6 days Ago By Rapheal
By Agatha Emeadi Stella Ogechi Amah is the managing director and chief executive officer of Prestige Collectibles, Makurdi, Benue State. Prestige Collectibles is a one-stop fashion centre in the small food-basket city. Stella was driven to great heights through determination, passion and God’s grace.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, the mother of six revealed how her paths crossed with the former First Lady of Benue State, Mrs Regina Akume, a meeting that became her turning point in business. The meeting, according to her, is not what she takes for granted. How did you get into the fashion industry? I have always loved fashion from childhood.
While growing up in my village, I remember I would beg some of my big sisters to make their hair and make-up unprofessionally. When people near me are dressed for occasions, I would ask some to change either their blouse, style of scarf or slippers to make a colour block as young as I was then. In fact, anything and everything fashion was my hobby.
Even if I was eating and someone drew my attention to style anyone then in the village, I will drop my food to see to that person’s perfect look. Little did I know that God was preparing to settle me as a fashion entrepreneur. Today, we are doing our best in fashion and style to satisfy our clients in Makurdi and beyond.
How did you rise to stardom? Share an experience that blew you up in the fashion business? Interestingly, everything about my graceful fashion business started in Makurdi, Benue State. Immediately I left school, I got married and joined my husband in Makurdi with my fashion sense in my kitty. Just like I was doing in my younger years, I started with the women in my neighborhood.
I would do their make-up, adjust their scarfs, give them colourful combinations of their outfits and charge them as well. Most of the times, my inspiration comes from dreams and imagination especially on head-tie making. My first unique selling point was my style of scarf which made me an instant consultant as far as occasions are involved.
Again, I love styling brides for their big days. Everything bridal look from their outfits, to make up and all-day-glamourous-look is done by me. That I did almost on a weekly basis and started getting referral jobs.
One bride would refer me to another, one uniform group (asoebi) will refer me to another and personal consultations was also rife for my business. For the ones who cannot travel to Makurdi, they would consult me through phone. I will ask them to place all their fashion accessories and we have meetings and agree on social media.
We will decide which goes for what depending on the occasion. Remarkably, with the effort and passion that I put in fashion, which I perfectly delivered, little did I knew that it was gathering momentum. I drew the attention of so many women in Makurdi and beyond to me.
Even while I thought, I have made it in fashion, I got the contract to be the lady of wardrobe for the former First Lady of Benue State, Her Excellency, Mrs Regina Akume. That opening was God’s direction, breakthrough and blessing in my life. Her Excellency encouraged me in so many ways because of my hard work, resilience, diligence and determination to succeed.
That was a big open-door which I do not take for granted. Within a short time, Prestige Collectibles became a household name in the state till date. What was your unique selling point that attracted Her Excellency? First is my personality from a humble background.
Then, I pay attention to details. When I see a client coming, I know what will stand her out. I will look at the height, shape and colour.
All these would form a combination of what goes into the upper region and lower area of a woman. For some events like meetings where sitting is mostly involved, I might channel most of the beauty attention and attraction to the chest area where the camera will pick, table will cover the lower area. Though the downward part of the outfit will also be stunning and vice versa.
Not all women are blessed with flat stomach after child birth, so, we look for what will hide the protruding stomach and a lot of other details like jewelries. Then again it also depends on what the lady personally wants. Some like loud fashion, some like it simple and classy.
We give you what suits you. As the First Lady’s lady of wardrobe, that would have attracted many more dignitaries, especially government functionaries, as well as raising the radar for you. How are you coping with the rise? It has been very difficult, I must say.
But I am thankful for my customers that have kept me in business despite the hard times. Women must be women, therefore looking good is good business. Parents would always love their children to be professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers etc.
What was their feeling when you were joining the fashion world and now that you have made it? My late parents never really forced anyone of their children on professionalism; rather they believed in allowing one make such personal decision as long as it is genuine and can put food on the table. So, while you as their child is on a personal mission to discover yourself, my father would be your monitor. He will ask several questions and put words of wisdom to you.
What opportunities being a fashion entrepreneur brought to you? Through the path of fashion, I have been opportune to meet dignitaries and styled a lot of them. I have been working with women on the corridors of power through my business especially during women conferences, I am usually their star style lady. In fact, the language during various woman gathering is ‘do not worry, Prestige will give you whatever you want.
’ Honestly, making friends with people in power is something that everyone looks up to. But then, even as juicy as the business has become, challenges of transportation and economy are also a hinderance. How is the society treating you as a fashion enthusiast? In the community that I found myself in Makurdi, they love, appreciate and respect me.
My brand was built on trust, from nothing and that is an added benefit. How was growing up? Talk about your family, parents and siblings? I grew up in a small community with a large family. My parents lived in love until both joined the saints.
My siblings are all well. We were raised in love to support one another. What advice would you give to aspiring female fashionistas who want to be like you? For starters, the passion must be there because Rome was not built in a day.
If the passion is not there, when the storm comes, one will be pushed out of the market. Therefore, do not be discouraged, no matter the challenge. Let them target the sky as their starting point.
In my case, I started from the scratch. There was no template for me to follow, I did not go to fashion school, mine is inborne and I am grateful for where God has kept me today. For the upcoming ones, be focused and determined to make it legally in life.
Hard work honestly pays and focus gets everyone a spot. Recently, you celebrated with the disable to mark your birthday, what formed that decision? I personally love such projects. My birthday was on the 9 th of November.
I am happier when I give to the poor and needy. That was why I entitled it celebrate with me and my friends “Persons living with Disability.” We came together, sing, pray, danced and share whatever little thing we had for the day.
XXX.
