Samuel proudly owns Samizee Fashion house, crafting unique and stylish clothing for men and women. He said his journey into fashion designing is not just about honouring his mother’s memory, but also expressing his own creativity and passion.
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Samuel Eche, an undergraduate of Public Relations at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos never had the chance to see his mother’s fashion dexterity, having lost her at just five years old. However, his dad’s stories about her talent and dedication sparked his interest in fashion which led him to pursue a career in fashion designing.
Today, Samuel proudly owns Samizee Fashion House, crafting unique and stylish clothing for men and women. He said his journey into fashion designing is not just about honouring his mother’s memory, but also expressing his own creativity and passion.
How it all started
Samuel, after completing his Senior secondary school in 2018 enrolled in a fashion designing training in 2019 at Ogijo, Ogun State. His training with his boss lasted for three years. After his apprenticeship, he set up his own brand, Samizee Fashion in Lagos in 2022 with just one machine and a passion to succeed. “It was a humble beginning, but God has been faithful, and my business has gradually expanded over the years,” he recalled.
Explaining further, he said: “I underwent an apprenticeship program that lasted for three years, during which I was trained in the art of fashion designing. Interestingly, I was the 15th apprentice, but graduated as the 2nd in my boss’ shop. I’m grateful for the skills and knowledge I acquired during my apprenticeship, which has formed the foundation of my fashion designing business today.”
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Samuel’s passion for fashion and creativity inspired him. He recalled being fascinated by the way clothes could transform a person’s appearance and confidence while growing. “This interest led me to develop my skills in fashion designing, and I eventually turned it into a business,” he said.
He said learning that his mother was a fashion designer before she died encouraged him to learn tailoring after completing his secondary school.
“To be honest, I didn’t have the opportunity to see my mom sitting on a sewing machine or designing clothes. I lost her when I was just five years old, so I don’t have personal memories of her working as a fashion designer.
“However, my dad often shared stories about her passion for fashion and how she was a talented designer. Those stories sparked my interest in fashion, and I felt a deep connection to her legacy.
“I decided to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in fashion designing, not just to honor her memory but also to express my own creativity and passion. My dad also encouraged me. He paid for my training,” Samuel told TheNiche.
Challenge of capital
The chief executive officer of Samizee Fashion said sourcing capital was a significant challenge for him. He said as a startup, he struggled to secure funding to invest in equipment, materials, and marketing. Samuel solved the problem of capital by starting small and gradually scaling up his business. He also relied on personal savings, support from family and friends, and revenue from initial clients to fund his operations. “Additionally, I explored alternative funding options, such as online loans and grants, to supplement my financial needs,” he said.
Penetrating the market
The CEO of Samizee Fashion acknowledged that penetrating the market was a challenge for him, stating that it took time to build a reputation, establish a client base, and differentiate his brand from competitors.
“It took me about two to three years to gain significant traction in the market. During this period, I focused on developing high-quality products, providing excellent customer service, and leveraging social media and word-of-mouth marketing to promote my brand. I started my brand in 2022 and broke into the market in 2024,” he said.
Establishing a brand
One experience that stands out with Samuel while struggling to establish his brand was when he received a large order from a prominent client, but struggled to meet the deadline due to limited resources. He said: “I had to work tirelessly, often for 24 hours straight, to complete the order on time. Although it was a challenging experience, it taught me the importance of perseverance, time management, and prioritizing quality.”
The breakthrough
A significant breakthrough for Samuel was when he secured a contract to supply uniforms for a large corporate organization. This contract not only provided a significant influx of revenue but also helped establish his brand as a reliable and quality supplier. “This breakthrough encouraged me to continue pushing forward, as it validated my hard work and dedication,” he said.
Business ownership in Nigeria
The young CEO said, “As a business owner in Nigeria, I face challenges such as epileptic electricity supply, which affects my operations and increases costs. I also have to deal with regulatory challenges, such as navigating the complex process of registering and obtaining necessary permits from government agencies.”
Japa?
Samuel said he decided to remain in Nigeria because he believes in the potential of our country, Nigeria and the opportunities it presents. He said despite the challenges, he is committed to contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria. He said; “I also believe that by staying, I can create jobs, provide value to my community, and inspire others to do the same.”
Brief profile
Samuel Eche hails from Benue State. He is currently a student of Public Relation at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, pursuing his education while running his fashion designing business. He said: “By God’s grace, my business has grown to the point where I now have apprentices and workers who assist me in creating unique and stylish clothing for our clients.”
Recognition, award and endorsement
The young entrepreneur said while he has not received any major awards or recognition yet, he has had the opportunity to showcase his designs at a few local fashion events and exhibitions. “These events have helped me gain exposure and attract new clients,” he said.
