By Daniel Edu
Peace Solomon, founder of Pacific Apparel and a fashion designer, discusses her journey in the fashion industry and the inspiration behind her career. She highlights her educational background in Human Anatomy and her passion for well-tailored outfits as factors that led her to become a fashion designer.
Solomon’s early exposure to sewing through her mother’s work as a seamstress sparked her interest in fashion design. During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Taraba State, she enrolled in a fashion school to learn the basics of the trade. With her NYSC allowance, she purchased her first sewing machine and 50 pieces of Ankara fabric, marking the start of her business journey.
Starting with an initial capital of N94,000, Solomon’s business focuses on delivering quality services, expanding into the international market, and training other fashion designers. She overcame challenges related to establishing a premium client base and adapting to a new environment when she moved to Lagos. Consistent advertising and time helped her attract the right customers.
Solomon’s family and friends provided holistic support for her business, with some becoming customers, while others helped with advertising and sales promotion. Social media played a crucial role in marketing and promoting her brand, allowing her to connect with her target audience and showcase her unique designs.
Essential skills for success in the fashion industry, according to Solomon, include creativity, attention to detail, the ability to adapt to trends, excellent customer service, and effective use of social media for brand promotion. Her journey reflects the power of passion and determination in pursuing a career and building a successful business in the fashion world.
