•Exciting success story of Favour Asiegbu in male-dominated shoemaking trade
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
In a bold move to challenge the status quo, Favour Adachukwu Asiegbu, a young determined and passionate female entrepreneur, has successfully carved a niche for herself in the male-dominated shoemaking industry.
Chief Executive Officer, Fagold Global Concept, Asiegbu, from Isi Uzo Local Government, Enugu State, has risen from humble beginning to become a known shoemaker in Abuja.
She told Daily Sun:
“I think it was more of ‘never again’ thinking. I remember growing up in Abuja here; the quality of shoes my siblings and I were wearing to school then was amusing. When I saw one of our pictures where my siblings and I were wearing those shoes, I became so angry that I destroyed that picture.
“The shoes were so terrible. At that point, I kept it within me that I was going to make great shoes. I have gone into the wear business before, but I couldn’t find my passion there.
“I discovered that each time I go out, what draws people’s attention to me is their legs. Like, the type of shoes they wear. That opened my eyes to where I should be.
“I have been doing this for eight years now. I had to travel to Ghana to acquire more knowledge, having done a bit of research about Ghana shoemakers. I love shoemaking and believe it is my pride.”
Today, Asiegbu ‘s shoes are highly sought after, with clients within and outside Nigeria. She has also reproduced herself even as she trained several others in the art of shoemaking. Her products are known for their high quality and customisation options
When the Daily Sun visited her shop inside Ultra Modern Market, near Living Faith Church, Phase 4, Nyanya, Abuja Municipal Area Council, she said girls and women should not be limited by stereotypes to pursue their dreams:
“I’ve always been driven by a desire to create something truly special. Something that would make a statement. And for me, that something is shoemaking
“Growing up, I knew what it was like to have to make do with less. But I also knew that I didn’t have to accept that as my reality.
“I’ve spent years honing my craft, learning from the best and pushing myself to be better. And it has paid off.
“My shoes aren’t just something you wear on your feet. They’re a statement. They’re a reflection of who you are and what you value.
“I’m living my dream. I’m grateful for every step of the journey because, in the end, it’s not just about the shoes, it’s about the people who wear them and the stories they tell.
“All of my bosses are males. They all felt excited in the beginning. But at a point, they would start withdrawing, showing me the nitty-gritty of the work. That was one of the reasons I made up my mind to switch base and hit Ghana.
“To be honest, I took a big but worthy risk. I met my Ghana boss on Facebook. When the man saw me in Ghana, he looked at me and said, ‘Ada, you have a mind. I just smiled. He asked: ‘Ada, what if I’m a kidnapper?’ I told him I’ve made God the centre of my life and I trust His guidance.
“Then, I remember that when I told my father about my plan to go to Ghana, he was against it because we don’t have a known relative there. I told him that if I didn’t try, then I was a failure. If I tried and failed, I was a trial, not a failure.
“I thank God that my seven months in Ghana were successful. I was staying in Ghana with a female family of my boss.”
Sharing her most difficult moment in her journey to stardom: “Wow, that is financing. It was not easy at all. I knew what I went through. I had to sell food and okrika (imported used clothes) at the Nyanya Market to raise money. My parents couldn’t help me to raise money even to register.
“Another discouragement was some of my bosses. One of them was asking me out and because I declined his proposal, he refused to let me learn the craft.
“But, the passion is there. I told one of my bosses that I would learn, master and excel in this work. And today, God is being faithful and I’m eternally grateful.”
The 20-year-lady has a message for young girls and women cutting corners for temporary gains: “They should love themselves because if they do, they will not want to fail.
“You think less of how people around you feel about you. If you love yourself, you will do everything legitimate to make yourself worthy. I always tell myself it’s either I pay now and play later, or I play now and pay later so the first part keeps me going.
“I will advise young ladies like me to try something new. Something that can make them self-sustaining so other things that come their way will just be like bonus.”
When asked if she would prefer a paid job: “I cannot take a job that I have to wait for 30 days to earn money, especially having come this far.
“My shoe is from N100,000. I have clients within and outside the county. The good thing about my shoe is that clients can customise what they want.
“I also have a school where I train students on shoemaking. I get my clients mainly via social media and referrals which means my product announces itself
“I’ve trained several people. There was a time I was taking students of a College of Education somewhere here in the FCT.
“In addition, I have students from Edo, Rivers, Delta and Lagos states. I’m happy I’ve already started giving back to the society
“In years to come, I see presidents, governors, senators, captains of industries, among others, wearing my shoes.”
Her plans for marriage: “Yes, I want to get married though not now. I want a God-fearing man. That is very important.
“Someone who will fly with my dream. I don’t want to marry a man that will quench this little light of mine. It is not about material things because that one will just be like ‘jara’ if my man is blessed.”