CAMPUS ENTREPRENEUR: I'm Driven By My Passion To Succeed - Damilola Saliu

She's a very young and enterprising lady who knows what she wants to make out of her life from an early age. Damilola Saliu, a 300Level Industrial & Labour Relations student at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye is one of the movers and shakers of the varsity. In this exclusive interview, she let us in into her world of business, academics, style and fun. Enjoy!

How did you get into the fashion business?
I have always had an inexplicable passion for fashion. So whenever I see a well dressed lady, I always feel like there's something I can add to that, maybe out of curiosity or creativity.

What have been the major challenges growing the business?  
Financial constraints, unavailability of ready-made customers & school schedules (which compulsorily has to be considered, so that one won't lose at both ends). 

How do you cope, combining studies, traveling and business?
It's not an easy task because primarily I am a student other things have to be secondary but one has to be focused in other to make headway in life. Even though it has not been easy, God has been faithful. 

Which countries do you shop for your clothes?
U.A.E (Dubai) and sometimes Ghana but I order clothes from UK & USA mostly. 

Been a young business person, what has been the experience so far?  
The experience has been an eye-opener & it's been worth the while, the adventure & the opportunity it has afforded me to understand different cultures has been overwhelming.

Funds and capital are major challenges to young business people. How did you break these barriers?
Deep sigh! It is a known norm that running small scale businesses in developing countries is no-mean-feat. Securing capital (which in most cases are loans) has been herculean in nature but because of the passion & the desire to create a standard, all barriers have been a stepping stone because God again remains ever faithful.

Can you let us in into your family and educational background?
I'm from a family of 4. I had my primary education in Ijebu Ode. I attended Command Secondary School, Oshodi and then Anglican Girl's Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode. I'm currently a 300Level Industrial & Labour Relations student at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

Been a business woman, how do you relate with your fellow students?
We relate as friends and classmates. I'm also a student don't forget.

Have you ever been recognized or won any award before?
Yes! Twice, as Best Entrepreneur (Campus Feminine Awards) and Most Expensive in my faculty (SMSSA).

What's your dress sense?
I dress according to the occasion, when its official I keep it official and when it is casual I go casual.

Do you have any particular beauty routine?
No particular beauty routine.

Your favourite beauty products.
Mary Kay, Tara, Avon, Sleek & Black Up

Are you into labels and names? If yes, who are your favourite designers?
Names and labels really don't matter to me. If it is good to the eye, it will go with the style.

Your favourite fashion items and accessories.
Nice bags, shoes and all fashionable items, no specifics.

What is style to you?
Style is how you carry yourself on a day-to-day basis. It can't be feigned, it's a part of one's life.

Your dream vacation spot.  
Miami, Florida.

How do you unwind if you're not studying or doing business?
I watch TV a lot (Soundcity *smiles*), and probably read some novels and inspirational books/materials.

What inspires you?  
The fact that I'm doing what is my passion is sort of like a dream come true and not forgetting that God's grace is sufficient for me. These things inspire me

Any tips or advice to any young person or student that is planning to go into the fashion business?
My advice to all young people out there is that; Nothing good comes easy, complaining about the situation of the country won't solve anything. Be positively oriented, if you can think it you can achieve it.

You're intelligent, pretty and an entrepreneur. You must be a hot item on campus, how do you cope with guys advances?
Hmmmmm! Let's just say, I play (joke) a lot. I play a lot and I'm friendly (at least people say that a lot). I turn virtually everything into a joke. These has made coping with advances easier.

So in few words, tell us who is Damilola?
I am Me (at all times), God fearing, ambitious, extremely focused, lively, friendly and courageous.