The name Maufechi in the Nigerian Fashion Industry calls for respect and elegance. In one of her rare interviews ever, the fashionista tells Tunde Ayanda in her Opebi, Lagos office, how she got into the business, her dreams and happiness, that one of her daughters is towing her path as a fashion designer.

You have been in the fashion industry for 26years now, what do you think is responsible for your success?
I think I have remained focused and very hardworking, making sure that I do things the way they should be done. Fashion is not easy, it has got to do with a lot of focus, people normally think it’s an easy profession, but I tell you it's not easy.

The label, Maufechi is very popular among Nigerian women, how did you come about the name?
Maufechi is the combination of my three names, my maiden name, my first name and my middle name  Maureen, Ifeanyi and Amenechi

How did you get into the fashion business?
I've always had the flair for designing which I discovered when I was very young; again my mum too is a designer and it comes like a talent in the family. I actually came into designing in 1980 and graduated in 1983, I went to the American College in London where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Designing.

How big is Maufechi now in terms of clientele and staff strength?
In terms of clientele, we  attract so many customers and I can't be counting numbers now in staff strength, we are close to fifty.

Can you tell us a little about your childhood?
I was born into a family of six where I happen to be the first out of three boys and three girls. When we were growing up, what we did was to party all the time, I think of the fun and a lot of other things.

Who did you look up to then?
No other person than my mum, she stirred the interest of fashion in me and I'm forever grateful, she is very old now and she still designs, cuts and sows.

You have come a long way, what is the greatest lesson you have learnt from life?
Hardwork and perseverance.

Looking back, would you say life has been good?
Life is not a bed of roses, there had been bad moments and some very good ones, what I can say is that God has been faithful to me.

Are there any targets you have set that you have not been able to attain?
Of course. There are targets, I guess I've accomplished about 80 per cent and I hope God would lead me aright to achieve the rest, I'm not going to disclose the rest, they are my own little secrets.

What's your style?
Simple and elegant.

What is your favourite fashion item?
My shoes.

A peep into your wardrobe, is it all Maufechi?
I like T-shirts, I like simple things, I don't particularly go after designer labels, I like simple things.. Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, I like nice things.

Who are your style icons?
In Nigeria? Mrs Abba Folawiyo, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Mrs Onikepo Akande, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, Nike Oshinowo, they are many but I can't just remember all now.

What stands Maufechi out in the business?
My creation! I do a lot of good couture outfit and a lot of embroidery work, a lot of corset wears.

What's your favourite colour?
White.

As a designer, what is in vogue?
Straight look, by that I mean straight, short skirt. The flowing things are in-thing you know, fashion rotates. Colours in vogue are purple, red and  black. Then of course boat leg trousers are in. Basically a bit of 60s and 70s look, they are coming back.

How would you rate yourself as a fashion designer?
Ah! I wouldn't blow my trumpet, I leave that to people to judge. I'm just doing my thing, I wouldn't want to rate myself, I'm just a designer and don't forget that in any field, everybody is a professional and you cannot rate yourself to be the best. I'm a very civilised person... I believe everybody does different things, it’s like the architects and engineers, how would you rate them? The fact that you are awarded the best designer of the year doesn't make you the best, I leave that for my clients to decide.

What makes a good designer?
What you design; your clientele also shows how good you are. When you clothe well and satisfy your clients, it means you are good, when you add the right colour, you are good, when you know how to put things together, you are good.

What do you consider your greatest gift?
My children.

How do you relax?
I watch a lot of television.

Tell us about your family?
I have a husband and three children, two boys and a girl, they are my life and one has indicated her interest in fashion, I only hope and pray she would be strong, stronger than me.

What's your beauty secret?
I thank God I don't look my age, there is nothing to it than happiness. When a man or a woman is happy, you don't age, even when things are not going your way. I'm a happy person, I learnt to understand why you need to be happy always; because you are alive.

What's your projection for Maufechi?
It is to be known all over the world, I want Maufechi to be there forever.