Today we’d like to introduce you to Francess Maku.
Hi Francess, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sewing is a passion I have always had from my teenage years. I always loved the idea that I could design and make whatever I wanted to wear. Starting with a needle and thread, I learned to amend my clothes to suit my style. While in college, studying Microbiology back in Nigeria, I used whatever downtime I had to learn sewing on a professional level. My plan was to pursue a career as a Microbiologist while relegating sewing to just a hobby. I worked for a few years after graduation and then decided to focus more on sewing. In 2018, I relocated to the US and figured a 9 to 5 was the right way to go. In 2020, I got pregnant, and then the pandemic hit. That moment seemed to have awakened something in me. I quit my job, rebranded the business, had it registered as MUDVII LLC, and I haven’t looked back since then.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I started sewing and selling the products I made, I didn’t pay serious attention to marketing. I had a few clients who had heard about my products through word of mouth, which seemed okay with me. As the business grew, I decided to expand my market base and quickly realized that I had no idea how to market or advertise my products as a professional. I did some research and learned a few tricks on improving product images for social media. I slowly started building my social media presence, but that wasn’t enough to boost my sales and awareness. It got more challenging when I relocated to the US (advertising here is a different ball game). My husband and I dedicated hours of research, and we have been able to get our products seen by the right audience. Mudvii is not where I want it to be, but I believe I am taking the proper steps.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mudvii is a clothing and accessories brand. We started by making bespoke outfits using vibrant African prints and expanded into ready-to-wear Afrocentric pieces. We saw a need for quality head wraps and turbans, and we decided to bring our expertise into this market. Among our products, we offer pre-tied turbans for those who just want to throw them on and go without the stress of tying the headwrap. We also provide satin-lined head wraps and bonnets.
Contact Info:
- Email: shopmudvii@gmail.com
- Website: www.mudvii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopmudvii
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmudvii
