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‘I am grateful to see another year’ –Olaedo

Fair skinned talented designer and creative director of Olaedo Sharon George, a fashion designing outfit, was a year older on Friday, December 12, 2014. Though, she didn’t roll out the drums in celebrations, she is definitely grateful to God for it. She travelled abroad some months back and has not returned to Nigeria. ENCOMIUM weekly had a chat with her about her relocation, birthday and much more…

Congratulations! How does it feel to be a year older?

Awesome. Great! I’m 100 percent thankful to God. I am so glad to see another year.

olaedoWhat is the greatest lesson life has taught you?

A lot of lessons my dear! So many of them. The greatest is never to say you have arrived because sometimes when you think you have arrived, you will be surprised that your journey has just started. I mean, look at President Jonathan. When he thought he had arrived as Bayelsa State governor was when his journey started. Life has taught me to know it is difficult to say you have arrived.

Are you rolling out the drums in celebration?

How I wish I could roll out the drums from here, but there is always another birthday ahead to roll out the drums by the grace of Almighty God.

What age are you marking?

I don’t think it is important anymore, because I have grown to understand that age is just a number. What counts is the privilege to live and enjoy life to the fullest by His grace.

You have successfully built Olaedo to an enviable height in a short period, how were you able to achieve it?

I am still building Olaedo. It is my dream and fashion is my passion. I have so much passion for it. Almost everything I do is fashion related so it is more of dedication. Even when it looks like the challenges are going to overwhelm you, you have to keep pushing until you get there.

What are the targets you set for your business this year, will you say you have achieved them?

The target is taking Olaedo to International level. Not until the brand is sold outside Nigeria, you are not yet there as a designer. People practically buy clothes off my body on the streets. As crazy as it sounds, but it is the truth. Anytime I step out, someone out there is ready to buy that attire and appreciate it. You have to let the world outside Nigeria know and buy your brand.

You relocated abroad a couple of months back, what will happen to Olaedo Nigeria?

Relocated? Have I told you I relocated? Anyway, I have a reason to be here and I am glad that I am. It has to do with my family but that doesn’t stop me from my clothes business, I will be coming every three months to Nigeria. The truth of the matter is, as a fashion designer, there is no limit to where you stay and design your clothes.

Are you setting up another branch abroad?

Absolutely! That has been my dream. I am tirelessly working towards that now and by the grace of God, you will be the first to know.

olaedoWhat will happen to Olaedo Nigeria?

My sister is taking care of it. We are not fully opened though. The factory is still very much effective. They make clothes and send to me here. The truth is, it is not easy to get someone to maintain your business like the owner. So, getting someone to fully operate it in Nigeria is out of it.

Are you unveiling new collections as the year is running to an end?

I wish I could, but the time is very little for me. So, all I am doing is a repeat of my summer collections. Till next year.

As a mother of three children, you still look great with a fabulous stature. How did you attain this?

It is God. But don’t forget I am a gym freak. I work out a whole lot. Speaking of fabulousity, there are so many women I envy out there. Check out Jada Pinkett Smith’s mother of 60 years. Have you seen Sylvester Stallone’s mother? Those women inspire me to keep fit.

Do you have a role model in the industry?

I sure do. In Nigeria, it has to be Mudi. That guy is good. He is a trendsetter. But internationally, it must be Kimora Lee Simmons. She makes me believe there is no limit to designing. You can wake up and design a car and get paid for it. You don’t have to restrict yourself to only fashion. I just want to use this opportunity to say a big thank you to ENCOMIUM Weekly. You guys are wonderful. God bless you all for the support you give to all of us.

-SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN and AJOKE ONITOLO

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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