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| Aisha Igbinovia |
Aisha Igbinovia runs Nichole by Haguanna, a luxury outfit. The stylish
lady manufactures handbags and necklaces too. She talks more on her passion in
this interview
Q: Have you always been in the business of manufacturing leather goods?
A: No. I used to work with Addax
Petroleum. I worked there for about a year plus as a human resource officer and
a personal assistant. Then, I designed clothes for a while (I still do
occasionally) before I decided to embrace my passion. I actually nursed the
idea to venture into this, two years ago because I have always had passion for
things of beauty and quality. But I didn’t start until a year and three months
ago. So, I would say, passion and the quest to be original, made me leave my
high-paying job to do that which I am most passionate about. Moreover, the cost
of purchasing handmade products abroad, when all materials can be sourced in
Africa was a motivation to starting on my own.
Q: Are they ordered for or you produce en masse?
A: Each piece is tailored to
each individual’s taste with all designs remaining true to the label’s
aesthetics, influence and inspiration. So even though the designs have to
conform to the brand’s in-house aesthetics, we are also mindful of the fact
that no two people might want the exact thing, which dictates why client’s
taste in designing is also put into consideration.
Q: What is Nichole by Haguanna all about?
A: It is a luxury outfit. We
produce handbags, leather goods and bold neck accessories, which are
intricately cut out from crocodile, alligator, buffalo, calf and snake skin.
They are further embellished with Swarovski crystals, corals, pearls and
precious stones. In a few words, the brand is handmade but exclusive. The
target is bringing quality and elegance to the urbane woman.
Q: But do you think what you do is different from others?
A: I have worked tirelessly to
make it popular with its distinctive personality, attention to detail,
intricate materials and unseasoned style which cannot be replicated by others.
Q: What inspires you while at work?
A:The inspiration behind every
piece is passion and quest for talent display in the creation of handmade
exquisite pieces of jewellery and leather goods.
Q: You talked about live animal skin used for production, do you source
your materials here?
A: I source materials from
around Africa. To be precise, Kano, Lake Chad, Senegal, Morocco and Lagos. They
are produced in Africa. All jewellery are handmade by me here at my home in
Lagos. But for the leather goods, some are made in Nigeria, while others are
from nearby African countries.
Q: Do you have any formal education in leather and jewellery making?
No. After my university education at London
Guildhall University, United Kingdom, where I studied international relations
and law, I haven’t bothered to acquire more knowledge or skill. What I know now
is simply by having eyes for pretty details and my loads of talent.
Q: Do you have role models, whose lives inspire you?
A: Yes. My mother and Folorunsho
Alakija. They inspire me with their effort to always look good and trendy
despite aging. For the younger generation, it would have to be Lanre DaSaliva-Ajayi.
She is one of the few originals we still have around. For international fashion
designers, Azzadine Alaia and Elie Saab.
Q: What fond childhood memories do you cherish most?
A: I can’t mention them all but
I did have fun growing up, it was amazing and I sometimes wish I could be a
child again.
Q: Are you married?
A: Yes. I am happily married to
an amazing man, whom I would prefer to keep out of the news. I like to keep my
private life private. But I have a beautiful daughter.
Q: How do you take time out of your busy schedule for leisure?
A: I enjoy going to the movies
and generally relaxing with my family.
Q: Do you pamper yourself?
A: When I can afford it, I shop
silly.
Q: What is your fashion fetish?
A: Shoes and bags
Q: How do you merge your life as a mother and an entrepreneur?
A: I still wonder how I have
remained sane! Being able to juggle motherhood, marriage and business at same
time is a huge task.
Q: What do you think must have significantly shaped you to be who you
are today?
A: I know it sounds like a
cliché, but it’s God, pure and simple. Nothing but God!
Q: How old are you?
A: I understand that it isn’t
right to ask a lady about her age however, I’m on the right side of 30 and I
hail from Gboko in Benue State.
Q: As a woman who creates trendy pieces for women, how would you define
your own style?
A: My style is equally trendy,
at the same time classic and fashion-forward. I love bold and sharp colours
which I try to incorporate in my pieces. But I will not be caught dead wearing
revealing clothes.
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