By Sainabou Sambou
Fatima Bella Bojang is a self-taught fashion designer, a stylist, an entrepreneur, founder and Creative Director of Jannah Clothing brand. In an exclusive interview with the Gambia Daily Life & Entertainment, Ms. Bojang explained that Jannah Clothing is a registered local clothing brand that offers uniqueness for both men and women, and specialises in suits of all types. She said the brand draws inspirations from the rich and diverse culture of West Africa, as well as celebrate the beauty of Africa through their unique designs. She is currently partnering with Forever Living Production International.
According Fatima, she learnt the art of fashion designing largely on YouTube, and other social media channels, as well as through online classes.
“My motivation for getting into this business is the love I have for drawings and putting things into reality, I love clothes and colours and I want to do something for myself and add value to my life,” she said.
Commenting on how she started the journey, Fatima revealed that it all started five years ago when she used to style her friends for free, volunteer to change people’s wardrobes and be their personal stylists. She said she never knew she was going to make a living out of it.
The young designer listed her favorite international brands as Vicky James and Zahara. “Vicky James is a Nigerian-owned brand. Is actually owned by a lady I really like. I like her confidence, her creativity and how she designs outfits, and almost everything she designs has a story. I also like Zahara clothing brand and how they manage to make sales at international level. I hope that someday Jannah Clothing will make it to the international market,” she said.
On her greatest achievement, Fatima mentioned the fact that she has her own brand, earning people’s trust and confidence. “I have satisfied over thousand people; I have worked with schools and companies. They are always coming back and that is a win for my brand,” she added.
She further said that she thinks having people trusting her brand is the reason she opened different stores in different locations so that the business is accessible to everyone around Kombo. She added that she keeps her fashion trend going on by following influencers on the media, their day to day updates and what her customers are demanding.
“I do not take criticism and negative feedback personal because as a fashion designer you tend to believe that the costumers are always right; so I do not argue. I also avoid immediate reaction because there is no need to get defensive. I try to put myself in the critics’ shoe and use that to improve my brand. In this industry you need to learn every day; from people around you and from costumers,” the young stylist stated.
