TINU SMITH


Your name is Tinu Smith, a known fashion designer and the Chief Executive Officer of Datina Designs. Surely, you are a humble owner of a Fashion School where you tutor beginners and you have been around for more than 2 decades.Is this all about Tinu Smith or there is more?
 I am Tinu Smith, very focused, passionate, resilient and purpose driven. I am very passionate about my journey into fashion and designing. Apart from managing my fashion school, I do have my own unisex clothing line which carries my two clothing labels, Datina Designs and Tinu Smith, through which I have been able to contribute my own quota to the clothing industry at large.I am also very passionate about women and youth empowerment which led me to start a NGO called Treasures Refuge Foundation, which is focused on mentoring, empowering and coaching young women. I am also a deep lover of music, a song writer and I am a gospel artist in particular. I am currently working on my first album which is actually long overdue. I am also a relationship coach. I run a couples ministry with my hubby called One Heart, through which we have been able to give godly counsel and teachings to married couples to help them grow their marriages. I am also a motivational speaker on issues related to business and relationship.
Q: There are so many designers in the country, Low, Medium and High. Who to you is a fashion designer?
 A fashion designer is a highly creative person in the field of clothing and apparel.  He or She studies and understands fashion trends, styles, sketch designs and selection of fabrics and material. A fashion designer is involved in the production aspect of his or her designs until it becomes a usable finished product.A fashion designer also helps people express their personal style.
Q: How do you uniquely create your styles?
 I take my inspiration to create my designs from God, people, nature, colors, texture, pattern and fabrics.
Q: Definitely it was not a straight forward story for you to get to this height, how were you able to cope in spite of the challenge, especially when your start up is in Ibadan or is it the Ibadan Amala that consoles you (Laughs)?
Starting out was not so smooth. The major asset I had was just my skill and training and very little cash. But I was able to grow my business with a lot of focus, determination and ultimately God’s help. Starting out in Ibadan was my choice because I liked the city. It was slow in comparison to a place like Lagos but it was not a disadvantage in anyway. While starting out, I faced some challenges like raising capital to grow my business, how to run the business side of the fashion house and fashion school effectively. We grew slowly but hard work paid off eventually. Amala joints were definitely one of the high points in the city and I had my fill of it. (Laughs)                                                                                                          
Q: Do you have your own fashion show?
 Not yet, still nursing the idea; looking at December or sometimes next year. Meanwhile, I have taken part in several fashion shows, through which I have been able to showcase a lot of my designs.
Q: What do you think makes you stand out among your colleagues?
 Ability to stay creative, evolve, innovative and uniquely true to my person.
Q: Will you say you are fulfilled?
 Yes pls. Fulfillment for me comes from my ability to help others find purpose, direction and make a meaning and sense of their lives. I make it my duty to do this on daily basis and as long as I can make someone smile I am happy and fulfilled. 
Q: What are your plans for the future?
 My plan for my business is to take my brand to major cities in Nigeria, Africa and Europe. I want to see my design and product solving clothing issues. I would also like to see my brand to be one of the brands that would put Nigeria on the world map.
Q: Have you ever been in a situation where someone talked bad about your cloth and you felt real down about it?
 Sure! It would happen in every designer’s life span. Mistakes do occur once in a while but as we grow we are beginning to have less of such. I have also come to realize you can’t please everybody or service everybody. Those who are meant for you would stay with you. We win some, we lose some.
Q: Also, have you ever been in a situation where you go out with a dress you made yourself and someone appreciates it without knowing you are a fashion designer?
This happens a lot and it’s a delight to watch their faces when they realize you actually made what you are wearing. It has earned me easy publicity, and I am able to give out my business cards with ease.
Q: What has inspired you all this while?
 My relationship with God, my spouse, my children, my friends and loads of my mentees looking up to me.
Q: Have you won any award?
 I have won several awards of excellence, scholarships and grants for my impact and contribution to the business world and the fashion industry in particular.
Q: What will you like to tell people who want to be a fashion designer like you?
For budding fashion designers or those with the desire to pursue fashion and designing, I would like to say they must be sure they are very passionate about this or else they might not be able to pull through when the going gets tough because it will. They must be ready to put in the hard work, persistency and consistency. They must be ready to pursue knowledge in the area of their skill and business management. They must be bold to stay true to their personal expression regardless of what anyone feels or think. They must make originality and innovation their watch words or else they would be lost in the crowd. They must be ready to pursue their dreams and vision unreservedly, which should lead them to solving a problem in their sphere of influence. Life is more than your career, profession, dreams and vision, it is about making impact.
Q: How do you enjoy yourself when you want to relax?
 I love to read motivational books, listen to gospel music and watch a film.
THANK YOU.

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