The Spark B.O.S.S., Abodunrin, gives one month internship in fashion design

There is a fast growing fashion industry in Nigeria and it is almost becoming old fashioned to wear foreign
designs, thanks to indigenous designers. From celebrities to the guy and girl next door, styled in Nigeria is the new classy. We sat down with Mr Abodunrin Oluwaseun, one of the industry shakers as he spoke to us about his career, life as a designer and the fashion industry

Who is Seun Abodunrin?

Creative multi-talented entrepreneur that believes in a work culture to improve self and others. I believe in honesty, openness and truth.

How did you get started in the fashion industry?

I always have been an art person, I was either drawing or painting or weaving a craft and so on. At the time I started, putting arts on personal clothing was the trend, and it was enjoyable for me to see people wear my art around especially on campus (O.A.U). I made jersey designs and customize with names and nicknames which seemed awesome, it was like making everyone super stars.
Abodurin

Abodunrin

I went on to make pant trousers, shirts, sweat shirts and casual jackets for individual customers and get referred each time I delivered a piece.

Besides Buck clothing, what else do you do?

I am a voice artist for some animations that can be found on YouTube, some have not been uploaded yet. I also have been an actor for some dramas and director of plays for both drama and animations.

I am a graphic artist to a reliable level, I use CorelDraw suite, I worked with Maya for 3d modeling. I consider myself a genius of craft, always willing to learn practical things.

It is believed that Nigerians have a natural preference for imported items, how are you able to convince people to buy your indigenous designs?

Imported items have many things going on for them. the countries where they come from have policies, standardizations, value chains, tax holidays, easy finance, research work, and many more. I think Nigerians who produce anything should be encouraged with patronage to help them achieve more because it’s only a genius that will produce anything in this country with the kinds of government we have had.

How big is the Nigerian fashion industry and what are you actively doing to get a larger share of that market?

The Nigerian fashion industry is like the oil industry, very big. everyone wants wear clothing just as everyone wants oil or petrol or gas, people buy according to their pocket so do people buy clothes as they can afford. Fashion feeds more people in Nigeria than the oil sector and yet we barely scratched the surface of what we can potentially gain from the industry if given the support it requires.

Buck may not be able to fulfill every wardrobes requirement but we seem to always make an impression in every wardrobe to stand side by side with top brands across the world. so when Nigerians think of wearing a shirt, shorts, caftan, jacket or jersey for personal or corporate use, they most probably want a buck.

What are the challenges confronting the industry and how is Buck Clothing presently making a difference?

The challenges are many, human resource, material sourcing, quality, finance, mentorship, loyalty to mention a few.

At Buck of many colours, we do not bother to solve the challenges as they are an industry challenge, we basically just win to please our clients, we make almost impossible things possible, even when it means no profit sometimes. constantly we have to re-invent to stay relevant to our customers and make sure our deliveries never fail and that is how we stay professional.

Who should wear Buck and why?

Buck is for that birthday guy or lady, lovers on valentine or pre-wedding shoot, professionals that like to be trendy, company groups that believe in team bonding, everyone that wants to look sharp, be colourful and stand out because we make everything bespoke.

our sense of art, colour combinations and fitting is something we sell to give people the confidence they need when they step out. We also keep our prices friendly to every pocket and not compromising on our promise of quality.

Have there ever been times when you felt like quitting and what was your motivation continue?

I quit everyday, and everyday I continue, different jobs bring different challenges but we stay strong and hope for bigger ones which is a sign of growth. my love for art will never let me stop, and the belief that we will be very big soonest, may God continue to bless the work of my hand.

Where do you see Buck Clothing in the next 5 years?

Business school did teach me about business planning. However, In 5 years Buck clothing will be stronger than it is now, as it is stronger than it was 5 years ago. I prefer to let GOD lead us because, GOD is my one and only inspiration for making anything happen. How about at least two outfits in every Nigerian wardrobe and getting listed on the NSE.

Thanks for granting this interview, what will Buck Clothing be giving off as The Spark – an incentive for our Rookie of the month?

I am willing to make your rookie of the month a shirt maker in 1 week. He/ she must be able to work in tough conditions.