I started designing shoes when I found it difficult to get shoes in my size - CEO Mona Matthews
By Kemi Mobuse - Wednesday, April 06, 2016
When i hear people complain that; they always can't find shoes in their sizes, it usually amuses me, but, i stopped being amused when i see most of these people open their own shoe making company and go into shoe production themselves, my then amusement now gives way to respect.
Mona Matthews isn't just another shoe making establishment though, she has been in the business since 2002, while i was still cutting my teeth in the university and is still very much in the business, makes you wonder how? Well, she told her story exclusively to KMB and we are sharing with you....
Kemimobuseblog: Can we meet you?
Mona Matthews: My name is Monalisa Abimbola Azeh, I studied Law at the University of Lagos and was called to Bar in 1985.
Kemimobuseblog: What do you do?
Mona Matthews: I design and retail high quality handmade leather shoes and handbags for ladies and gentlemen and schools, as well as leather gift items for the corporate world under the label, Mona Matthews which I started in 2002. All of our products are carefully handcrafted in Lagos by master craftsmen and women.
Kemimobuseblog: Why did you decide to become a shoe/ leather goods designer?
Mona Matthews: I started designing shoes when I began to find it difficult to get my size in shoes that I liked. I started doing it to meet my own needs, but people liked what I was making and started to order them from me before I even decided to do it as a business. After a while, I got restless with where I was working and after praying about it, I decided to start it as proper business.
Kemimobuseblog: What is your favorite part about being a leather goods designer?
Mona Matthews: I think it's seeing the end results of something that started as an idea in your mind. And then seeing someone buy it for whom it's an answer to prayers, ie it suits their needs perfectly.
Kemimobuseblog: who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs.
Mona Matthews: My clients are my inspiration. I design to meet needs. I design with specific types of people in mind with the intention of meeting their specific needs. I think about their lifestyle and try to create shoes and bags that will provide a footwear solution for the different vistas of their lives.
Kemimobuseblog: Define fashion?
Mona Matthews: Fashion is styles shapes and colors situated in time.
Kemimobuseblog: Do you use computer and technology for designing?
Mona Matthews: I use them to discover and locate trends or to forecast upcoming trends. Yes.
Kemimobuseblog: can you Say something about your background?
Mona Matthews: I come from an Ekiti family and my parents both worked in Education as teachers, then in the University system etc so studying reading growing your mind with books music and films was part of my make up from the beginning. Books and LPs (records) lined the walls of our home right from when I could remember.
Kemimobuseblog: of all the shoes that you’ve designed, which has given you the most satisfaction?
Mona Matthews: Every pair that satisfied my customers' needs gives me satisfaction, whether they are simple and plain or highly blinged and sophisticated.
Kemimobuseblog: what criteria do you use when designing new shoes?
Mona Matthews: When designing a bespoke pair, the customer's feet, their clothes and the specific event that the shoes are meant for. However I try to also remind myself and my client that they need to be able to wear the shoes with other outfits too so I make them as versatile as possible. When designing a new collection, I bear in mind the current shoe and clothes trends of the season, as well as the trending colors etc. Then I translate these into wearable styles for my target market.
Kemimobuseblog: where do you work on your projects?
Mona Matthews: My best place to work is in my room at home alone as much as possible. After that stage, I share the concepts with the various people involved in the production. I also love to work with my amazing staff after I have completed the first stage. Once I share the concept and it's agreed upon, we Run a trial production.
Kemimobuseblog: so you draw quite often?
Mona Matthews: No I don't draw at all. That is where technology comes in. I use pictures and then write what I want.
Kemimobuseblog : how do you decide on colors for your shoes?
Mona Matthews: We follow international and local color trends. There also some basic colors that everybody has. Black and brown for work, silver and gold for outings.
Kemimobuseblog: are there any materials that you would like to explore further?
Mona Matthews: Even though our shoes and bags are basically leather, I love working with fabric, I have worked with silk, Ankara, Aso Oke and damask for my ladies shoes. I am constantly looking out for different things to work with. So I am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting fabrics ornaments etc.
Kemimobuseblog: what’s your personal motto?
Mona Matthews: Nothing is impossible.
Kemimobuseblog: What are your plans for the future?
Mona Matthews: Where do you see yourself in next ten years? I don't really have plans for the future but I have goals which I would rather not disclose at the moment. But I read and work and pray everyday as much as I can to bring them to fruition.
Kemimobuseblog: How would you describe your personal style?
Mona Matthews: I am a complex mix oh. Some days I am very laid back, jeans and T shirt especially for work. But for my few dress up occasions, I like glam and blings.
Kemimobuseblog: Any Advice for future entrepreneurs?
Mona Matthews: I always say, know yourself and know your business. Understand the kind of person you are well, your psychological make up and what makes you tick. So that you can plug yourself into something that you can do even if nobody is paying you for it. So it's never a chore. Don't do something because someone else is doing it. Then study your chosen field. Stay on top of your game. Know as much as you can about it. Finally get an Entrepreneurial education. Do courses in being an Enterpreneur and keep updating your knowledge.
Kemimobuseblog: What has being a leather goods designer taught you?
Mona Matthews: Many things oh. But I have learnt that Nigerians will buy from you if you consistently offer good quality products with high service delivery ethics.
Kemimobuseblog: How can you be contacted?
Mona Matthews: Voice calls and WhatsApp 234-802 305 5212,
email monamatthews@yahoo.com,
Facebook Mona Matthews Shoes and Bags
More pictures below:
1 comments
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