By Bethel Tongret Sunday
Students on campus are known for their high sense of fashion and love for looking good entirely. Students are often seen with fancy bags, shoes, jewellery and other fashion-related accessories. Because of their passion for fashion, a lot of them have taken up the challenge to start up small-scale businesses to cater for the fashion needs of these students instead of going all the way to the market which is usually stressful. This interview focuses on one of such entrepreneurs who is turning the tide of fashion on campus. Read on…
CAN WE MEET YOU, MA’AM?
My Name is Deborah Yunana, I’m a 300-level student in the Department of Mass Communication, the University of Jos.
How did you Come about DEBLEX FASHION?
Okay so, I started DEBLEX FASHION in 2019, when I resumed 100 level, I thought to myself, instead of constantly having to ask my parents for money while in school, why not start up a little business that could sustain me when in need? I started out by importing goods like bags and other accessories from China, I paired with someone who also does similar business and then that was how it started out. As of 2020, during the COVID-19 Era, DEBLEX FASHION became an official brand.
How have you been able to merge Academics and Business?
I just feel that when you’re determined to do certain things, definitely you’ll be able to pull through…I try as much as possible to balance both by not doing any less. And as the nature of my business would have it, I travel a lot but regardless, I still strive to make good grades in school too.
Achievements, Challenges and Setbacks in the Business
Alright, in this business I think I’ve lost over one million Naira, as a result of fake transfers from people and scammers also. I can remember during the End SARS protest, some of my goods got destroyed in the warehouse, it was really devastating period for me then. One Major achievement I’ve had is emerging as the Student Entrepreneur of the year during our department’s dinner last year, and I must say I deserved it because at some point I was nicknamed “MOBILE TERMINUS” by my coursemates because of my zeal towards what I do.
What has been your Motivation so far, despite these setbacks?
My Motivation so far is the consciousness I have that I can’t keep on depending on people for my personal needs, despite the challenges I was faced with, like losing a huge amount of money and all, I always told myself that before one can succeed, you must fail first, I reminded myself of Notable figures like Bill Gates, Thomas Eddison and the likes and that has been my Driving force. The people I have around me also like my Family and Friends also motivate me a lot.
Where do you see DEBLEX FASHION in the next 10 years?
In the Next 10 years, I see DEBLEX FASHION moving into a different dimension entirely, looking at how people develop their business for example the famous actress Mercy Aigbe who owns the Mag Diva’s Boutique, one of the biggest boutiques in Lagos, I draw so much inspiration from that and I know one thing for sure is that, with my zeal and doggedness, DEBLEX FASHION will become one of the biggest in Nigeria at large, having different outlets in different countries by the grace of God.
What’s your advice to young and upcoming student Entrepreneurs?
So basically, my advice to upcoming student Entrepreneurs is to try as much as possible to be able to balance both academics and business, also, try to have a good customer relationship with your customers, because a good name is worth more than riches they say. It might not seem easy but determination and doggedness will help you get through all hurdles.
