Fibafunjah Dosumu is not your typical fashion designer. He is a veterinary surgeon-turned-fashion designer, who has always had an inclination towards fashion design due to his family background. He is the creative director and business lead at House of FAAW in Ibadan, Oyo State. In an interview with FAITH AJAYI, he shares his journey to becoming a fashion designer, the challenges he has faced, how he overcame them, and his plans for the future.
Dosumu revealed that he comes from a family of fashion designers. His grandmother was a tailor and stylist, and his parents also work in the fashion industry. Despite obtaining a formal education in Veterinary Medicine and being inducted as a veterinary surgeon, Dosumu decided to follow his passion for fashion design. He said, “I feel very fulfilled whenever I turn a flat piece of material into clothing that makes a statement. I consider it an honor to be able to clothe people and help them feel more confident.”
Dosumu studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan. Before that, he obtained a Ordinary National Diploma from the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Ibadan, Oyo State. He initially launched his fashion business during the second semester of his third year in the university. He collaborated with the leaders of the faculty of veterinary medicine and staged a mini runway to showcase his designs. The feedback he got was encouraging, and he got his first client a few weeks later.
Dosumu faced several challenges in the early days of his business, including the perception of people and the issue of production. He emphasized that it was challenging to make people understand that his business was not just another tailoring service, but rather a ready-to-wear line for men. Also, production was a challenge as he was working alone. However, by constantly explaining to clients that his brand was different from the traditional tailoring service, he was able to overcome these challenges.
In terms of getting customers, Dosumu leverages referrals and social media marketing. He revealed that managing his business with other things is possible because he has a strong support system made up of his staff, family, and friends. When asked about his future plans, Dosumu dreams of becoming a master tailor like his fashion role model, Andrew Ramroop, who teaches suit making on Saville Row in London. For his brand, he envisions its growth to a point where it can service a large part of the population in Nigeria and plans to open retail stores in all capital cities in Africa.
Dosumu’s story is one of resilience and the courage to follow one’s passion. It is a reminder that it is never too late to pursue what one loves.
