I saw beyond just ‘let me make money in my account’. I saw that it's a duty, it's a mission for me to change it. - Olusola Babatunde
Nigeria houses a brand that is revolutionising the industry with its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality; One Stop Celebration (OSC). This fashion manufacturing company produces high-end garments for international clients and its founder Olusola Babatunde has always been about a little more than that. One Stop Celebration also has a great interest in the next generation and they take this on by training the next generation of fashion professionals, it is safe to say that OSC is setting new standards for excellence in Nigerian fashion manufacturing.
There's no school in Nigeria that's training proper fashion design and the other aspects of the value chain. Who's the pattern maker? There's no pattern maker. It's free cutting. It's what the majority of them do. So, we teach proper pattern-making. Good, manual pattern making. –Sola Babatunde
At the helm of OSC is this visionary leader, whose passion for the industry is matched only by her dedication to uplifting the local community. In a recent conversation, she shared insights into OSC's journey and the challenges they've overcome to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world.
The company's origins can be traced back to 2009 when it was founded with a mission to elevate the standards of fashion manufacturing in Nigeria. In a market saturated with low-quality imports, OSC set out to prove that Nigerian-made garments and Nigerian fashion designers could rival the best in the world.
One of the key pillars of OSC's success is its unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many other manufacturers in the region, OSC adheres to international production standards, utilising state-of-the-art machinery and employing highly skilled professionals trained both locally and abroad. From pattern-making to quality control, every aspect of the manufacturing process is meticulously executed to ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of excellence.
Another person finishes the hem. Another person is working on the neckline. It's a proper production line. Someone else is ironing. Somebody else is stitching. Somebody else is handling quality control. So not one person can claim, 'Oh, I made everything.' It's a proper production line. Because of that, it's been wonderful. -Sola Babatunde
Central to OSC's operations is its comprehensive training program, aimed at nurturing talent and empowering individuals to pursue careers in fashion manufacturing. Through a rigorous six-month training program, aspiring fashion professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. OSC's commitment to training extends beyond its workforce, with partnerships with NGOs and governmental organisations to sponsor individuals from underserved communities to undergo training.
But OSC's impact extends beyond just producing garments; it's about changing mindsets and reshaping perceptions about Nigerian-made products. In a country where imported goods often dominate the market, OSC is leading the charge in promoting made-in-Nigeria fashion. By showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of locally made garments, OSC is challenging the notion that imported equals superior.
What goes into the production of a T-shirt;
Fabric Cost: OSC caters to bulk order quantities as a strategy for their primarily B2B model but on special occasions, cater to smaller MOQ's of 100-500.
Screen Printing Cost: Screen printing the design onto the T-shirt involves considering factors such as the number of colours and the size of the design. The cost of screen printing is determined based on these factors.
Personalised Labels
NB: The unit cost of a T-shirt as of 2023 was as low as N2,700 but can be anywhere from N3,200-N3,500 as of February 2024 due to the rapid demise of the Nigerian economy. This is one of the reasons more Nigerian business need to be supported in order to circulate its fashion industry's economy. Find out more in our exclusive research-based interview with Sola Babatunde.
Despite its many successes, OSC faces its fair share of challenges, from managing a diverse workforce to changing entrenched attitudes towards locally made products.
Character is very key for us. you're penalised for lateness. It is deducted from your pay so if you don't come today, your salary will be less because if we calculate it by day, this is your wage per day, then it's summed up and paid to you at the end of the month. Also, it's tied to KPIs. -Sola Babatunde
However, through innovative strategies and a relentless focus on excellence, OSC continues to overcome these obstacles and pave the way for a brighter future for Nigerian fashion manufacturing.
As OSC looks towards the future, its vision remains clear - to be a driving force behind Nigeria's fashion industry, empowering individuals, and showcasing the immense talent that exists within the country. With its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and community empowerment, OSC is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Oh, I'm Nigerian; now I'm born for this. I always tell them I'm made for this... I tell them, 'Do you want your life to be better? ... if you want your life to be better, come here. Except [if] you don't want your life to be better... So we're teaching you how to sew, your life is getting better and you see that this makes sense'. So we pray... Then we show them why we have to be better. We show them why you have to be better. You can't be doing what that ‘Baba Radu’ did and he's still in [just] one small shop and couldn't send his children to the best of schools or couldn't even afford this industrial machine. -Sola Babatunde
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It was such a pleasure speaking to Mrs Babatunde. I love connecting with fashion entrepreneurs upholding values that are community driven.