Hi, I am Gubiya Ishaya from Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State Nigeria and I live in Zaria.
I Graduated from Government Girls College Zonkwa (Secondary education) 2006 - 2012
And National Open University of Nigeria Kaduna Study Center (tertiary education) 2013 - 2019
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a shoe designer and manufacturer as well.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU INTO YOUR CURRENT BUSINESS?
Ok I heard about a skill acquisition program that took place back then in lafia 2013 where they teach how to wrap bags, shoes and other things using Ankara. Immediately I just had the desire to go for shoe wrapping but didn't get the opportunity to do so until 2016 when I came to zaria by then the desire grew from just wrapping to full time production
DOES IT IN ANY WAY RELATE TO YOUR EDUCATION?
No it doesn't but I came to take a course on it in Nigerian Institute Of Leather and Science Technology Zaria (NILEST).
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION
Well, my greatest inspiration is, the joy I put in my customers face whenever they use shoes made by me, also that other young peopl are getting inspired by what I do
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU ARE FACING?
As a person just starting, I encounter the challenge of not being able to convince new customers and being that I am a lady. Some people say it's wired for a lady making while others even say it's not possible another challenge is a start up capital because it delays production
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST SETBACK YOU EVER EXPERIENCED
Ok a time came that because of passion I decided to take a very big risk by using the money that was meant for something very important to make shoes in bulk and ended up giving them out on credit and that really affected me greatly I almost gave up.
HOW DID YOU RECOVER FROM IT.
Well i decided to stop making shoes in bulk unless I have orders and a certain amount is paid by the client before I commence work.
WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR?
For me one of my greatest achievement is that my Father who opposed the idea of going for shoe making when I approached him, now talks about me with joy in his heart and smiles on his face. Not only that but because of me, he made sure all my siblings learnt a trade.
Also that my mentor and Father Mr Elisha Mamman recommended me to you is great achievement for me and I am really grateful for it
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL IN BUSINESS
Chidinma Emodi a Nigerian shoe maker and founder of The Footwear Academy (TFA)
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS
Ok my top goals are to make the best set of shoes that customers will be comfortable Walking on, have the best selling shoe company in Nigeria and across other nations and and to compete with top international shoemaking companies.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GIVING BACK TO THE SOCIETY?
Yes I do.
ADVICE TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS
My advice to other entrepreneurs is, keep doing what you do, love and develop relationship with what you do, do not frustrate your business and I believe if you do so you would be able to overcome whatever challenge you will encounter without allowing frustration get into you and it will only be a matter of time before nations begin to hear of you.
HOW DO WE CONTACT YOU?
You can contact me on the following for now. We are still working on an official website
08109665692 (what's app)
Ishaya Gubiya (Facebook)
gubiyaishaya@gmail.com
First I want to thank God almighty for this great and rare opportunity he as given me, Thank you so much naijaprenuers for this interview session. I really had a great time answering all your questions, to my Mentor Mr Elisha Mamman thank you for believing in me and many other young people, finally to my family and friends thank you for standing by me through thick and thin for believing in me and supporting me God bless you all greatly. I love you all with all my heart. Thank you
(please kindly leave a space after each question to answer the question. There are no limits of word to use but make your points clear enough. Also attached copies of pictures of your work. Thank you)
Here are some pictures below for your consumption









Gubiya this awesome more wins and success
ReplyDeleteThe sky is your starting point. Keep soaring.
ReplyDeleteMy love, i am truly truly proud of you, you are an amazing personality. I celebrate you deeply. Greater grace for more income, impact and influence.
ReplyDeleteThat's my baby. God almighty will establish you in Jesus name.
ReplyDeleteMore blessings dear
ReplyDeleteWell-done ishaya, this is the beginning of great things
ReplyDelete