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Young Designer: Muinat Atunise (MuiMui by Atunnise Clothiers)

By Tobi Awodipe
03 October 2015   |   1:42 am
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do? My name is Muinat Atunnise. I graduated from The University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a first degree in Chemistry. I also have an MBA from Hult International Business School, London Campus and I am a scholar of the World Bank sponsored WomenX at Enterprise Development…

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Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

My name is Muinat Atunnise. I graduated from The University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a first degree in Chemistry. I also have an MBA from Hult International Business School, London Campus and I am a scholar of the World Bank sponsored WomenX at Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at Pan-Atlantic University. I worked at NBL, BUPA UK and most recently Hygeia HMO until my resignation in 2014 to pursue my passion. I am the CEO/ Creative Director at Atunnise Clothiers. We are into garment manufacturing, wholesale and retail sales. We also sell fashion accessories.

Why the fashion industry and not any other industry?
I discover that I always come back to this creative space. It is the only place I pour myself completely before I go to sleep and wake up early the next morning raring to go. I have gladly “wasted” my time and money in honing this skill and enjoyed every bit of the journey. So I guess the question should be, ‘why not’?

How has the journey been so far?

Nigeria is a challenging place to be an entrepreneur. It’s been really challenging for Nigeria as a nation generally but for upsta in particular. Our economy has taken a bit of hit because of our dependence on crude oil which has experienced a crash in prices. This has led to a downward spiral effect for business with small businesses probably taking the worst hit. Our political space has encountered some turbulent curves due to the transition. International currency transactions have never being as dicey as in the last few months leading to elections but I am proud to say that as a business entity we have managed to hang in there, thanks to our faithful clients.

What do you think is the biggest issue for most fashion designers?
I think it has to be staff management. In this industry, one muinat-7-KKmuinat-8can’t do a lot alone if the intention is growth. We had a rough start to teach this lesson. I thought I had staffs to start with initially having explained my goal, little did I know they had other plans as they left immediately another opportunity came up within two weeks of our opening. I eventually contracted the work out for a project, which came up around that period. That was a blessing though, because the contracted workers have stayed on since… Staff turnover in this industry is very high but I have learnt to balance their needs with mine. We have our usual tussle especially in the middle of tough workloads and deadline but they have a fair idea of the big picture and I think that helps. I don’t call them my staff, I call them my soldiers. They make a lot of hard work seem easy.


What problems do young fashion designers face when starting?
We are primarily faced with a serious challenge of identity! But it’s part of the process of growth. There are also issues of publicity, brand awareness, power and positioning in the market place.

What do you think is the secret to your success so far?
Mindset is the core of anything. The mind is a powerful tool! As a man thinketh, so he is! I think everything happens for the greater good always. And if one falls short, then maybe there is a lesson to be learnt so mistakes are not repeated. I have that at the back of my mind at every point in time.

What advice do you have for other young entrepreneurs?
Even I am still taking notes. (Lol!)
If I have a few words for any new person I will say he/she has to tenaciously, consciously and consistently walk the ropes. Falling is allowed. The trick is to get back up as many times as one falls.

There is plethora of online resources and advocacy groups offering solutions to entrepreneurs- use them!
But you can “cheat” by shadowing a mentor. That goes a long way to make the journey faster in most cases.

How do you relax?
I like to watch football, write, travel and meet new people. I am a voracious reader but lately I have been reading only lightweight literature. I also love eating and cooking new dishes.

What makes MuiMui stand out from every other designer out there?
MuiMui makes the wearer feel good and there are no barriers for my clients or me. When you wear MuiMui and you feel good, my job is done and I am satisfied.

What are your new plans for the nearest future?
We will be part of an exhibition next month with a group of talented persons to celebrate as artists and entrepreneurs. Our primary aim for participating is to introduce our children’s ready to wear line, Nwata Collection, which is inspired by children’s playful nature and colourful outlook to life. Details of the show will be released in the coming weeks. We also plan to organize a solo exhibition before the middle of next year.
Our website, www.atunniseclothiers.com is now functioning and direct sales will be conducted via that platform soonest. Our products as well as complementary accessories by collaborating designers can be ordered on our online platform.

We have also started offering short courses for recent graduates and stay-at-home mothers.
Prospective clients can call or send whatsapp messages to 08087600128. They can also check us out on:
http://www.atunniseclothiers.com

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