Founder of Beyond Clothing Nigeria, Prince Arthur Uche , is a law graduate from the University of Jos. After being called to bar in 2004, he practiced law for about a year, and then left it to pursue his passion in fashion and garment production. His journey in the apparel business began when he enrolled as an apprentice in a garment manufacturing factory to learn garment construction and pattern making.
Amidst a tough operating environment, Uche displays true entrepreneurial grit when he goes to China to improve on his craft, which many already consider close to perfect.
“When we are curious, we view tough situations more creatively, says two publications by the Harvard Business Review: The Business Case for Curiosity and Why Curiosity Matters
Read about Uche’s China exploits below!
PART I
“My journey to Chinese garment factories was a quest to learn from the best. I’ve always heard the saying, “Follow who know road,” so I prayed for the chance to go to China and see firsthand how they do things. Finally, last year, We got the opportunity. For a whole month, we visited different factories, eager to soak up as much knowledge as possible.
“What struck me most was the Chinese approach to manufacturing. They see tailoring as big business, tackling it with an entrepreneurial mindset. They invest heavily, focusing on specialization. For example, if they choose to make button-down shirts, that’s all they do, and they do it exceptionally well.
“Here in Nigeria, we often like doing things on our own, with a “Me, My Self, and I” attitude. We don’t realize the strength that comes from working together. We want to own our businesses entirely, thinking that with our creativity and hard work, we can succeed. People learn tailoring or fashion design and then spend years struggling, relying only on their skills and efforts. It’s like the saying goes, “Kama nga anwu ma adoliwa Uwa wu ndoli ndoli!”
“The Chinese, however, pool resources and expertise to set up businesses. They invest in modern machinery, streamline workflows, and leverage technology at every production stage. Each machine in a Chinese factory is meticulously equipped and dedicated to a specific function, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
“I’m slowly putting into practice the things I picked up in China at my factory. Hopefully, one day, I’ll have the chance to share these lessons with others through online training programs for garment makers and fashion designers. Keep me in your prayers. We all need to support each other to grow. Many of us struggle unnecessarily, mostly because we lack knowledge and don’t know where to find helpful resources. It reminds me of what Vusi Thembekwayo used to say: “We are only as wise as our level of exposure.”
PART II
“So, picture this: I stroll into this Chinese factory, right? And “gbam”! Within five minutes, I’m shaken. I mean, everything looks the same as my factory back home, but yet so different in system, technology, organization, usage, and result. It hits me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, what we do back in Aba, Nigeria, seems like child’s play – “Obioma, Dua-Dua” level. It’s like realizing that “Akara and moi moi share the same parent,” yet “no be the same thing”.
“Chinese folks, “no dey play” They’re on another level. Same tailoring work, Same sewing machines, same business model, but men, their results? Out of this world. It’s like they see this our tailor work as pure gold! Their “Aboki Forex”.
And we see it as a means to an end – to earn a living, fulfill financial obligations, buy Tokunbo car, start a family, and raise children.
“My people, I know we are busy, I know things are tough, and I know a lot might not have the resources to travel to China. But we all need to set out time to learn, to acquire better knowledge, to improve ourselves and our craft. It’s our responsibility to understand how technology is changing the landscape of our business and whether we are aware of it or not, a lot is getting disrupted and we need to set out time to prepare for the inevitable. The Chinese, along with others like the Vietnamese, Indians, and Bangladeshis, are forging ahead with innovation, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for market dominance. If you ever go to Turkey, you will realize that “Na as goat stand for market dem dey price am
“‘Omo’, me, I am committed to this thing called continuous learning. Money won’t hold me back. I’ll soak up knowledge from the web and emulate those I admire and respect. After seeing what the Chinese are doing, I cannot go back to doing things the way I have been doing things. I have to change and I want you to come along with me on this journey.”
