Please tell us about yourself and your business
I am Eloho Oruah-Ureki, the founder and creative director of El-eganx. El-eganx is a fashion brand based in Benin city, Nigeria. Weproduce both traditional and contemporary outfits for women across all ages. Our mission is to make African prints global.
What major challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur
1. Getting a customer base was hectic as I had tough completion. I have been able to standout and grow because of my unique designs.
2. I had the challenge of identifying high qualityfabrics. Many fabrics in the market are below standard and wash out easily. I found my way around this by studying the quality of fabrics. Presently, I can identify a good fabric from just the feel.
3. Poor electrical power supply has been a major problem but I’ve been able to get a generating set.
4. Another challenge I had was in creating new designs as I did not want to be copy other people’s designs.
How did attending ELP impact your business? And how will you put what you have learnt into your business?
ELP has opened up the world of business and entrepreneurship to me. I have learnt new and more efficient ways of doing things. My approach to my business has completely changed.
You are one of the awardees of the business grant. How did you feel when your name was announced?
I was super excited.
How will that grant help your business?
With the ELP grant, I have procured materials to start a new line called El-eganx 9ja. This line is a unique collection of corporate outfits with Nigerian elements and would be launched at the upcoming Edo Fashion and style week.
