Through dedication, perseverance and a drive for excellence, Isaac Kay gradually gained recognition and momentum, attracting a loyal customer base and earning accolades within the fashion community
By Eberechi Obinagwam
For some, life is an affair of whatever that comes across them. Not for Isaac Olowoseunre, who has always known his take-off point and destination. You can call it clairvoyance or telepathy but it is a matter of adventure driven by passion and focus.
The 2015 graduate of Psychology, had known from the onset, that he was cut out for the creative industry but couldn’t pin his hand on anything definite. All the same, he had considered good dressing as something he could build upon to make out something.
“Ever since I can recall, I have always been captivated by the power of fashion to express. I have always admired those with great dress sense. Dressing well has been more than just a habit for me. It’s been a source of self-confidence and self-assurance,” Olowoseunre recounted.
His passion for the industry saw him trying his hands in many fields including hairstyling, in his days in the university. But in 2016, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days, Olowoseunre eventually found his dream – Fashion and Design.
“While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I explored men’s hair styling, hoping to find my passion in that field. However, despite my efforts, I found myself longing for a creative outlet that resonated more deeply with my artistic abilities. It was not until I discovered fashion design that I experienced a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose.
“This inherent love for fashion laid the foundation for my venture into the fashion industry, which began in 2016 when I took part in the Social Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program, as a NYSC member.”
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Olowoseunre, the chief executive officer of Isaac Kay, a fashion designing outfit based in Ile Ife, Osun State, said after completing his NYSC in 2016, he sought apprenticeship to further enhance his skills.
Within few months, he had honed his skills and was able to purchase his first industrial sewing machine which came from his personal savings and financial support from an aunt.
“After acquiring my first industrial sewing machine, I set up a small workshop space in my apartment, dedicating myself to honing my craft and bringing my creative vision to life.
“As I began showcasing my creations to friends and family, the positive feedback and encouragement fueled my determination to turn my passion for fashion into a viable business. With each outfit I crafted, I infused a piece of myself, striving to create pieces that not only looked aesthetically pleasing but also reflected the values of quality, and innovation.”
Olowoseunre, now well entrenched in the fashion designing industry, said starting out, finances, materials and navigating the competitive landscape of the fashion industry were some of the hurdles he faced.
According to him, despite encountering all the challenges, he remained resolute in his commitment to building his brand, which started as Topnotch Fashion Design before changing to Isaac Kay.
He said: “through dedication, perseverance and a drive for excellence, Isaac Kay gradually gained recognition and momentum, attracting a loyal customer base and earning accolades within the fashion community.’
A business that started with just one industrial machine, in a small workshop space in his apartment has now skyrocketed to a household name, a big brand in the fashion industry and offering exceptional training not only in fashion design but also in customer relations.
“Since its inception, Isaac Kay has prided itself on its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction,” he told TheNiche during an interview.
He said it was the dedication that has resulted in the brand receiving numerous positive reviews and testimonials from delighted customers.
“Whether it’s the impeccable quality of our outfits, or the exceptional customer service, our customers consistently express their satisfaction,” he said.
The CEO of Isaac Kay says as part of his company’s contribution to the development of young talents in Nigeria, it has commenced an apprenticeship program where prospective fashion designers are trained to thrive in the industry.
Talking about challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria, Olowoseunre said one of the pressing challenges faced in Nigeria is the escalating costs of essential raw materials.
“This obstacle poses significant hurdle for maintaining both product quality, and business sustainability, especially amidst the backdrop of declining consumer purchasing power.
“In essence, businesses are caught in a delicate balancing act, grappling with the necessity of sourcing quality materials to uphold standards while navigating the economic realities that threaten their viability,” he said.
He stressed that the ability to navigate these challenges effectively will ultimately determine which businesses thrive and which falter in Nigeria’s dynamic and demanding market landscape.
“Another significant challenge faced by businesses in Nigeria is the issue of unreliable power supply. Frequent power outages disrupt manufacturing processes, leading to delays in production schedules and affecting overall productivity. Businesses are forced to rely on alternative power sources such as generators or inverters, which significantly increase operational costs and reduce profit margins.”
On the growing trend of Japa, the CEO of Isaac Kay said he has no intention of traveling out, stressing that despite the challenges faced in the country, he remains firmly rooted in his commitment to Nigeria.
“I have ambitious plans for expansion, with a vision to showcase my brand globally, starting right here in Nigeria to Africa and to the world at large. I believe that Nigeria serves as a strong foundation for my business growth trajectory, and my goal is to leverage the opportunities within the continent to propel my business onto the world stage.
“Nigeria will always be my home, and I’m excited about the journey ahead as I and my team take Isaac Kay from Nigeria to the world”, Olowoseure enthused.