Inko-Tariah Boma, CEO Beldie’s La Mode is a young talented lady whose aim is to create fashion without boundaries, while pushing towards perfection. Boma produces both accessories and fashion outfits; recently one of her designs appeared on CNN’s Inside Africa. In this interview with CHALYA DUL she speaks about her creativity in the fashion world.
How did you come about the idea of designing dresses and making accessories?
I have always had a passion for fashion designing, right from my childhood. As a little girl, I used to cut fabrics and stitch them into little outfits for my baby dolls.
While growing up, I realised that whenever I had a piece of paper, I would just sketch designs. While I was in the university, I tried a couple of things; I learnt how to make slippers and purses. Once I was through with the university, I decided to take it up as a career.
What sort of dresses and accessories do you make?
I make both couture dresses and ready to wear dresses. I also make accessories ranging from hats, shoes, hair ruffles, hair bands and bangles.
Where do you source your raw materials from?
The choice of fabrics or raw materials depends on the inspiration behind my collection. I do not have a particular place I get materials from. I use different specialised materials which are produced from different type of fabrics.
What product did you start making?
While I was in the university, I started with shoe making, to be precise flat shoes and slippers. After which I progressed to sketching and producing dresses.
How do you come up with different ideas?
The Nigerian market patronise me appreciably well. I usually design and produce wedding dresses and most especially bridesmaids’ dresses. Most people like couture dresses for their weddings because they want to look unique.
Do you design the products yourself?
Yes I do. I draw pretty well. I always have sketches so I don’t have any difficulty coming up with new ideas and putting them down on paper.
Do you train people?
No, not at the moment. I hope to train upcoming designers, milliners and shoe makers sometimes in the future to encourage and promote entrepreneurship amongst youths in Nigeria.
What are the challenges you face as an entrepreneur in your line of business?
Due to my perfectionist nature, I never stop working until my project is properly executed. And sometimes, I strain myself beyond limits just to satisfy my customers and make them happy.
Have you held or attended any fashion shows to market your product?
Yes, I have attended lots of fashion shows and exhibitions including Nigeria Fashion Week 2011, Lagos and O’neal fashion fair, Abuja.
Tell us about your Eco-friendly design that appeared on CNN’s inside Africa?
I created an eco-friendly design, which I showcased at the Nigerian Fashion Week, 2011. The design was made purely from recycled products. It comprises a dress and a fascinator. The dress was made out of nylon, and broken compact disc, while the fascinator was made out of paper, a tin, nylon and broken compact discs.
Why was it your choice of design?
The Nigeria Fashion Week 2011 had ‘Going Green’ theme and they created a slot in which designers come up with a collection to raise awareness to fight against climate change. I participated in this slot as a way of contributing to the fight against climate change.
What is the reach of your product?
Due to the fact that I produce both accessories and fashion outfits, my target market is not limited. Children, youths and adults are a part and parcel of my target market.
How did you come up with your brand name?
The name of my brand is Beldie’s La Mode. My nickname is Beldie and I have a fetish for the French language. La mode means Fashion. So I decided to coin the name Beldie’s La Mode.
Has your family been supportive of your dreams?
Yes, they have. I have been blessed with the most amazing family. They have encouraged me and supported me all the way. I will forever be grateful to them.
What does style mean to you?
For me, style is a way of communicating elegance, sophistication, confidence, timelessness and gracefulness in every aspect of your life, especially in the way one dresses.
Who are your role models?
Well, my spiritual Role Model is Pastor Sarah Omakwu of Family Worship Centre, Abuja. Also Vera Wang is someone who inspires me in the line of fashion.
Tell us a little more about Boma
I am a young, jovial lady who is passionate about promoting creativity in our society today.
What do you do for relaxation?
I sing or listen to music and I draw fashion sketches for relaxation.
How unique is your product?
My designs are unique because I believe in originality and I try to incorporate unique creative elements which I use to invite my audience to experience the inspiration behind the outfit.
These elements range from an ankara butterfly fascinator or a hair piece made from peacock feathers to a rotating hat on a baby doll dress made out of a raffia mat.
Where do you see yourself in? a few years?
I see myself as a successful entrepreneur who has touched the lives of others who aspire to make it in the line of fashion designing or merchandising.
Also in the near future, I hope to inspire my generation who in turn will inspire the upcoming generation to become entrepreneurs thereby reducing the rate of unemployment in our society.
What do you have to say to young people who have brilliant ideas/talents but don’t know how to explore them?
I would advise upcoming designers to put God first in everything they do because it is only God that gives the strength to pull through difficult challenges.
Also, you must have the passion because once you have the passion and you are willing to push forward, everything will fall into place.