A basic look is never enough! Exquisite Magazine got the opportunity to interview one of Port Harcourt’s finest fashion designers, Precious Daniel, who loves leaving a wow factor in her custom-made designs. Join me and enjoy the read!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Ochei Egwolo Precious, Founder and creative director of Precious Daniel Fashion Brand. I am a wife, a mother to three amazing kids, and also a Human Resource Practitioner.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN?
My fashion Journey began a few months before my graduation from secondary school in May 2007.
Back then at my mother’s shop, we had a tailor close by the shop. She was more like our family tailor, she makes all our clothes including my mom’s clothes (We called her mama Kevwe) A very lovely woman.
I always liked watching her match the manual sewing machine and how she cuts and makes something beautiful out of a basic straight fabric, and she was always in the mood and eager to answer any of my questions.
From then I started going to her frequently, learnt how to sew I was able to make my Graduation dress and I felt like a little princess in a cute pink dress. While others wore the suit two pieces they bought I proudly wore the dress I made.
It wasn’t perfect though but I loved it. My lovely mom saw my interest in it and what I could do, she was impressed and she got me my first-ever sewing machine. The joy I felt was Overwhelming.
After graduation I had to go to school, I gained admission into the University Of Port Harcourt I couldn’t just leave my baby(my sewing machine) behind. And guess what, my dad paid for an extra seat to make sure it was transported from Delta State to Porthacourt safely for me.
My entire family supported me and I remember making some dresses then for my older sisters which they wore with pride not minding if they were properly made or not. Lol.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
Structured Pieces. I love to make something stand out in a dress or be catchy. Even if it’s a simple dress, there should just be something edgy on it.
WHO ARE YOUR IDEAL TARGET AUDIENCE?
Fashionable Contemporary Women.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
Hmmm well, I am still growing in the fashion industry, more like a toddler trying to get her steps but I think my best moments are when my clients work in for fittings and it’s perfect or wedding dresses that are so ecstatic.
And also when I get calls from clients overseas or across Nigeria to give me positive feedback. Nothing beats that.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR WORST MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?
Hahaha, when a client actually told I and my team to sell all our machines that “we don’t know what we are doing” And another bad moment for me was when I released a two-piece in 2020 from my Ready-to-wear section it was copied, and sold in different places and I didn’t make a good profit compared to what I would have made if I structured my marketing properly. Copying is almost inevitable but I think I would have handled it properly to make more gain.
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RESPONSE FROM CUSTOMER SATISFACTION?
I would say 8.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BRAND DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
Our pieces are Timeless most especially the “Off the Rack pieces” (Ready-to-wear). You can wear them in years to come and they wouldn’t be out of fashion or no longer fashionable.
KINDLY SHARE TIPS FOR STAYING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS BUSINESS
1) Try to make a profit from every job you do, no matter how small it would always come in handy.
2) Try and market your brand as much as possible. Always put your brand out there. I am still trying to gain more balance on this, I am trying to be constantly out there these days.
The world is evolving at full speed and it’s largely global which makes businesses thrive more and be more successful.
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO START-UPS THAT HAVE A SIMILAR VISION AS YOU DO?
Hmmm. Be consistent, always think of making Profits it’s key and try to get sound structure, process, and human personnel that would run along with you and the vision you have for your brand.
Also, do YOU, don’t be under so much pressure to be like someone else or a Brand. And lastly, seize any opportunity to grow and be better.
SHARE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU
1) I smile a lot, almost too much.
2) I sketch sometimes on my oily plate with the spoon after I finish eating lol, hence white dishes are my favorite.
3) I love animated movies.
SHARE CONTACT DETAILS
Instagram: PRECIOUS_DANIEL__
Custom orders: 08035611396
