Before her label Oges Language became a go-to for modern, statement-making designs, Aminu Fatimah was a university student styling friends in thrift finds, pairing vision with instinct long before she called herself a designer. Fifteen years later, that instinct has evolved into a brand defined by clean lines, precise detailing, and a refusal to blend into the crowd. In this B&B International Magazine exclusive, the self-made designer opens up about building a fashion house from scratch, breaking into international showcases, and why empowering women is more than a talking point.
1. What inspired you to leave political science and pursue a career in fashion design?
I’ve always loved fashion. Even back in university, while studying political science, I was the friend people came to for styling advice, despite wearing bend-down select. I enjoyed putting outfits together, experimenting with styles and wearing things that made me feel confident and beautiful. I put outfits together for people and feel happy when they love it. People often complimented my style and looked up to me for inspiration. I saw fashion as a passion, not a career.
After graduating, I got married and had kids, then I realised working a 9-to-5 job wasn’t easy and didn’t excite me. I wanted a career that allowed me to be creative and express myself. So, I enrolled in a fashion school, learned the basics, and continued to grow my skills. That was the moment I knew fashion was the path I truly wanted to follow.
2. You’ve built your brand from scratch over the past 15 years. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
There have been a lot of challenges. Starting a business, finding the right customers, and securing the right location were all big hurdles in the beginning. But I learned that no matter what you’re doing, you have to be persistent and determined. There were times I felt like giving up, but I reminded myself of the zeal and courage that made me start in the first place.
When I started out on my own, I didn’t have a strong network of clients. Sometimes customers came to me, but often I had to go out and meet them. In this business, you can’t just sit back; you have to put yourself out there consistently.
Another challenge was meeting deadlines, especially when orders piled up. I often worked late into the night, even overnight, to ensure everything was ready on time. Balancing this with family life, especially when my kids were younger, was tough. But with perseverance and determination, I pushed through.
Financial challenges were real, too. Running a business requires capital, and I didn’t always have enough. If I’d had more financial support back then, perhaps the brand would have grown faster. Still, I thank God that even without much, I stayed focused, didn’t let setbacks stop me, and kept moving forward.
3. Oges Language is known for its modern, sleek designs and attention to detail. How would you describe the creative vision behind your brand, and what influences your design process?
I always aim to create something unique, pieces that make you stand out without being loud. When you see my designs, there’s always a distinct touch that sets them apart. I don’t do “regular”; I want each creation to have a unique element that speaks for itself. My inspiration comes from simplicity with a twist, subtle details that make a powerful statement.
4. Were there specific moments or milestones that made you realize your dream was truly becoming a reality?
One unforgettable milestone was when I participated in a fashion exhibition and show in Germany. I remember being one of the few Black designers there, and yet, the way people embraced my work was incredible.
Visitors came to my stand without even knowing me, but they admired my designs, asked questions, and purchased pieces on the spot. The patronage and warmth I received made me feel truly seen and appreciated. It was a huge confidence boost, proof that my designs could speak for themselves, no matter the audience. That experience inspired me to push even harder.
Soon after, I began creating clothes for big celebrities and receiving consultations from prominent clients, and that’s when I knew I was heading somewhere special.
5. As a woman who has built a thriving business, what does “empowering women and girls” mean to you on a personal level, and how do you bring that to life through your work?
As a woman, whenever I see a young lady, I see myself in her. I remember the struggles I went through with my mother, and I know how it feels to aspire to be something more. That’s why many of my employees are young women, I want to give them the encouragement and support I wished I had when I was starting out. I often remind them that they’re on the right path, even when it feels slow, because this is exactly how I began: in my room, making clothes and small pieces of jewelry to sell. From there, I moved into a tiny shop, then a craft space, and eventually into a larger store. My growth happened step by step, and I want them to see that theirs can too. For me, empowering women means creating opportunities, nurturing confidence, and helping them build something they can truly call their own.
6. Entrepreneurship can be demanding, and self-doubt or burnout is common. What keeps you motivated and self-driven during challenging times?
What keeps me going is my faith in God and the determination to keep moving forward, no matter how tough things get. I believe that with God by your side, you can achieve anything. The process is never perfectly planned; you have to work it out step by step, but there’s an incredible joy that comes when you succeed. That joy becomes your fuel. It pushes you to do more, to dream bigger, and to climb higher on the ladder of success. Even when things feel heavy, that sense of purpose and the joy of progress keep me motivated to push through.
7. You’ve spoken about letting “your style speak the language.” In your view, what role does fashion play in self-expression and identity, especially for women?
Fashion plays a very important role in a woman’s life and the life of any human being. The way you dress speaks volumes before you even say a word. It can influence the kind of energy you attract and how people respond to you. I remember one day, I was stranded at the airport and needed help carrying some heavy items. A lady I had never met came to my aid without hesitation. Later, she told me that what first caught her attention was my top, its simplicity, elegance, and unique style. She admired it so much that, even before we spoke, she felt drawn to help me. That experience reminded me that style has its own voice; it differentiates you from others and leaves an impression that words sometimes can’t. Even in silence, your fashion can tell your story.
8. What advice would you give to young women who have a dream that doesn’t align with their academic background or current circumstances?
If you can dream it, you can make it happen. The most important thing is to actually like what you want to do, because if you don’t enjoy it, you’ll give up the moment it gets hard. But if it’s something you truly love, no matter the stress or the obstacles, you’ll still keep going.
Passion is what makes you wake up excited and keeps you moving forward even on tough days. That’s why I always tell people: put your energy into something positive, something that makes you happy. Think about footballers, they train and work so hard, but because they love the game, it doesn’t feel like work, and they still get paid for it. That’s the ultimate blessing.
For me, fashion doesn’t feel like work, it’s something I love, and the fact that I get paid for it is just a blessing. Find that thing for yourself, and don’t let your degree or current situation stop you from chasing it.
9. What are your long-term goals for Oges Language, and where do you see the brand in the next five to ten years?
I want Oges Language to be a household name, not just in Nigeria but all over the world. I want people to think of us for everything, brides, anniversaries, red carpet events, casual wear, whatever the occasion, Oges Language should be the first name that comes to mind. I also want to create more platforms to train and mentor young designers, especially women, so they can grow and build their own success stories. That way, my legacy will not just be in the clothes I’ve made, but in the people I’ve inspired and empowered.
10. If you could go back and speak to your younger self at the start of your journey, what would you say to encourage her?
Take chances and be fearless!
