My outfit is the first thing that moves me-Oluwatoyin Eniola Aborisade, fabric merchant

‘Why I regularly slip into sleeveless styles’

Oluwatoyin Eniola Aborisade is a fabric merchant. Though she is a Micro Biologist by profession but her passion for fashion and fabrics led her into what she is doing today. In this interview with ADAEZE AMOS, this amiable lady of style talks about her dress sense and her penchant for good quality fabrics.

As a fabric merchant, what kind of fabrics do you deal on?

I sell all kinds of fabrics both male and female fabrics and most importantly I’m into Aso-Ebi packaging and designing.

What did you study and from which university did you finish from?

I studied Micro Biology from Leads City University, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Tell us about your fabric business,  for how long have you been in it and what actually motivated you into it?

I started selling fabrics since I was in the university. I started with Guinea  and Attiku fabrics that was like eight years ago. After my youth service I sold some Saree before I got a job with bank. And even while working in the bank, I still sold some Guinea fabrics on the side with silk fabrics . I stopped working in the bank after two years and started selling all fabrics which include lace and Aso-Ebi for occasions.

‘I flaunting my arms; I don’t have fat arms many ladies battle with’

Mention tips one should bear in mind when  looking  out for fabrics to buy?

Looking out for quality in fabrics when buying is important. Like many of my clients know me that I don’t settle for less. I go for quality and they always send referrals. Fabrics are every where but quality ones are not every where

Do you think one’s complexion should be considered while choosing fabrics? If yes, why?

For me all colours can suit both dark and light skinned but what would bring out the beauty  mostly are accessories, your hair,  Gele, make-up and your poise.

What  fabric blunders do you think so many Nigerian ladies commit?

Nigerians commit a lot of blunders when it comes to fabrics. Some use light fabrics for some styles when they ought to have gone for thick fabrics. Some believe that when fabric is light that it is not a quality fabric whereas it is not so. Some good fabrics come light while some come thick. They all have their purpose.

You studied Micro Biology, how did your passion for fabrics started?

Right from my university days, I had always loved business . When I started selling fabrics, none of my family members had ever delved into that kind of business. I would say I happen to be the first person in my family that started selling fabrics. I love fashion and what I would wear or my outfit is the first thing that moves me when I have occasion even before  considering  other things.

What thrills you most about being a fabric merchant?

Seeing my fabrics on my clients or a group like Aso-Ebi fabric designed by me. I design Aso-Ebi fabric which I give to my manufacturer to produce. So, seeing it  the way I want and satisfying my customers make me very proud to be a fabric merchant

What challenges do you go through as a fabric merchant?

Challenges are much but all the same no matter the challenge I have, to keep my customers, making them smile at the end of the day is my major concern.

Whenever you are watching fashion shows, what do you look out for with regards to fabrics?

I look out for good fabrics even if the style is not nice. I usually say wow not because of the style but because of the fabric (giggles).

What lesson has life taught you as a fashionista?

Life has taught me to always be patient. Then life as a fashionista  has taught me never to be caught shabbily dressed. I watch the way I look before I step out.

Can you define your style?

My style is selling good quality materials to my clients at affordable prices.

What kind of fabrics wouldn’t you mind spending a fortune on?

Quality and customized fabrics

What fashion items form a larger part of your wardrobe?

Nothing else but good  fabrics!

Fashion is about covering your flaws and flaunting if need be your good sides. What good sides of yours wouldn’t you mind flaunting?

I don’t mind flaunting my arms;  I don’t have fat arms so many ladies battle with. That is most times I proudly slip into sleeveless styles.

Which style wouldn’t you go close to even if every lady goes for it?

Styles that show cleavage, I don’t like it!

What actually stands you out in the fashion world?

What stands me out in the fashion world is nothing but eye-popping fabric. My fabrics are catchy, little wonder my clients won’t stop until they buy the last of it.