Basic grooming tips for Nigerian men to look stylish and sharp- Adams Garba, CNE Apparels

Can we get to meet you?

My name is Adams Tanko Garba and I am the founder and creative director of CNE APPARELS. It is a brand that I established and have been promoting since 2015. I am originally from Plateau State and a Political science graduate of University of Jos.

How did the idea for your business come about?

Well for me, you know the saying, looking good is a good business? So, it wasn’t like I actually wanted to go into fashion as a trade but basically because of how I was always dressed back then a lot of my friends and some few from the entertainment industry thought that was I do for living, so most of the time people will be asking me Adams I like this shirt you are wearing how much is it? It took time and courage for me to really start, considering the fact that I have quite number of friends that were already in the business, the likes of my then friend and now mentor YOMI CASUAL, and also my friend OBENY and so on.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

To be honest it’s just raw passion/commitment. Because I actually know nothing about fashion designing back then so without the passion and commitment to persist, there would have been no way one can achieve anything, no business is easy and no industry is bed of roses, they all require sacrifices.

How did you come up with the name for your company?

The full name is CHRISKO NIGERIA ENTERPRISE. and it a conjoined name so this were the CNE came from.

How did you raise funding for your venture?

Well lucky for me Fashion is one of those very few businesses that anyone can start with or without much cash, just know the trade and you are good to go.

How do you build a successful customer base?

There quite a lot of factors to this question right, so for me this has to do with the way you render the entire service from the finishing to the timely delivery, to good communication and so on, then customers tell their friends and families about you or your services basically.

How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?

For now, mostly is social media, one on one marketing and then our unique selling promise USP. this i can explain if need be.

Can you describe/outline your typical day?

Busy.

How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

To be honest it’s just understanding because a lot of time you’re not available.

What motivates you?

Success.

How do you generate new ideas?

For me is simply having a quiet time.

What is your greatest fear as an entrepreneur, and how do you manage it?

Failure. And how I manage it is, I get busy.

What are your ideals?

To be straight forward and on point.

How do you define success?

Total fulfillment.

Can you share some grooming secrets for men who want to look stylish?

For me, grooming very important for a purposeful man.  I will share four ways to boost your appearance, look smart and sharp top

1.Posture adds to the overall appearance

You can wear a well-tailored suit and expensive shoes, but if you have bad posture, you won’t look good. Good posture will make the clothes fit better, and will certainly boost your confidence. You cannot expect clothes to shape you and define you. Elegance comes from within, and the way you carry yourself is what matters.

2. Plan your outfit in advance to avoid style flops

If you don’t have a planned outfit, there is nothing that can make you look sharp instantly. You don’t need to have an expensive suit, but you need to plan some outfits in advance, because it might happen that you get up for work and realize that nothing in your wardrobe matches, and you don’t have enough time to wash a shirt that would be perfect. Because of that, you need to plan some of your outfits in advance.

3.Feeling good about yourself can make you both sharp and smart instantly

Your style should reflect your personality. Feeling good in your own skin is the most important part of style. There is nothing you cannot do if you are happy with yourself. Not only you will feel better, but also you will boost your confidence,

4.Take care of yourself – style your beard and mustache

Men usually turn to growing a beard in order to avoid shaving every day. However, just having one won’t make you look sharp and smart – you need to learn how to maintain both your mustache and your beard. Simple trimming can make you look elegant and sophisticated. Therefore, you don’t need a fortune to make yourself look professional and stylish – all you need is a bit of grooming.

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Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

I believe in working smart and hard.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Control of my time.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Whenever I deliver a perfect service.

What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?

Just make sure he/she is passionate and committed to the business.

If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

Maybe acquire more knowledge before venturing. But far so good I must say God is faithful.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

A good communication skill, a good service and timely delivery.

What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule?

Good relationship with your service recipients.

What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?

Be sure you take out time to rest, invest in your brain by reading books, and in your health and if possible, lift others up as much as you can.