Fashion entrepreneur, Sunday Ezetendu has called on professionals in Nigeria’s fashion industry to move beyond technical skills and focus on understanding the business side of fashion in order to achieve sustainable growth.
Speaking on the Trade FM Business Breakfast Briefing on Friday, June 12, 2026, Ezetendu said one of the biggest challenges facing many fashion entrepreneurs is the misconception that possessing a skill alone is enough to build a successful enterprise.
According to him, there is a significant difference between mastering a craft and understanding how to run a profitable business.
“Having a skill is different from understanding business. Many people know how to create beautiful designs, but if they don’t understand the business of fashion, they may struggle to succeed,” he said.
Ezetendu stressed the importance of structured operations within fashion businesses, noting that fashion production involves several specialised functions, including fabric sourcing, measurement taking, cutting, sewing, finishing and packaging.
He explained that business owners must identify skill gaps within their teams and develop systems that ensure each stage of production is handled by qualified personnel.
The fashion entrepreneur also highlighted the role of fashion schools in bridging industry skill gaps. He said formal training institutions help aspiring designers understand production processes, customer needs, sales strategies and business management principles.
On workforce development, Ezetendu described apprenticeships and internships as essential pathways for translating classroom knowledge into practical industry experience.
“After fashion school, you still need to practise. Apprenticeships help you understand the realities of the business and refine your skills,” he noted.
Addressing the impact of technology on the industry, Ezetendu said social media has become one of the most powerful tools available to modern fashion entrepreneurs.
He described social media as a platform that enables designers to showcase their capabilities to a global audience, attract new customers and grow their brands beyond geographical boundaries.
“Social media is your microphone. It allows more people to hear your voice and see what you can offer,” he said.
He further acknowledged the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in fashion design and production, explaining that AI tools are helping designers visualise concepts, create digital presentations and improve workflow efficiency.
According to him, AI has simplified several creative processes that previously required advanced graphic design and illustration skills.
Ezetendu also encouraged fashion entrepreneurs to build strategic partnerships across the value chain, including collaborations with photographers, media organisations, logistics companies, textile suppliers and equipment providers.
He said such partnerships help businesses improve operational efficiency, expand market reach and enhance customer service.
On the issue of youth participation in the fashion sector, Ezetendu identified procrastination and a lack of commitment to continuous learning as major barriers preventing young designers from gaining industry-ready experience.
He urged aspiring fashion professionals to embrace discipline, complete tasks promptly and remain open to learning from mentors and customers.
Discussing government support for the industry, he called for improved access to affordable energy, noting that rising fuel costs continue to increase production expenses for many fashion businesses.
“Fuel remains one of the biggest challenges because production depends heavily on power supply,” he said.
Ezetendu also underscored the value of mentorship, describing it as a critical factor in accelerating professional growth and helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes.
He encouraged business owners to establish internal training systems that continuously expose employees to new techniques and industry trends.
Speaking on sourcing materials, Ezetendu explained that fabric selection is a highly strategic aspect of fashion production, requiring deep market knowledge and a strong understanding of quality variations across different markets.
He noted that successful designers must develop expertise not only in garment production but also in sourcing the right materials to achieve desired results.
Concluding the discussion, Ezetendu urged fashion entrepreneurs to remain consistent, embrace innovation, invest in continuous learning and focus on delivering quality products.
He maintained that while talent is important, long-term success in the fashion industry depends on combining technical expertise with sound business knowledge and strategic thinking.
