Mai Atafo – the Truth Behind the Fashion Business

Atafo was born into a family of nine children in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Christine Atafo is his wife. They have a single kid.

After returning from the United Kingdom in 2002, Atafo worked in several marketing jobs with British American Tobacco Nigeria. He departed in 2006 for Guinness Nigeria, where he served as Brand Manager until his departure in 2010.

Before leaving Guinness Nigeria, Atafo launched the apparel line “Mai Atafo Inspired,” which drew attention from celebrities such Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Banky W, IK Osakioduwa, and others.

Mai Atafo talks to accelerate TV about the challenges of running a fashon busiess in a country like Nigeria. he says, the cost of running business is high, and the fashion industry in nigeria is not properly structured, So many people dont actively see it as a career.

Also, anyone can be a fashion designer in Nigeria. You dont need a university degreee to become a fashion designer in Nigeria. anyone can also set up a fashion show without any allegiance or alliance to any sort of a business standards

He also mentions that Nigerians are difficult customers, they want a couture but dont wanna pay much for it.

When asked if Nigeria has a fashion industry, he said, we have a big industry but its not properly organized. If its properly organized, the fashion industry in Nigeria will be able to contribute to the country’s GDP.

Passion is the first step into becoming a fashion designer, you also have to learn how to become an amazing fashion designer, because its a business. you need to learn it. Its like the music industry, all you need is one hit to be big, but what you do after that one hit is the most important.

Talking about the constant accpetance and approval of the western world in Nigeria fashion industry, Atafo says, its more about the colonial mentality by the average Nigerian, we were ruled by the british so we feel like they are superior to us. The music industry has broken that mentality, Nigerians dont care about whats coming from the overseas, we dont care about 50 cent or beyonce anymore. there was a time that Nigerian airwaves was ruled by this overseas artist but mow, as long as we can listen to wizkid or tecno, Nigerians are fine. so, can we find out what the music industry has done and how they broke that mentality and do the same thing in the fashion indstry.

can we make a garment that is really ours, with the unique african features, and not feel like Prada or Gucci is superior.