Jawaheed Mansur Bello (Fashion)

Kwalliya adon mace; idan ka ga mace da confidence to ka tabbatar she’s dressed well in what makes her comfortable. 

Jawaheed Masur Bello is the founder and Creative Director of Elegantbyjay. A truly creative young woman who pays special attention to details finds pleasure in making beautiful outfits that leave her clients feeling confident and classy. 

1. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?

Hello, my name is Jawaheed Mansur Bello, and I am the founder and creative director of Elegantbyjay. Growing up, I’ve always had a thing for looking good. As I got older, I always paid special attention to my outfits. I would spend hours with my tailors explaining in detail exactly how I wanted every piece to come together. I was doing it just for my own satisfaction, but surprisingly, people would always take notice of my outfits and dish out amazing compliments. From there, I decided this is something I enjoy doing, and I do it pretty well, so I might as well make a career of it.

2. CAN YOU DESCRIBE A PROJECT OR PIECE OF WORK YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?

Well, as a person who’s always striving to outdo myself, I am proud of all my work, but I think a dinner dress I made for my client Fatima for her sister’s wedding stands out, and I think this stands out because Fatima is a client who knows exactly what she wants and how she wants it. She came in, and we spent hours coming up with the “perfect” dress. So right from the get-go, I knew it was going to be an astonishing dress.

3. WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN YOUR INDUSTRY AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?

When it comes to challenges, I will say, alhamdulillah, I have not had a lot of them except for a few times when I had difficult clients and some not-so-reliable tailors, but I have come to understand that in a business that involves constant human relations, one must learn to manage difficult people and situations.

5. WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR FIELD?

There are a lot of exceptional designers out there, but I think what sets me apart from them is my attention to details and strong work ethics.

7. WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

I hope to continue making a positive impact in the industry by contributing in my own little way by creating elegant designs and always making my clients happier than I met them.

8. WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCERS OR MENTORS IN YOUR FIELD?

Well, I get influenced by so many great designers, but I think the ones that I look up to the most are Avenga and TiannahPlacempire.

9. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

The advice I’ll give anyone just starting is to be hardworking and consistent.

10. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS OR PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS?

I am currently making plans to roll out my ready-to-wear collection soon.