Meet computer scientist who’s making it big producing Kaftan, shoes
Joshua Hassan is a graduate of Computer Science from Kaduna State University, and is presently doing his Masters degree in the same course at the same university. In this interview, he talks about how he ventured into the business of making caps and kaftans, and how he is using social media to advertise his products. Excerpts:
NelsonNaija You studied computer science at KASU, why do you sell kaftan and cap?
Joshua Hassan: Due to my impressive performance in science subjects while in secondary school, and the computer skills I had, I had wanted to study computer engineering or medicine. But I chose computer engineering because I did partially well in biology which is a major prerequisite for studying medicine.
However, I was unable to be admitted to study computer engineering so I went for computer science which was the closest to computer engineering. Along the line, I discovered I have good marketing skills and any time I dress in my kaftan and cap, my friends would admire me and ask me to get the same kind of material and cap for them, so I decided to turn it into a business. I would collect money from them, purchase the materials and then take it to my tailor. That was how I started the kaftan business and then later added the caps. I branded it kaf&kap.
DT: For how long have you in this business?
Hassan: For a year now, but I decided to make it more official precisely in May this year by including the caps and giving it the brand name kaf&kap.
DT: What was your dream career?
Hassan: My dream career is to become a lecturer in computer science and eventually a professor. I am still on the path because I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. I will also continue with clothing and cap business because I can never stop this business.
DT: What was your mission when you ventured into this business?
Hassan: My mission mainly was to become a major entrepreneur in the fashion industry by taking the arewa traditional attire to the world and to have major outlets both locally and internationally.
DT: What are the challenges you face so far?
Hassan: The main challenge was getting the perfect head sizes of my customers when they ordered for caps, but over time it became easy as I now understand sizes and hardly go wrong. I also had little issues with capital but I decided to start small and grow big. And I have noticed I’m getting better by the day.
DT: Can you recall how and when you made your biggest profit?
Hassan: Well, because I’m still young in the business I wouldn’t say I have moments that I recorded my biggest profit, but for sure I make amazing profit and I am still making profit that I never thought I would.
DT: How do you market your products?
Hassan: I’m in Abuja now, but I don’t have a permanent shop yet. The business is mobile for now. I advertise my products online using facebook, twitter and Instagram. I usually supply my costumers within Abuja by myself if they place an order, and then use courier services to send to those outside Abuja. And I tell you, the business is moving fantastically well.
DT: What are your future plans?
Hassan: My future plan is to have major outlets in at least three states, which include Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos, and to also empower others by creating an opportunity for them in my business. I equally want to set a pace for my friends who are still doing nothing at home or those that are choosy in settling for a job.
DT: What is unique about your caps and kaftans?
Hassan: My products are unique because of the packaging. I ensure I go for high quality threaded caps and quality materials for the kaftans. I don’t compromise standard at all. My caps include the kubes, tangaran, ATM and the likes. I think I’m unique in my own way because I don’t compromise quality no matter how little the gain is.
DT: What would you advice a graduate that is waiting for a white collar job?
Hassan: I will advise graduates to think outside the box and come out of the mentality of graduating and looking for a white collar job. There is always something they can do. They should look inwards with humility and start something. No matter how small that business or idea might look, with God, time and hard work it will grow into something amazing. I work in a school presently but on several occasions I have made twice my salary in just a day. So compare that with what I can get in a month.
