Edidiong- The woman shoemaker

In a world were most ladies are reluctant to chase ambitions and pursue dreams, a generation where many women wait for posh cars and only wish to own and live in their imaginary luxury homes and empire made in heaven that may not come in an entire life yet Edidiong Jonathan has decided to standout amongst her pairs to join the league of young entrepreneurs and employer of labour.

Belvontimes spent some real time with this young and ambitious woman and here is what we got..

Let me start by asking you to tell us about your self, education, background, business and base..

My name is Jonathan, Edidiong. A native of Afaha ikot osom Ibesikpo, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA in Akwa ibom state. Based in Uyo, Akwa ibom state.I earned my higher national diploma (HND) in business administration and management from Akwa ibom state polytechnic Ikot osurua. I worked as a substitute teacher as a corp member in kogi state in 2016. Presently the CEO of Crush fittings, a shoe producing company that will soon become a house hold name in Nigeria.

What motivated you into your present business?

My love for art. Mere thoughts of Artisan creation progress, beautiful thoughts of how transformation can be done from ideas into artifact with few tools motivated me into shoe making.

In a male dominated industry which is situated mainly in Aba, how are you able to produce and sell your Sanders?

Since it appeals to the wide spread audience, I have no difficulties and i do my marketing mainly on the online through the internet, but mostly I get referrals from friends and satisfied customers.

How did you manage to Kick start production from the scratch,and were you given some loans or grants to get started?

No! It all started through personal savings, though family and friends contributed too because they saw prospect and they had no choice than to encourage and support my hustle.


Have you started delivery out of the state and if yes where are your client or customers located and how did they find your brand?

Yes
Lagos, Kogi and Abuja and its been Quite impressive. And like I said earlier, i get referrals from friends and clients and online.

As a young female entrepreneur, what are the setback in the course of running this business?

Firstly,Sometimes you are not seeing the result even when you are pushing so hard, it's very easy to want to give it all up and secondly,Ideas rarely turn out the ways they are conceived and finally any idea without financial backings to bring it to life will definitely not see light day.you see a lot of young people out there super creative ideas but no financial support to bring them to live.


Where do you intend to take your brand to in the next 3 years?

In the next 3 years, crush fittings will be a house hold name in Nigeria. I will step further to making cover shoes aside sandals and slippers thereby rubbing shoulders with clerks, Adidas, Gabor, Nike ,Gucci and their likes.

Who are your targeted customers and how are you able to satisfy them?

Men and women with a taste for high quality shoes. I satisfy my customers by managing their expectations accurately.


This journey to the top is a tough one, what is your watch word?

Consistency and focus is my watch word and I think every young person who is trailing the part of success should follow same part.

How are you able to get your relationship going as a busy factory worker who spent almost all the day designing and producing?

My dear, there's definitely time for everything and as you know, money has to be made so it's business before pleasure. Laughs!

Certainly while some folks are waiting for manners to fall from heaven while others are already  climbing to heaven to get it down. Watch out Crush fittings in few years to come.

make your orders by calling +234 8023146011
Belvontimes..