INTERVIEW WITH "CHEDDAR BOI"
It only takes God, prayers and hard work, then determination and foresight
would be a bonus to achieving success
"CHEDDAR BOI" is one
of such young stars who believes in doing things in the right direction, and driven with passion, In an Exclusive
Interview with the Award winning Fashion designer, CHEDDAR BOI, one of
Nigeria’s Best Fashion Designer, Winner of the Dynamix all youth Award (Most
Enterprising) and winners of several Awards, the Fashion designer who Top celebrities
craves for his clothing, speaks one on one about Cheddar’s Clothing.
Let’s take walk as
we journey to the interview session, stay put, get inspired and enjoy…
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My names
are Arowoshola Olabanji AbdulRasheed. A graduate,designer/celebrity
stylist/costumier/general wardrobe consultant.
OV: Educational Background
I
attended my primary school education at Best Legacy Private Schools Egbe,
secondary school at Latmos Comprehensive college,egbe,Lagos and then I went to
OOU where I studied microbiology.
OV: Can you tell us about Cheddar’s Clothing?
Cheddars Clothing incorporated is
a costume manufacturing company, into the provision and supply of exceptionally
distinct and detailed all-round unisex outfits 2suit d wearer/brand's purpose, celebrity
styling, importers and exporters of original and quality clothing items and
accessories, and general wardrobe consultancy. We handle, brand and manage
individual and corporate clients. All sorts of outfits and accessories are
provided either by production or importation. The company has correspondents in
South Africa, United States, United Kingdom, Ghana and Malaysia
OV: When did you discover the love and talent for fashion?
Right from my 1st year in secondary school. I
would go to the cafe after school hours to browse and mostly save all
outstanding trendy designer outfits online and subscribe to almost all designer
websites/online stores I came across. Up till now I still get updates from
international designer stores and I draw styling inspirations from their items
and edit to my taste and that of my clients. I was fond of always checking out clothing
items and accessories at every chance I got to surf the web
OV: How did
you combine studies and fashion?
Well, it wasn't easy initially combining both
studies and Fashion as the latter is a very jealous career, but with God and
personal determination, I was able to strike a balance eventually, I had to
sacrifice d time I dedicated to play, friends and family and of course rest.
More focus and efforts were channelled towards fashion and schooling more than
any other thing else as they were of paramount significance .Though it wasn't at all easy but thank God I am done with my
1st degree in school now. So I can concentrate on fashion squarely
OV: Could
you explain the significance of your course (Studies) in relation to the
clothing line?
I studied microbiology which is
not directly in any way connected or related to fashion, but I would say the
university system itself exposed me and provided me with further insight into
organization, branding and general interaction with individuals. I also met an
endless list of important persons there
OV: Who are your greatest influences (Role Models)?
Almighty
God, My grand Mom and family at large, Roberto cavalli, Alexander Amosu and all
other All other international Luxury designer brands and my environment, I draw
inspiration from them all in countless, random manner and form.
OV: Aside from clothing line what else do you do?
I'm into
estate management. I oversee the properties of my maternal grand mom within and
outside Lagos and I hope to own and manage my very own soon. I'm also a brand
consultant which is independent of the clothing Line.
OV: What is your greatest fear?
*sighs*my
greatest fear...hmmmm
seriously I've got so many fears. The situation of the country and d greed of our leaders is one major fear that has given birth to many other fears. It makes the future of our youth dreadful as lawlessness and corruption have become the new order of the day.
seriously I've got so many fears. The situation of the country and d greed of our leaders is one major fear that has given birth to many other fears. It makes the future of our youth dreadful as lawlessness and corruption have become the new order of the day.
OV: How would you rate the Fashion industry in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Fashion industry is Da bomb! We
are World class! So many competitive Designers yet the sky is still wide
enough. In other words, this industry is one that can never get saturated. We are
doing great
OV: What are the challenges you face?
Debts! Debts!! Debts!!! That's a major challenge.
A handful of well to do clients/celebrities still tend to owe some huge sum of
funds which shouldn't be. If you really believe in what we do and you want us
to grow, then you have got to pay us for every service rendered. Debts kill and
retard the growth of every biz. Other challenges are the lack of basic
amenities like gud roads and electricity. The bad transportation system coupled
with d banning of bikes on all lagos major roads reduces effective mobility and
prompt delivery. Epileptic power supply also reduces the yield as most machines
used in d production process cannot be powered and operated without electricity.
OV: For how long have you been into the clothing line?
Less than 3years now. But I have been a businessman since I was in high school
OV: As a top fashion designer which celebrities have modelled your clothes?
Celebrities like 9ice, Flavor, Jaywon,Vector,El
Phlex, Gbenga Adeyinka, Seriki, Lambhorghini, capital ZEE, Chris of Mr
Nigeria2011,selebobo,oluwatipsy(chingchong),Dipp,wilson xcite,DolonDolo,siliconswish,jarmeu,bahbijay,opeyemi
ayenuro,Baffy,enormoss,DMI honeyboy,in Fact,d list is endless.ds are d ones I
remember for now and pls watch out for more big jobs in 2013
Official Costumier, 9ice BGV
concert march 2011, Official stylist Alapomeji Records. Official Costumier,
DeePitch Records, Official Stylist Dipp, Costumier Xcite OnTV. Official
Costumier HOB inc.stylist, Honeyboi Inc.
