Follow Your Dream, Everybody Cannot Be an Entrepreneur-- Ampikluz's Story

Okunlola Damilola, the CEO of Ampikluz Clothings shares his success story.

Can we meet you?

The name is OKunlola Damilola Babatunde Joel, the former president, ex-director of socials of Nigerian Association of Language Arts Students, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University. I'm one of the youngest fashion stylists, enthusiasts and designers. I studied Language Arts and Education at OAU, first child from a polygamous family while Christianity is the religion.

Your nickname Ampikluz reflects in the brand name “Ampikuz Clothing", Can you tell us the reason?

Ampikluz is more than than just a nickname sir! (lol) The name is an household name like every other nicks, the name Ampikluz is unique and it represents a class. The name Ampikluz reflects as my brand name  because fashion and style is the totality of me ! So I left it since I can't comprise my love for fashion .

Ampikluz doing what he knows  best for Chief Adebayo Salami aka Jelili Oniso 

When does the brand start?

The brand has been for a while now, let's say about 4-5years ago but on a low profile basically because of my University Education. Just  few close friends know this! Like  a tobacco addict, my addiction to fashion is high and I can say the brand is flying high and higher day after day.

How did you manage the brand with your education while you were an undergraduate?

Let's say the "God factor" because I did so many things alongside academics, ranging from politics to artiste promotion, sports and other forms of legit business on campus, having a philanthropic mindset. I can say I have colleagues who are very receptive and loving, they helped me sometimes with attendance, I get updates frequently on assignments and upcoming tests so with that it was a smooth ride for me .

Can you tell us the most interesting aspect of fashion which caught your attention?

One thing that caught my interest is the fact that I crave, create and define my own style by myself. Isn't that intriguing? I tell my clients what style of design suits them best and sometimes give them fashion tips something like  "fashion therapy" lol... I enjoy all of those.

What are the challenges you face in the fashion world?

Wow! There are quite diverse of challenges, as for me, I will say unavailability of quality fabrics that requires traveling to bigger cities. There's also the challenge of underpaid labor, no doubt all clients want the same thing in terms of neatness of jobs and packaging but can't pay; lastly, I feel the government hasn't responded fully to the fashion industry unlike the oil and gas sector, entertainment and culture. We need finances and start up funds from federal and state government in order to channel our production and make it a wearable piece that's affordable to atleast the lowest and average Nigerians.

In what ways do you think  Government can help young entrepreneur in the fashion world?

Well, I pray government should remembers young entrepreneurs in the fashion world (lol). As for me government grants and loans isn't a bad idea for a young entrepreneur to carter for the immediate needs of the people within different-locality, its will enhance the strength and the consistency of Nigerian- made- goods!

Who is your mentor in the fashion world?

Well, there are quite numbers of fashion icons  that inspire me whole lot but from this side I have the likes of Yomi casuals, Mai atafo, Classy clothingz  etc. and on the international scene, Gucci.

What should your customers expect from your brand soonest?

That should be a global distribution of the "Ampikluz" brand just like Gucci .

Your advice for youths who only believe in white collar job?

White collar jobs isn't a bad one from my perspective especially when the wages or salary is coming as at when due and salary structures are drawn in such a way that can meet the huge demands of this present economy. I want you to believe this, not everyone can be an entrepreneur, so I will just advice the youth out there to follow their dreams passionately and other things will be added unto them. 

Make a shout out to your friends, clients and family

Shoutout to God almighty for the grace, to my momma, she's my greatest motivation, shoutouts to KashMoney (brother), ShegunFx, Lekzy_lee, Walex, Cnthia_booby, Yhemolee, Rhozario, Blac, Mcee_Tosdam, Tfasthy, Tlash, Deejavu, Brievy, Rubby, Alarape, Shalom, Vanessa, Covy, Faa, theTonismart, Aura_hills,Tobi, DOYiN, flashybarbie, OGUN, Wiggie , Classy, Woli Arole and Chief Femi Adebayo Salami.

Thanks!