Life Greatness is in Its Consistency- Young Entrepreneur, Ajayi Rebecca

2020-06-10T11:53:38+00:00

By Virtue Digest

Rebecca Ajayi, a young entrepreneur and the creative director of R&G Knit wear is a graduate of Communication and Language Art, University of Ibadan. She is also a founder of a knitting school where women are empowered via offline and online platforms. The knitwear brand focuses on designing and producing classy knitwear for babies, adults and organisations. She believes in consistency and she is passionate about growth in all spheres of life.How did you build up an entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age? Did you develop it or you were born with it?Even if I am 50, I am still young. I was not born with it, I learnt how to knit and I discovered that I wanted to change the knitting industry narrative. I wanted to see something different and I wanted to see that the rate of imported knit materials is reduced in our country. However, we must be able to give the target customer what they are looking for in other country. The driving force has been to do something different, to see people do something different and to have a better story in the knitting industry.When did you commence your knitting business?Knitting started for me before I entered into the university. There was ASUU strike after I gained admission, so rather than staying at home idle, I took up the challenge of learning to knit since I was good with crochet. Basically, I loved creating things with yarn since I was in primary school, but never took it serious. I was only creating things like purse and all. I encouraged to grow the idea and my mother took me to a knitting school so I could learn better.

Referring to what you said, “wanting to do something different”, why not photography and other skill. What really inspired you to toll the road of knitting?Like I said, I loved yarn, and the ability to create something out of it to me is magic.Read more: Women don’t have any issues with leadershipSince you graduated, have you ever held a corporate job?So far, I have worked for a knitting factory when I was about to graduate. People won’t call that corporate right.What knitting factory (ies)?I worked with Goldweft Creations located at Ibadan.Do you think we have enough professional knitters in the country?What I will say is that there is a great improvement in the knitting industry in NigeriaWhat is your assessment of knitting in the country?Knitters and crocheters are improving. However, we still have a lot of learning to doWho are your role models in the profession?I follow a lot of international brands and I get a lot of inspiration from sites like Aliexpress and pinterest. My role model in the profession is someone that helped me out when I was a young and stranded machine knitter, her name is Janet Oakley. I met her on a knitting platform and she was of so much her to me.How has it been in the last years, aside financial gains, do you find fulfillment in what you do?I find a lot of fulfillment in what I do. I am happy knitting, and when people comment on what I do “I feel on top of the world” and I am eager to do more. It has been such a great experience but there is room for more.

What are the major challenges you have faced and how you have been able to overcome the challenges?Many people still need to understand the idea of knitting, some people think it is all about knitting school sweaters and all, and for one that is trying to change the narrative, it is quite difficult because you have to change the perspective of people. But, we are beginning to win and people can see that we can do so much more in Nigeria brands. Also, financial challenge is normal for every startup trying to operate in a country like this with no proper system but I have been able to overcome that as well by being prudent. Also, I try to ensure that the product compete favourably with all other brands, international brand.Again, finding a shoulder to leverage on, if Nigeria had a proper knitting industry, I am very sure it will not be difficult for so many people starting to knitting today. Probably find ourselves a knitting industry, like finding a department in the fashion designer, because there no proper knitting industry so to say. So, we have to start building something that can stand. Well, we overcome by keep learning. The key word is Consistency.Have you ever thought of quitting the business and seeking paid employment?Yes, I have.I understand those are difficult times, how do you cope with it?I feel I was led to do this more than anything and at times, I talk to God and those who really understand my paths. They are people who are really close to me.