Nifemi, Nigeria.
Mentorship Area: Tie and Dye, Entrepreneurship
During my Zimuzo journey, I found myself on a path of discovery and growth, thanks to my mentor’s unwavering support and guidance throughout the Zimuzo Mentorship Program. Their expertise and passion for the tie and dye craft were genuinely inspiring, igniting a desire to explore new possibilities and approach creativity from fresh angles. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone eager to delve into tie and dye techniques or other vocational skills.
When I first embarked on this journey, my primary focus was developing expertise in tie and dye techniques and broadening my entrepreneurship and business skills knowledge. I envisioned a comprehensive understanding of tie and dye fundamentals, including various dyeing techniques, colour combinations, and fabric manipulation. Beyond the technical aspects, I yearned to delve into the business side of the craft, mastering skills in marketing, branding, and pricing strategies to establish my own tie-and-dye venture.
However, as the mentorship program unfolded and I was guided by my dedicated mentor, my aspirations began to evolve. What started as an individual pursuit of skill development and entrepreneurship became more profound. I recognised the far-reaching impact that tie and dye could have on communities, especially among marginalised groups. This realisation ignited a shift in my goals—beyond personal success to community empowerment.
My journey soon led me to young MSM (men who have sex with men) community members at Lagos State University. I felt compelled to equip them with valuable vocational skills and provide income-generating opportunities. My goal shifted from merely mastering the craft to creating a ripple effect within the community by establishing a thriving tie-and-dye business, sharing my knowledge, and empowering others to become self-sufficient.
Throughout the program, I honed essential tie-and-dye techniques under my mentor’s guidance. I not only acquired the skill of creating captivating patterns but also learned how to effectively teach these techniques to others, which would prove invaluable in my mission to empower my community.
Negotiation was a crucial skill among the many lessons I learned during my mentorship. My mentor emphasised the significance of negotiating fair prices for our products, ensuring parties benefit from every transaction. This skill would serve me well in my tie-and-dye business and various aspects of my life.
As I reflect on my journey, I am proud of my significant achievements towards my project and personal development. I embarked on a personal project, self-funded and self-driven, to empower the young MSM community members at Lagos State University. Through tie-and-dye workshops, I equipped them with the skills required to create their tie-and-dye products, providing them with both income and valuable vocational skills.
This initiative showcased my commitment and resourcefulness while allowing me complete control over the project’s execution.
My journey has enriched my personal growth and contributed to the betterment of my community. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue this journey of growth and impact, using tie and dye as a catalyst for community empowerment and self-sufficiency.
