AFASITE OF THE WEEK

AFAS PRESS: Tell us a little about yourself?

Arafat: I’m Arafat Balogun. A student of the University of Ibadan, faculty of Arts, department of Archaeology. I am an entrepreneur and I own Exquisite Wear, a brand that sews exquisite Wear.

AFAS PRESS: Quite impressive! Now that we are in the tenth week of the semester, how do you combine your business with your studies?

Arafat: For one, I don’t even like the idea of the virtual classes. It’s not being so easy as I’m in between everything like having to study, trying to get clients and sewing for my already clients. At times, assignments get to choke seriously because the deadline in no time gets so close. Well what I try to do is to balance the two by making time for when to read and use the other time for my business.

AFAS PRESS: That’s good! Tell us a bit about your brand. What is the story behind it? Your motivation?

Arafat: My brand quite has its story. I started learning during the pandemic, I wasn’t even able to use up to a year as school resumed. Though prior to that time I learnt fashion designing when I was in Junior Secondary three (JSS3) and then it didn’t even seem like I knew what I was doing. The narrative has changed now and I must say God has a hand in it as my designs are now topnotch.

My motivation would be my passion, I just have this strong passion for my business and it drives me to do more, learn more and be more.

AFAS PRESS: That’s inspiring! Could you tell us what you are aiming for? Where do you see your brand in a few years time?

Arafat: I’m aiming for greatness no doubt. For the last shoot I did to launch my brand, this feeling came from almost no where but I felt it that this brand is going higher, I design celebrities, I make nice wear, make people look exquisite.

In few weeks, months, years time, I see myself where God is taking me and it’s no doubt, a higher ground.

AFAS PRESS: That’s beautiful! Tell us if you do have mentors in the fashion world? People you look up to.

Arafat: Well I’m yet to fully settle in the fashion world but I could say I have few people I follow and love their designs. There’s Tbally, Medlinboss and stitchesbyaisy.

AFAS PRESS: Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, entrepreneurs face challenges like getting clients, upgrading themselves and all. How do you cope with all that?

Arafat: Entrepreneurship is no jokes, I feel it gets better with time but still not without challenges. So what I do is to prep myself for the challenges, and for the clients, I try to reach out to as much people I can, even those I don’t know or haven’t really spoken with.

AFAS PRESS: Do you think Nigerian government is doing enough to create an enabling and thriving environment for entrepreneurs?

Arafat: I wouldn’t lie, it doesn’t feel to me like there is an actual government that carries out its functions. If they really do anything for entrepreneurs, then maybe they should do better as I don’t think the Nigerian government is doing anything for entrepreneurs.

AFAS PRESS: Tell us your philosophy in life

Arafat: My life philosophy would be to live easy, try not to stress out and try not to stress others out; get to do your best in your great way.

AFAS PRESS: We would love to have your handles by which prospective clients can reach you

Arafat: I’m on Instagram @ _exquisite_wear, on Facebook @ Balogun Arafat and on Twitter @bestblackbabe. My WhatsApp number is 09029793328

AFAS PRESS: It’s been an amazing time with you. Do you have anything you would like to say to students aspiring to go into the fashion world or even take up entrepreneurship? Perhaps some tip they should have in the back of their minds?

Arafat: Thanks for having me.

I would advise they have a grounded passion for what exactly they wish to delve into and pray to God for support and strength to continue.