Making a career out of a hobby – Laylah Mai Aliyu

Educational background

I went to a number of government schools. I started my primary school education in Kaduna at Unique Nursery and Primary School and finished in 1997, same year we moved to Yobe. Then I went to Government Girls College in Yobe. I started as a boarder but then I was a bit stubborn and would sneak out of the boarding house, so I became a day student and went to Leaders Private School, also in Yobe. I then went to the University of Maiduguri in 2005 and graduated in 2010. I studied English Literature to be precise. 

After that, I grew a passion for interior design, so I went to Dubai from 2012 to 2014 to pursue diplomas in interior design courses. I started here in Nigeria but I wasn’t satisfied so I decided to go to Dubai, and now I have three diplomas and am currently pursuing my masters in Dubai also.

Career background

I actually did a lot of things before settling for this. I started a salon when I was 18 because I have always loved money so much (laughs). And I’d ask my father for everything and he eventually grew tired and said I should start looking for my own money, so he gave me about N250,000 in 2003 which I used to open the salon in Maiduguri. 

Right from that moment I knew that looking for my own money was what I wanted to do. So I jumped from the salon after two years and opened a male boutique in 2006 because the salon wasn’t doing well. But because of my habit of dashing things out it didn’t last for very long either. But even at that point I knew interior design was something that I wanted to do because I love to remodel my room. They used to call my room “mini palace” when I was growing up. I would paint my room myself, I change my curtains.

So when all these things failed, when I came to Abuja for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I just thought, I really don’t want to go back home. I’d rather stay here. So I needed to do something so I started L&N Interiors. A lot of people think it stands for Laylah but it actually stands for LaylwalNahar which means day and night in Arabic; implying that we work 24/7.

Growing up

I had a very nice childhood, but not like I was born rich or with a silver spoon in my mouth. There were a lot of financial ups and downs growing up. I remember the time when we used to walk for about 30 minutes from our house to reach the main road to get a bus to take us to school back in 1992. I can remember eating burabisko without stew because we couldn’t afford to buy tomatoes and our parents would tell us that we’re trying a new thing; taking it with salt and oil. We’d all gather around the tray and sit down and that was the most important time of my life because it made me realise that you could go from having something to nothing and vice versa. I came out of that, which has shaped me to become who I am today.

Every day when I see someone suffering on the streets hustling, it takes me back to those days, so I know how to respect people that e actually hustling and I know that those experiences moulded me to be the woman I am.

Challenges

I don’t see many things as challenges but rather as lessons. Many obstacles that came my way are men. I was married twice and I’m just 31, so it’s not easy for people from the North to get married and come out and remain strong. I’m just lucky that I have a strong father and he understands that the most important thing is my happiness.

Career wise, I believe I’m doing well. But when I started interior designing it took me a long time before people agreed to give me jobs because I am a northern woman. They just saw me as a Hausa girl of privilege that could just show her face and couldn’t do anything. So I had to make things for free just to make a name for myself and for people to see what I’m capable of. It took me two years before people actually recognised me and I was also paying rent and the two staff I had at that point. I don’t even know how I did it. It was just God.

Life lessons

I learnt that patience is the most important thing in life. 

Most rewarding part of my career

The look on my clients face: The fact that you see someone praise what you create. Only God can create perfection. But when you sit down and use your mind to make something; that is the height of achievement.

Aspirations growing up

I always knew I wanted to be rich. People say it’s not about the money but for me it’s about the money. From the first day I earned my first N2,000, I never wanted to stop. I wanted more. To me, having money wasn’t just to buy expensive stuff. I never wanted to work for anyone. I have always been a leader. Even my brothers follow me. I’ve always been a boss lady.

Fond childhood memories

Just being around everybody; now it takes a whole year to see all your family members at all together at once. We would sit in the parlour and just argue till evening because we had nothing to do. I just miss the time when you would just sleep and wake up and find that your mum has cooked for you. Everything was done for you.

Typical day

My days are always busy. I’m a workaholic. I work at day, night, in my car: so my typical day is just work. I don’t do anything for fun.

Most cherished gift and who it was from

From my father; he gave me my first capital to start the salon as I mentioned earlier. Without that I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Top five things on your wish list

I would like to buy a Range Rover, then a huge house. Thirdly, a fine single man that would worship me, then two beautiful daughters and lastly, I really want to grow my company to the point where I can hire as many young people as possible.

Favourite music on replay

I love the blues, especially Ed Sheeran and Whitney Houston.

First app in the morning/bedtime

Instagram. I used to love Facebook but I’ve graduated to Instagram now.

Favourite fashion item(s)

I’m not really a fashion person but I love studs and wristwatches.

Flats or heels?

I’m a flats person. Canvas all the way.

Most expensive fashion accessory

It’s a Gucci bag. I just got it and it’s really expensive to me and it took me three years to buy it.

What I wouldn’t be caught wearing

A deep neck: I don’t like anything that shows my body. I can wear something that’s really tight when I’m in my house to look funky for myself, but I don’t really like going out with anything skimpy.

Favourite travel destination and why

I love Beirut. I’ve been there twice and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

How I relax

The only thing I do is go to the movies like once in a month.

Favourite quote

I have plenty. I’m a poet. “No matter how hard the wind blows, the mountains cannot bow to it” and I am a mountain.

Favourite food

I am such a huge foodie. I eat everything but I love white rice with beans and pepper.

Definition of style

You are your style. You shouldn’t copy anyone. It’s who you are.

Favourite fashion designer

I’m not into any specific label. 

Favourite perfume, bag and shoes

For perfume, I love anything Armani. For bags I love Gucci and for shoes I buy anything that catches my eyes and are comfortable, most especially canvas.

Mum’s advice that stuck with you over the years

Don’t talk to men. Men are wicked (laughs).

Favourite sport, colour and weather

My favouritecolour is yellow, I’m not really a sports person and I love cool rainy weather.

Favourite day of the week and why

Saturday because I know there is nothing to do on Sunday.

Beauty routine

I don’t have a beauty routine. I don’t use make up or any product for my face.

Role models

I usually say Oprah Winfrey but now I have a new role model: the wife of the Vice President, DolapoOsinbajo. The way she treats her husband is unbelievable, the love they have and the way she has shielded her children from limelight. It is beautiful for someone of that status to have such control of her life. She actually has a farm behind her house. She’s so humble.