Fashion Is A Way Of Life – CEO, Jennie Pete Essentials

– Says Appearing Different In Crowd is a Statement

Our deputy Editor on Entertainment & Fashion had an interactive session with Jennifer Peters, the owner of Jennie Pete Essentials Clothing line.

Bayero University graduate expressed her love for Crochet in fashion world, reeling out the reasons for her strong liking for Crochet.

Excerpt:

Let’s meet you and tell us about your background, family and growing up.

I am Jennifer Peters of Jennie Pete Essentials. The 2nd daughter in a family of 6. From Igbere, Bende LGA, Abia State.

Throw more light on your education

Erhm, I have a Bsc in Sociology from Bayero University, Kano.

How did you find yourself in the fashion world to the extent that you have your clothing line?

Well, fashion is a lifestyle you know, it’s something you do consciously and subconsciously. I have always had a thing for creating/modifying things from the scratch although I didn’t learn crocheting formally. Actually I just started doing it in secondary but I didn’t know of the different types of stitches until a few years back when I decided to make a living out of it.

Why did you choose to go into an unconventional area of fashion… handmade (Crochet) and I thought such material had gone extinct?

I have always loved crocheting, I wouldn’t say it’s unconventional although to an extent our people are yet to embrace crochet outfits as their regular fashion must-haves but we are getting there. We just don’t have enough crochet designers. For me it’s really fulfilling making a great piece with my hands.

If you have an eye for class, exclusivity and want to enjoy a spot from the crowd, go for crochets. It gives and appeal.

Would rather choose to go for a swimming with your stuff than the traditional bikinis?

I would pick a crochet bikini from my brand or other crochet brands over the regular kind anytime, any day. I mean it’s custom made, has a very appealing value and is exquisite as well. Makes you different. To make a fashion statement, you come to us.

It looks as though it might be heavy while coming out of a pool. Don’t you think it might draw down from one’s waist, which might cause embarrassment?

Oh no! That’s a myth, it’s not heavy and won’t get heavy if worn in water, yarns are super light and skin comfy. It allows for good ventilation when worn, funny enough it’s easy to maintain and hand wash as well and super light.

How is it doing in the market and what are the feedbacks like?

The market is still growing though. It’s a bit slow and not as vast as the regular fashion market but it’s surely good and will get better. So far, there hasn’t been a bad feedback which I am super grateful for, it’s a remarkable feat for my brand.

What’s you projection in the next two years?

I am looking at rebranding some of the conventional stuff to new designs I conceived. I don’t crochet just bikinis, I do children & adult outfits, storage baskets, socks and even blankets. Adding all these to the brand’s official products in coming years. Again, I look forward to competing internationally.

What challenges are you having in your business?

I’d say that crochet designers are underrated and unappreciated generally. The time and effort used in making a piece is really exhausting but people don’t care. We are under priced a lot.

I remember having someone priced my product way low, it was really annoying.

Meanwhile, finance is also a challenge. If I get a financial leverage, I could expand my scope of the business and make certain materials with commensurate exploits in the market. Just recently, I have been invited for a major fashion exhibition. Of course need to expand the lines to showcase to the world. I am

You look quite beautiful. Would want to talk about what gave you scares on your beautiful face – that’s if you don’t mind?

I get this question a lot. It’s a long story. It is only by the special grace of God that I was able to survive I had a terrible accident as a child which claimed the lives of people, Fortunately the doctors were able to save my life and I have had these scars since then. They are part of me now. It remind me of God’s faithfulness and that there is nothing too hard for Him to do.

Thank you.