We recently connected with Idayat Sambo and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Idayat, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
The fashion Industry made a lot of people believe you have to show skin, be slim or wear skin-tight clothes to be considered beautiful, Well at covermecutee we believe that everyone is uniquely equally beautiful and that covering your body does not take away from your beauty as a master of fact, Modesty is the highest level of elegance. As an African descendants, we love our plus-size bodies just as much as if not more than the average body. The most important type of beauty that society tends to ignore is beauty within your heart, giving a helping hand, loving your neighbor as yourself, and knowing that you have been created perfectly for yourself. The majority of the content I create on social media is to encourage women of all ages and races that no bodies opinion about you matters, what matters is how you feel about yourself, this is the relaxation you see in the mirror. Our clothing caters intensionally to plus size women because every woman deserves to love their journey, body, and story!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
9 years ago I moved to the US with my family(husband and 3 beautiful girls) to start a new life “live the American Dream” they say. In the heart of NewYork Landed our plain from Nigeria. and the journey began. In Nigeria, it is easy to find modest clothing or get it custom-made to your style. Now living in the states I remember going to a store to pick an outfit for a special occasion, I pictured a color block circle skirt with a nice shirt ( it was during summer). Fortunately, I saw something similar from afar as I stepped into the lady’s section so I rushed to grab it before someone else could, The skirt was beautiful, soft, and had a beautiful flow but as I looked closer, I found a Slit from the ankle to the mid-thigh, I felt heartbroken. I went home that day and didn’t attend the event. As a Muslim woman with a certain modesty level, it can be hard to find clothing in regular stores. Unknown to me the problem I had made me think about using my fashion design experience to make modest casual clothing so I can solve the problem for me and any other women out there that wanted to be covered and cute. So this is how the journey began, I decided to be the solution I could not find. As COVERMECUTEE turned 5 this year, I now understand that for every disappointment there is a blessing! I now design clothing for women around the world so that they can show up on any occasion and be the best version of themselves.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
It’s funny because I started my business with an $80 sewing machine that was gifted to me by the landlady to get me on my feet when we first moved to the States. As a result of her kindness and after growing a successful brand (covermecutee), I have put together a nonprofit (CMC EMPOWER HER)that gifts sewing machines to women who have learned the trade of sewing but can’t afford a sewing machine in Africa. with the support of my social media community, we have given over 20 machines away and we still continue to give back. I believe that when you are empowered, it is only right to empower!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Take it one day at a time, I know you have heard this a million times but consistency is key. Create Educational and entertaining content.No you do not have to dance or do what makes you uncomfortable. Do not go against your personal values. Be your Authentic self in the best way. Be ready because not everyone will like you and that’s ok. Collaboration will help you grow faster so reach out. Don’t give up remember “Rome was not built in a Day”. Your community is out there waiting for you, you need to make yourself visible so they can find you. Lastly, everything you do is content do not complicate it.
Contact Info:
- Website: covermecutee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covermecutee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idayat.sambo.7
- Youtube: covermecutee
Image Credits
image @dricolamar