Amid the pressures of survival and ambition, some stories rise above the noise — like that of Nigerian-born creative, Ramatallahi Abubakar, who is quietly making waves in Bradford, West Yorkshire, as the force behind Ramatporsche Design.
For her, success didn’t come from deep pockets but from relentless passion and clever resourcefulness. She learned early that being a designer wasn’t only about sketching gowns or mixing bold African prints with sleek modern styles — it was also about learning how to make every naira, pound, and penny count.
Her love for fashion began in unexpected places. While studying Medical Science at Kwara State University, she found herself stitching lab coats for her department. That small effort grew into recognition: in 2020, she won Student Fashion Designer of the Year and by 2021, her work was already gracing the Kwara Tradefair.
Now living in the UK, Ramatallahi manages multiple roles — mother, entrepreneur, and mentor. Yet she quickly discovered that keeping a business afloat was as much about cutting costs as it was about creativity.
“Balancing design with the business side is always tough,” she admits. “Deadlines, fabric costs, and staying original — it’s a constant juggle.”
Her breakthrough came through Temu, an online platform where she buys everything from mannequins to sewing supplies at almost half the cost of local stores. That single shift cut her expenses by up to 50%, allowing her to serve clients better and expand her reach.
“When my mannequin arrived, it changed my process completely,” she recalls with a laugh. “I dressed it up in one of my gowns immediately and sent photos to my friends — they all asked where I got it!”
The savings aren’t just for her. Through her 12-week beginner sewing workshops in Bradford, she equips new designers with tools — often sourced online — while teaching them how to cut, sew, and refine their craft. For her, empowerment is part of the mission.
And when asked what advice she would give on World Entrepreneur Day, her message was simple:
“Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start with what you have, keep growing, and let your passion carry you forward.”
Ramatallahi’s journey shows that innovation doesn’t always begin in luxury studios or billion-dollar companies. Sometimes, it starts with a needle and thread in Kwara, a dream carried across continents, and the courage to build a future one stitch at a time.
