nigeria for my Master’s education and worked in the corporate world briefly during which I knew the corporate world of work wasn’t meant for me.
Fast-forward to my days working for some fashion houses. I worked as a design assistant, a personal assistant and a manager to some designers in Lekki and Ikoyi before settling down to start a family and ended up starting my own business five years ago.
FancybyJudy is just nine months old but she is one of my most prized businesses.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
My signature style now would be smock dresses they are comfy and chic, paired with solid vintage sandals or sneakers. Oh My! What a look!!
WHO ARE YOUR IDEAL TARGET AUDIENCE?
I would say anyone with an eye for unique pieces.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
The random put-together designs that ends up being a hit and best seller.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR WORST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
It is honestly hard to pick one, from the hustle and bustle of getting materials and resources to work e.g. fuel scarcity, to dealing with unscrupulous artisans and tailors. It’s all a daunting process and hinders creativity most times.
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SATISFACTION?
Honestly I would say 7, it has been a learning curve for me these past 9 months. I constantly learn, relearn and unlearn daily.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BRAND DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
The people and its own unique creative process.
KINDLY SHARE TIPS TO STAYING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS
Hire character, invest in your own people, and DO NOT GIVE UP. Have a good foundation structure for all business processes from sourcing, to designing to marketing to sales and everything. In a nutshell, good people and a good structure are unbeatable!!!!
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO START-UPS THAT HAVE SIMILAR VISIONS AS YOU DO?
Take it one day at a time, keep putting in the work, love your business and it would DEFINITELY love you back.
SHARE 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU
I. My best fruit is Agbalumo (African apple as it is called).
II. I keep a very SMALL circle.
III. My dream city to visit is New York and probably live there.
IV. I low-key Love being a BOY MUM (I would want another boy lol! Don’t let my husband read this though).
V. My second name is Money! Who doesn’t like money?
PLEASE SHARE THE CONTACT DETAIL YOU WISH TO BE MADE PUBLIC
Instagram: Fancybyjudy.ng
Shop: No 1 Tunde Afolabi road Aja, Lagos state, Nigeria.
