Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Jegede
Stella, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a passionate Fashion entrepreneur with a degree in Creative Arts and another degree in view (Luxury Brand Management).
My entrepreneurial journey started back in Nigeria as I was knitting wears and making clothes for my friends and family since my university days.
I have been very intentional in making decisions and choices that are meant to lead me to my desired destination and this has brought me positive outstanding results.
I get motivated by other people’s success stories while I draw inspiration from artistic elements like color, texture and shapes. I’m also inspired by things that are aesthetically pleasing so over the years, I have learnt to develop the calm and observant nature that I grew up with.
I love working with different fabrics ranging from lightweight materials like silk and chiffon to relief textured materials like 3-D laces.
I have had the privilege of working with amazing designers , sewing technicians, stylists and alteration specialists with decades of experience.
I recently worked closely with the Dean of the school of Fashion at the Savanna College of Art and design where I temporarily worked as a sewing technician.
I am currently taking a dive into the bridal industry as I begin the journey by exploring the technical side of construction and deconstruction of luxury bridal garments which is also called alterations and redesigning.
I hope to take the brand (Stellar height) to a level where it becomes a household name for luxury custom dresses and a go to place for ready to wear African designer pieces, we will be focusing on the black community because of the deeply rooted African culture and the originality of our designs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is absolutely no smooth road to success but with a resilient spirit, the destination is sure.
The biggest struggle for me has been support.
I have always had to go extra miles to get all forms of support, the most important of which is getting a mentor.
Another major challenge has been funding because my major interest is couture dresses which are luxury designs.
This needs a lot of funding and it hasn’t been easy getting sponsors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I make luxury wears for the womenfolk that want to be bold and outstanding, so this requires a lot of time invested in consultation, fabric selection and construction of the garments.
I specialize in making couture dresses which are typically handmade and requires high quality and delicate fabrics.
My strength lies in the craft side of garment production and this is because of my background knowledge of the creative arts. This is why I prefer production to sales
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Like I mentioned, I’ve had to struggle with finding mentors at every phase of my journey but I eventually always find myself one because of my doggedness.
I usually do this by networking and specifically asking my friends and close acquaintances to refer me to people who can help me get to where I want.
I also leverage on social media by following brands that are already at the top.
Pricing:
- Ready to wear pieces ranges from $100-$300
- Aso-Ebi tailoring starts from $200-$400
- Prom dresses and Reception dresses start from $1000
- Bespoke orders for Photoshoot’s starts from $500 and depends on the fabric and designs
Contact Info:
- Website: stellarheight@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarheight_creations?igsh=bmZ6ZnRqbjZ6eTdj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellajegede80?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Lypix Studios
Sunmisola Olorunnisola
