Award-winning Mumpreneur, Irene Dumuje Opens Up on Starting Her Fashion Design Business & More

Award-winning mumpreneur, Irene Dumuje, is the CEO and creative director of DMJ, a budding fashion design and home decor outfit, influencing trends and style choices in Nigeria.

The yummy mum of one who describes herself as simple, intelligent and down to earth, schooled in America, and shuttles between there and Nigeria, where she is based with her family.

In a brief chat with MIM, Irene opens up on starting her business, empowering other women and some of the rewards so far.

You are a fashion designer…

“Yes. I design clothes, style people, upgrade personalities, teach fashion and also start trends. I’m into seeing women emancipate from who they are to where they never thought possible by using their hands, intellectual capacity, and feminine power (looks).”

When did you start this business?

“I started about 7 years back as just a personal venture positioned to styling people around me; family, friends and acquaintances, but the demand for what I do pushed me to expand to people who can pull off my outfits well enough, and of course, afford it.”

How much capital did you start with?

“Capital? I started with the little I had, making outfits for my mum and close family. Subsequently, people who saw what they wore and liked it paid ahead for their own orders. I must say starting with a huge sum of money doesn’t matter. With the little you have, just make sure you are competent at what you do and keep doing it well. Soon enough, people will seek you out and pay you in advance for your services.

From what I earned, I saved and was able to go for a full time training in fashion design and event business. It’s worthy to note that I had won City People Fashion Newcomer of the Year before I went for that training. That shows that when you do what you love and give it your best shot, doors will open for  you.”

What inspires you? 

“My inspiration comes from the different people I meet, their individual tastes, style and preferences. I get to see and feel a lot of fabrics too and it ignites a creative light and makes me want to do something extraordinary with them. I also draw lots of inspiration from people I see on the streets, events and church and figure out how their outfits can become even better with a little switch.”

So, how much have you grown?

“Growth for me is not how much my business is worth, but the people I’ve been able to meet their needs; people I’ve been able to empower by imparting my skills. Right now, I’m trying to position my outfit in a way that people see it not just as a fashion/business outfit but a place of empowerment and feminine CHANGE (not APC style though).

Beneficiaries include you or anybody who is aligned to my industry and would like to share knowledge or wants to learn new ways of building up such a venture. I’m also reaching out to stylish women who love good fashion and would like to interact to discover themselves and unique styles that suit them.”