Khadija Ahmed Malumfashi, 24 years old, is a shoemaker. She started KAD Shoes in 2015 and specialises in making unisex shoes. With clientele mainly in northern Nigeria, she says she earns about 100,000 monthly from the business.
What inspired you to go into shoemaking business?
Looking at Nigeria, we have many designers of clothing lines but not many go into shoemaking. So, I developed interest in making shoes because I believe I will come up with something unique. The aim was to make shoes of international standard in Nigeria with our local resources, providing products with the same quality but at more affordable prices.
Did you receive any formal training in shoemaking?
Yes, I did in Kaduna. The person is into shoemaking as well. I was into shoemaking before I started training. It took me one month to learn and make simple shoes. But I have professional shoemakers who I work with.
What is the process of making some of these shoes?
All you need to do is to get all the materials to use, and in just about an hour you can make a pair of shoes. These are the materials we use, skin laden, maco, nonra soul and more.
Presently I supply shoes to retailers in Kano, Lagos, Katsina, Kaduna, Minna, Sokoto, Bauchi, Zamfara and more.
Who are your major clients and how wide is you market in Nigeria?
Well for now I am able to make delivery everywhere in Nigeria and my brand is well known especially in the northern part.
What challenges do you face in this business?
The challenge I face was at the very beginning. Then, it was hard to keep up with demand especially in terms of finding the right materials in the market, and at some point I didn’t think I could handle the pressure. But I have overcome all that now.
Because sometimes it’s hard to get the correct material you need to use in the shoemaking business, I decided to move the business to Lagos. Now we are both in Lagos and Kaduna because sometimes we hardly find the materials we need in Kaduna. We source raw materials from Lagos.
How many staff do you have?
I have just four people working for me now. Though we have people we train as well. We have two staff in Lagos and two in Kaduna.
The Kaduna shop is located at Tudun Wada and the one in Lagos is in Ikosi lsheri local government.
How can we support innovation in Nigeria?
By supporting young, upcoming entrepreneurs to produce quality made in Nigeria goods.
How much did your start your business with and how much profit do you make per month?
I started my business with N50,000. Now, sometimes I make up to N100,000 a month; sometimes it’s less, at other times more.
In the next five years, I want to expand and go into making other accessories like belts, wallets, handbags. I already have the plan in place. I have already built my company in Abuja where my office, factory and showroom will be at same place and I see myself as one of the successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria, insha Allah.
What is your educational background?
I attended my primary and secondary schools in Abuja. I have a National Diploma in Mass Communication and I am now doing my HND also in Mass Communication at Durben Polytechnic Abuja,
What key things have you learned doing business?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. Continue to explore new ideas. Hard work pays. Plan, set, repeat and manage your time well.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs like yourself?
My advice to the young entrepreneurs is that they should always believe that “there’s nothing that is impossible. And when they start any business they have to have patience, hope and be good at what they do. And truly create something that makes the lives of others better.
How has technology enhanced your business?
First and foremost, technology affects a firm’s ability to communicate with customers. In today’s busy business environment, it is necessary for employees to interact with clients quickly and clearly.
Websites allow customers to find answers to their questions after hours. Fast shipment options allow businesses to move products over a large geographic area. When customers use technology to interact with a business, it provides better services.
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