Meet Edward Gajere, Our Flexxpreneur of The Month

Hey Flexxers! In this new episode of Flexxpreneur, we had a chat with Edward Gajere, the Creative Director of GemsClothing.

He talked about his entrepreneurial journey: his challenges, inspirations, goals, and more.

Let’s meet Edward, our latest Flexxpreneur!

1. Let’s meet you (Your name, what you do and where you are from)

My name is Gajere Edward Mark, the Creative Director of GemsClothings, a batik/textile production business based in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

We are into designing, dyeing and selling of the popular Adiré-fused attires, using modern trends and techniques in garment making. We make products such as adire fabrics, men’s wear, women’s wear, beddings/ throw pillows, wall art, bag packs and curtains.

2. How long have you been doing this?

I started the business on the 17th of April 2017, which makes it 4years and counting.

3. What inspired you to go into business?

Growing up as a child, I saw my mother go into different kinds of petty businesses with little or no success and got caught up in it all as I grew older. I had to hawk sachet water on the streets, soft drink and snacks but what that process did to me was to get me passionate about selling. I built a strong desire to establish a business that helps me build wealth and help others too.

4. What are the challenges you face as a young entrepreneur?

At first, it was having to do everything alone. From sorting of materials to production, sales, marketing, PR, logistics and even damage control, it is not a walk in the park. But as the business grew and I learnt through the process, it became easier. As it is, my major challenge is the lack of proper mentoring. Growth is nice but can be excruciating- especially if it is not well harnessed. Another major challenge is effective logistic services (how to get my products conveniently delivered to other states and even outside the country).

5. What was your highest and lowest point since you started this journey?

My highest point was April 18th this year when I launched my gallery. It was a feat I didn’t imagine will come so quickly or even so easily as it did. It happened so fast and now my business @Gemsclothings has a gallery called the African boutique.

My lowest point was between October – December2019when I lost a cumulative sum of over N650,000 due to bad logistics and some bad business decisions. This caused me to shut down the business for over 6 months. It was a depressing and frustrating time for me and I could barely share the experience with anyone. I recovered and bounced back. Today, I’m grateful that I am still pushing.

6. What do you aim to achieve in the next 12 months in relation to your business?

In the next 12 months, the goal is to gain more visibility, build connections and create more brand awareness for my business that will strengthen the business, ensure smooth running and increase our revenue and profit stream. Also, I hope to train 60 people (I have trained 15 people already within the space of the past 5months).

7. What are your short and long term goals?

My short term goal is to set up a workshop for our production and training of our trainees, as I currently work and train my students at home.

My long term goal is to have our gallery and sales outlet spread across major cities in the country. Also, to export our products to the foreign market.

8. Which individuals do you draw inspirations from and why?

My mentor, Mr Emmanuel Adikpe- Team Lead for @IHIFIX, an astute IT professional and businessman who has shown me that to build a business, what I need first is the will to push at all odds and the determination to win, and not funds as it is widely speculated by lots of young people.
Mr. Elisha Mamman, the Convener of the Winning Mindset, a man who has shown me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to achieve.

Mrs. Rachel Obi, the CEO of Kegys Organic World and Spa and Convener of “The Real She Power”. This woman holds my hand through the thick and thin and tells me “at the end it will all be worth it”

They all have shaped my life in no small way and I will always remain grateful.

9. How do you unwind?

I take the day off, eat good food, Netflix all day and hang out with family (my siblings are the sweetest people to have in your life) and friends. I have the most amazing family and set of friends. They are my support system and motivation. Without them and their sacrifices, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far.

10. What advice would you give your fellow Flexxers who are on this path?

The secret is hidden in staying consistent while putting in conscious efforts to keep getting better in what you do.

11. What are your social media handles?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GemsClothings

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsclothings

12. Anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I believe in a better Nigeria and have decided to be among those who work towards that future, even if the chances are slim and none, I’ll pick slim over none. Nigeria must work!