Breaking Barriers: Mai Atafo On Success, Fashion, Entrepreneurship, And Mindset | Selahmeditate

In this captivating interview with renowned fashion designer Mai Atafo, we delve deep into the world of fashion, entrepreneurship, and mindset reform. Mai shares his incredible journey, transitioning from the corporate world to becoming a leading figure in bespoke tailoring. Discover how he started out as a designer, overcame challenges, and built a luxury fashion brand that appeals to high-net-worth individuals while competing on an international level.

We explore topics like the blueprint for success in the fashion industry, the mindset needed to succeed in Nigeria, and the role of government in entrepreneurship. Mai also addresses the challenges of piracy, building a strong local brand that rivals international giants, and his vision for the future of fashion in Nigeria and Africa.

This conversation goes beyond fashion, touching on the impact of spirituality, work-life balance, and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in a challenging environment. Mai offers practical advice on knowing when to give up, the importance of working hard, and the steps to take before quitting your job to pursue your dreams.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Interview Highlight
04:05 – Introduction of Our Guest - Mai Atafo and the topic
06:30 – How did you transition from the corporate world into fashion
07:58– Did you ever thought you'll be a fashion designer
09:13 – How did you start out as a fashion designer
12:12 – What sparked your interest in bespoke tailoring and the vision from start
13:42 – How did you build your brand to what it is today
14:50 - Do you recommend having a plan before starting or just start, learn and adjust along the way
17:38 – Challenges you faced starting our and how you overcame them
19:56 – What's the blueprint for success in the fashion industry
23:20 – How do you define a successful fashion brand
25:25 – Why you can be rich today and tomorrow you're poor
27:30 – How did you build your brand to appeal to high net-worth of individuals
28:15 – Compare fashion brand locally and internationally
32:21 – Can we build a fashion brand that can compete internationally
36:25 – Is it possible to build a strong fashion brand locally that will be preferred over the international brands
37:29 – Nigerian Musical artists charging themselves out of the local market
44:27 – Why you should Relocate (Japa) if you have the means
49:27 - How do you describe an entrepreneur
50:04 - Dubai was built out of nothing
51:49 - Why do we lose lots of our talents in this country
52:38 - The problem with the churches in Nigeria
58:03 - The mindset you should have to succeed in Nigeria
1:02:10 - At what point should you give-up on a pursuit
1:05:18 - What does it really mean to work hard
1:08:55 - Is it better to work hard to grow your business or work for someone
1:15:53 - The role of government in entrepreneurship
1:17:21 - When to know you are ready to become an entrepreneur
1:20:25 - What separates those that succeed in business from those that don't
1:22:55 - Advice to young entrepreneurs struggling to finance their business
1:25:00 - Why is luxury fashion inaccessible to average people
1:25:33 What inspired your weddings by Mai fashion brand
1:26:30 - Is it passible to stop piracy
1:29:40 - How do you make the local fashion brand appeal internationally
1:32:09 - How do we make our local fashion be adopted oversees
1:38:00 - How do we educate them oversees to adopt our local fashion
1:40:58 - What do you envision for the fashion industry in the next 10years
1:41:43 - Are the governments doing enough to help creatives in this country
1:43:15 - What are your most rewarding moments in the fashion industry
1:44:30 - At what point did you have your first big break in business
1:46:17 - Should you do free services to build your brand at the start
1:46:50 - How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance
1:47:30 - Is there a model one can use to retain their tailors
1:47:55 - If you could change one thing in the fashion industry, what would it be
1:49:16 - Your top 5 best advice to anyone seeking to build a brand like yours
1:54:12 - Advice on building a successful fashion brand
1:57:00 - If you were in your 20s, what would you do differently
1:58:56 - What legacy do you hope to leave in the fashion industry
2:04:58 - How do you describe your fashion philosophy
2:05:45 - How do you constantly stay updated in the fashion industry
2:07:00 - Do you think success is all about money
2:10:26 - Do this before quitting your job
2:13:48 - We don't need dribblers again in footballers
2:18:20 - Your final advice to entrepreneurs and fashion designers
2:19:15 – Thank you message, how to reach Mai Atafo & closing remark

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