Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Beginning...



Why am I blogging, you ask? I dunno. I've been on other blogs and found them quite interesting, entertaining and my current link to Naija since I'm away from home.... for now. So I thought to myself, why not start something yourself?! To be honest, I always wanted to do some freelance writing and this is my chance to do so. So here I am.... doing what I always wanted to do... and hoping someone out there reads it with encouraging comments - which will definitely urge me to write more. Don't worry, I'll spice up the page with pictures and stuff shortly.

So where do I begin? A bit about myself I guess. Ok.... here goes...

I'm a graduate of Economics from OAU, Ile-Ife. I worked in 2 consultancy outfits for a total of about 5 years before I got this brainwave and decided to change my field to Fashion! Yup... Fashion!

How did it all start, you ask me? Well I’ll tell you. It all started when my tailor wrecked my clothes. I was furious! How can a tailor who has been sewing my clothes for all of 2 years (… and counting…) wreck my clothes? She has my measurements and I have gained a maximum of (…what…) 5 kilos since the 1st set of clothing.

And an idea began to form in my head. I thought to myself…. “Wait!…. I can make these things myself. After all, I know what I want and can picture it in my head.” All I need to do is learn how to sew. And that’s how it all started.

It wasn't easy, I tell you. I can neither draw nor sew. Believe me, even a straight line without a ruler seemed an impossible task. I tried to go to a sewing school here in Lagos but it didn’t quite work out so I decided to look offshore and decided on South Africa. I bought myself a book “Drawing for Dummies” (the last copy at Nu Metro, Silverbird) and "Figure Sketching for Fashion Design.

Now, here I am, almost 2 years after conceiving my idea in a cold environment (it's winter here) studying a 3-year undergraduate degree in Fashion Design in a place I know absolutely NO ONE!!!!

Some people look at me and think I’m crazy. “How can you…” (they ask me) “leave that promising career (yah I worked in one of the Big Four accounting firms and had only about 3 more stages of the ICAN exams left), decide on Fashion. Fashion!!!” My supervisor in University sent me a text message saying… and I quote “I feel so worried about this your choice of career. How did you arrive at it?” {Come to think of it, I have not responded to his text message. I had better do so sometime this year!}

To be fair though, I have received only encouragement from people. A few laughs here and there, a few harmless cynical comments and a few wide-eyed stares. But hey… life is all about risks and I took my first major one, armed with lots of faith in God. And the 1st year is almost over with me still in 1 piece!!!!

It has not been easy I tell you! The sleepless nights (literally), the assignments, the challenges, etc. One thing I know... it has been an eventful year for me. I'll tell you more as time goes on.

And so my story begins... with a name. My name is Tope (or Temitope as they call me here). But y'all can call me TWayne! ... (the TW in block capitals)

8 comments:

BeautyinBaltimore said...

Welcome to blogville darling. I am very curious to read your upcoming posts.

Anonymous said...

I'm excited about what you're doing now. No doubt, it wont be easy but you've got a lot more than just determination in your locker. It's just a matter of time with you. If time machines really existed then you would be a top name Fashion Designer today. I want my wardrobe to be full of your
brand. So please keep working at it. Also, keep dreaming cos it will be really sweet when your dream comes true!

Unknown said...

Babes...this sounds like the beginning of a really interesting. Thumbs up to you o, i have tried to start one but the disscipline to keep writing is a real war.
Like i mentioned to you, a lot of us have dreams but not too many of us have the courage to follow them..sha hurry up and come and start sewing my ankara etc..I can'be forking out 8k each time for somebody to mess up my measurements. I've saved the page on my favourites..

Anonymous said...

This is a very interesting blog can't wait to read more. It will also keep us updated about your events and thoughts. As we all Know TWayne is a smart girl, always knows what she wants and achieve it thru any extent. I have always believe in you and your choice, Fashion is your passion. (i know that because i have watched this girl shopped for 10 straight hours, trying on clothes and look for things that needs amendements. OKAY WORLD WAIT and WATCH AS TWayne rise to shine and show us what fashion is all about.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love what you have started here! its so original! I hope more people catch on to it! Keep it up with the creativeness and you can be sure to succeed! xxx

Jotees Trendz said...

Loving this! Keep it coming mami...can't wait to read more!

Anonymous said...

Cant believe it. A blog? Wow TWayne this is really happening! cant wait till its a full blown web site with shopping list and off the runway sales.
just hang in there, ure half way home.

Anonymous said...

wow...

you have exhibited some of the world's rarest character traits on your page!! your passion,sense of focus, unlimited strength, sincerity, vulnerability and responsibility are clearly written all over your space!

you are definitely on the right track... life is all about what you are able achieve out of nothing, especially glorifying God in the process.

i wish you all the best in all you do and pray that many are inspired by your notes over here.