Exclusive Chat with C.E.O Isaac jones

Exclusive Chat with C.E.O Isaac jones

 Specialist in Footwear production.

Interview conducted by; Rohi Zephaniah & Dibosa Marcel members, Creative Writing SAED, NYSC.

Can you tell us briefly about yourself?

I’m Isaac Aigbe (B.Sc. Economics), Babcock University, an entrepreneur, I own a shoe company, we produce and manufacture in large quantity.

 What motivated you to go into shoe making?

 I finished school and started working at first but later ventured out my own business. To be your own boss. I established this business in 2016. And started with 250,000 naira.

Do you come up with designs for your shoes yourself?

Some customers sometimes demand for the regular shoes and I have some of my own designs they love too.

 What are the tricks of selling online?

Internet, Nurture your online accounts and remember customers are always right.

When you are not working, how do you relax?

I spend my time with family and friends.

Would you agree that studying in a private school influence your class of customers?

Not really, nowadays you can use online media to help have access to more customers to your business but it is at a cost, it takes money, time and internet, to run a successful shoe business online. The economy can really affect your business because everybody loves shoes

Are you currently working on any project?

Yes, my new collection SS19 mid prints, different print on our loafers and half shoes and different animal skin. It also takes 5-6 working days to complete a shoe

What are the pros and cons of this business?

Each pair is really a master piece. You are likely to love the style and design and want to own a pair of these shoes. There are numerous advantages of choosing these types of shoes, the most crucial being the quality. Compared to the machine made kinds you will observe that these shoes have an excellent finishing with each minute detail taken care of. So practically nothing can beat quality, style, appeal and perfection. Handmade shoes last longer and are very comfortable on the feet. Good quality makes charges reasonable, reference and referral from customers goes a long way.

How many workers have you employed so far?

I have employed 2 workers and have one trainee.

 What are your plans towards expansion?

I plan to source for loans which can help the business expand at a nationwide rate, so we can have shops in different state all over the country and outside. I also intend to venture into other businesses eventually I’m working on different collaborations at the moment.

As an entrepreneur what advice will you give to youths out there who are looking to start a business?


Have your capital ready, Don’t spend your profit on personal needs; create an account for your sales, Always think big and don’t sell yourself short to gain a sale. Be unique, Keep your customer first and never be rude, Make quality goods and ask them to refer you to their friends.

What role do you think the government can play in improving small businesses in Nigeria?

Small and medium scale enterprises are very significant to the growth of the economy. The government can help with low interest loans to help SME finance their business. We import some of our materials sometimes from Spain, Italy and China. We also source here in Lagos.

What are the qualities of a good shoe?

Comfort, Good material, Good finishing, Durability.


What do you think a startup business needs to excel?

Capital, attention to the business, a loyal partner or worker if the job is stressful, prayers and social media platform to advertise strongly.


What state/country (if any) have you delivered orders to?

Lagos, Abuja, Ilorin, Kaduna, Ondo, Edo, South Africa, Ghana, UK, Ogun, Anambra, Port harcourt, Delta, Bauchi.

As an entrepreneur what advice will you give to youths out there who are looking to start a business?

Have your capital ready, Don’t spend your profit on personal needs; create an account for your sales, Always think big and don’t sell yourself short to gain a sale. Be unique, Keep your customer first and never be rude, Make quality goods and ask them to refer you to their friends.

How can our readers contact you?

They can check our Instagram page: isaacjoneswears, or contact us through Whatsapp/call: 07060695409