Awards
Dynamix youth Awards: Winner, Most
Enterprising Student 2011.
Campus Merit Awards(winner),Best Designer 2011.
Micrographia Awards(winner),Fashion Icon of the year 2012,Entrepreneur Male 2012.
Graduating student Awards (winner), most fashionable male 2012, Entrepreneur Male 2012.
Dynamix awards (nomination), Youth designer Label 2012,
Dynamix Youth Awards(nomination),Most Fashionable Male 2012. Many more I can't remember...the list is endless actually
Campus Merit Awards(winner),Best Designer 2011.
Micrographia Awards(winner),Fashion Icon of the year 2012,Entrepreneur Male 2012.
Graduating student Awards (winner), most fashionable male 2012, Entrepreneur Male 2012.
Dynamix awards (nomination), Youth designer Label 2012,
Dynamix Youth Awards(nomination),Most Fashionable Male 2012. Many more I can't remember...the list is endless actually
OV: How do you feel wining all these prestigious Awards?
The feeling is great. It tells me that I am
doing well, that I am on course, I am
making impact and the brand is getting recognition, people are really appreciating
what I do. I owe it all to God, my family, friends, and especially to my
clients. Without them, there would be no us...we love you all!!!
OV: What is you greatest achievement?
Greatest
achievement... Well my greatest achievement must be starting up Cheddars
Clothing. I know it will be my platform to exploring the world and achieving my
dreams. It’s my greatest achievement
OV: Any regrets and worst experience?
Regrets? Generally there are no major regrets.Yeah, many minor ones,like trusting the wrong clients and making one sacrifice or the other and they disappoint themselves, not me of course. What doesn't kill you makes u stronger. You know? Another is entrusting incompetent people to do important jobs.
OV: What does it take to be successful?
Hmmmm….
It only takes God, prayers and hard work, then determination and foresight
would be a bonus to achieving success
OV: How do you unwind (relax)?
Well, I hardly unwind as I work even at
midnights and weekends. I don't drink, I don't smoke. But when I get d chance
to, I love hanging out with friends and family
OV: Best meal?
I love barbeque. Orlaz does it
good. *winks*
OV: How do
you see yourself in the next five years?
I see
Cheddars Clothing being one of, if not the biggest brands to be reckoned with
in the Nigerian fashion/entertainment industry with branches abroad and I also
see myself doing well in my other ventures. I've always had an eye for real
estate and automobile businesses
OV: What will you love to be remembered for?
I'd love to be remembered as the 1st
Nigerian/international designer to dominate a wardrobe with all possible
clothing items and accessories such that a client can choose to wear it all
from head to toe and every detail would be remarked 'cheddars'. I can't wait
for that day. I'd be very proud
OV: Advice to young people
Believe
in God, Stay focused, be prayerful, be very strategic and hard working. Your
own destiny lies in your own hands; you can achieve all things if only You
believe in God and in yourself. In every difficulty, there’s an opportunity.
OV: Do you have people to appreciate?
Sure, I would love to thank God, My family, My special appreciation goes to Mirage OOU, The Gbadebo family, Akinkungbe Family especially Olamide Akinkugbe,Oluwalola Ayomide, Kemi Adetipe, kunle Afolabi, Dr Mabeks, djfissy, Hosh n Tosh,wi442,seductive,Honorable Bankole Alex Kehinde, Idris Mohmoh, Jarmeu, Dee pitch records, Alapomeji records, Honey Boi Inc, Mariam Hassan, Benjiz and the MTL crew and all our clients for their love and encouragement. You all watch out for your darling cheddars clothing this year. We promise to remain the best for you. Gracias!!!
Sure, I would love to thank God, My family, My special appreciation goes to Mirage OOU, The Gbadebo family, Akinkungbe Family especially Olamide Akinkugbe,Oluwalola Ayomide, Kemi Adetipe, kunle Afolabi, Dr Mabeks, djfissy, Hosh n Tosh,wi442,seductive,Honorable Bankole Alex Kehinde, Idris Mohmoh, Jarmeu, Dee pitch records, Alapomeji records, Honey Boi Inc, Mariam Hassan, Benjiz and the MTL crew and all our clients for their love and encouragement. You all watch out for your darling cheddars clothing this year. We promise to remain the best for you. Gracias!!!
OV: How do you fans get to reach you, and those will love to wear your clothing
Ok, they can reach me on Facebook..
www.facebook/cheddarsclothingincoporated
or Arowoshola Cheddarboi hollabahnjee. Then Twitter @cheddarsclothin
@cheddarboiswag, am always available to respond to my fans, because they
are the ones who has made me who I am
OV: Hmmm… You did not drop your Pin?
Haaaa… Lol! Ok, for business
purpose, those who want to contact Cheddar boi for business, because am always
busy in fact I will use the word “Busyness Boi” but nevertheless they can use BB
Pin: 2986E7DB, then they will definitely get across to me
OV: Thank you so much for your time; it’s been nice speaking with you
You welcome anytime, also keep on
the good work in the Media, I love your Media, and to my fans I love you all.
.. To Get Cheddar's Clothing, Contact
.. To Get Cheddar's Clothing, Contact
Tel No: 08181530870
BB
Pin: 2986E7DB