- Reveals Why She Also Relocated From PORT HARCOURT To LAGOS
In Port Harcourt, many people know her very well. She is popular. Jane Gam-Dede is known as the young female Publisher of Dip Creek Magazine. But several months back, Jane relocated to Lagos to pursue her dream of doing fashion. She floated her fashion brand TWON-By-JANE she is the Creative Director of the label. Last Friday she spoke to City People Publisher SEYE KEHINDE about her new life in Lagos.
Share with us what you have been up to in the last few months.
I can only describe the past few months as “crazy” but also exciting. First, I made a full transition from publishing to fashion. Which was hard for me, because for the past few years everyone associate me with publishing, only a hand full of people knew I did also run my label on the side. Then I had to relocate from Port Harcourt back to Lagos to set up showroom for my fashion label, TWON. Even though I had lived in Lagos before i packed my bags to Port Harcourt to start Dip Creek Magazine which was a regional publication, coming back to Lagos January of this year was a huge move and I felt like a total stranger once I got back to Lagos. However I must say, things are falling in place and my label is beginning to resonate with people here in Lagos. So, happy for my decision to rest my Magazine and focus on building my label.
How has 2017 been for you?
2017, is without a doubt one of my most challenging year but it also be one of my most memorable year. Opening my showroom in April was the highlight. After years of dreaming to have a visual shop, my dream came through and the recognition my label has gotten in the short period we’ve be n opened is indeed overwhelming and for that I will always look back to 2017 with gratitude.
What keeps you going?
It’s funny you would ask, because I get asked that often. Truth is, I am one of those who started business really in life. At 23 I already had a registered business JGD Enterprises by 27 I had staffers and people looking up to me for their livelihoods. A good part of my life has been already spent trying to build my dream. So, I will say, what keeps me going is waking up every blessed day to see that I achieve my dreams. Sadly I am not that of an out door person and have very, very few friends, that naturally brings me back to my work. Once am achieving my goals, I am happy and that keeps me going.
Do you feel fulfilled?
Without even thinking, NO. I will sure be fulfilled if I have my label become a truly retail label. That’s it can be seen and purchase from stores in New York, London, Paris, South African and else where in the World. From when I thought of establishing a fashion brand, the vision was to be like Zara, have a factory, export from Nigeria to other part of the World. I know it’s sounds like a dream that can’t be woken up to but I have faith. I have been told it so impossible, that people with capital haven’t been able to achieve that, I have faith and staying with my original vision, since I haven’t achieved it yet, I can’t say, I am fulfilled. However when I am able to be or come close to such retail brand like ZARA and others, then and only then will I say “I am fulfilled”.
Are there new areas you are looking at:
Of course yes, movie production. I trained as a theater artist from the university of Port Harcourt before I when on to study Journalism. I am not one to be trapped in one place. I love to explore a lot, it’s what keeps me going. I have already featured in a yet to be released movie titled “A step too far”. That said my own script is on the works. I have also had the privilege to work with Hilda Dokubo on her movie Asawana. 2018 will indeed see me step out into other areas like Movie and back to some media related stuff. I am a creative person, my mind is working 2,4,7, I cannot restricted myself.
What sort of a person are you?
Committed; Focus: Dedicated. I may not have lots of friends, some persons think am anti social but whatever I set my heart to I commit to it. I stay focus to any course and I am dedicated to whatever I am doing. I am that person whom you can go to sleep trusting that if I tell you, yes it’s yes. I tell it as I see it, I guess thats why I don’t have load of friends because I will tell you as it is, no pretending. Above all, I have a deep faith and trust in the Creator of the Universe. I trust and fear only Him. If ask to describe jane in one word, it will be, simple. And even my designs reflex’s my simple personality.
Is Jane married?
Nooo! I am not married and I don’t have children.
Why are you still single?
Hmmm! I guess I just haven’t found that someone who understands me. I can be a big off. That I must admit.
How has she been able to manage all the pressures from all the big boys?
(Laughs) I think “Big Boys” are attracted to “Big Girls”. I am just the girl next door, with no privileges. But I know who I am. And I understand I can be more than I am. And beside I have never subscribed to anyone being big/rich. I respect people including men for their personality and how they respect me and treat me. Sure no girl I wants a broke ass guy but I believe there should be more to a person’s personality than jus the title for being Rich. So, I don’t have any pressure because most guys even think I have too much of a strong personality and that isn’t so attractive to many Nigeria guys.
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