We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruth Waziri. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruth below.

Ruth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I definitely wish I had started my fashion career sooner. I officially began in 2020, fresh out of university, and at the time, I was really just testing the waters. Fashion was more of a hobby that I was experimenting with, rather than diving into it headfirst. Looking back, if I had taken it more seriously earlier on, especially before COVID, I think it would have given me a strong push.

Pre-pandemic, the fashion industry was still operating at full force, and the momentum in terms of networking, events, and even production was completely different. I would have had more opportunities to immerse myself in the fashion world and perhaps build those connections that became harder to make once everything went digital.

Starting earlier would have allowed me to develop my skills, build a brand presence, and understand the industry dynamics better before everything was turned upside down. While the pandemic definitely forced me to be more resourceful and creative, I can’t help but think that getting an earlier start would have allowed me to hit the ground running instead of navigating so much uncertainty.

That said, I’m grateful for the lessons learned during this unique time. But if I had the choice, I’d definitely have jumped in sooner!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Ruth, and I’m a fashion designer from northern Nigeria, currently building a brand that focuses on making women feel empowered through tailored, bespoke fashion. Growing up in Nigeria, I was exposed to fashion at an early age, watching family and friends navigate traditional styles and celebrations. But while I was always surrounded by fashion, it wasn’t until 2018 that I truly began to take an active interest in it. What started as an exploration of personal style and creativity soon evolved into something much bigger.

By 2020, I officially launched my brand, specializing in creating bespoke outfits for the everyday woman. My designs reflect a fusion of tradition and modernity, blending influences from my northern Nigerian roots with global trends. The focus is on tailored pieces that aren’t just beautiful but functional and empowering, celebrating femininity while offering comfort and individuality.

What sets my brand apart is the personal touch I bring to each design. I believe fashion is about more than just clothes—it’s about how you feel when you wear them. Every piece is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring it fits each client’s body and personality. I aim to solve a common problem many women face: finding clothing that not only fits well but feels like it was made just for them. Whether it’s for an event, work, or casual outings, I offer designs that make women feel confident and seen.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in my vision. Seeing a client wear a piece I’ve designed and watching their confidence light up is incredibly rewarding. For me, that’s what fashion is all about—helping women express themselves, feel good in their skin, and embrace their uniqueness.

For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that my work isn’t just about creating clothes—it’s about creating an experience. My brand values individuality, and each piece is a reflection of that, tailored to fit not just your body but your story. Whether you’re looking for something classic or bold, I’m here to bring that vision to life.

Fashion, for me, is a journey, and I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and creating pieces that resonate with women from all walks of life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most challenging moments in my journey as a designer happened when I tried to launch my first ready-to-wear (RTW) collection with a pop-up event. I had planned everything meticulously—secured the venue, lined up marketing, and was set to unveil 240 pieces. It was meant to be a turning point for my brand, but unfortunately, the production process turned into a major disaster.

When the items were finally delivered, the quality was absolutely terrible—poor stitching, uneven cuts, and fabrics that didn’t match what I had envisioned. Every single piece was unusable, and I was left with no choice but to cancel the entire pop-up event. I had invested so much in that launch, from the venue to production costs, and cancelling was a huge blow. Not only did I lose a significant amount of money, but it also shook my confidence.

Despite the setback, I knew I couldn’t let that moment define me. I still had orders from clients that needed to be fulfilled, so I made the decision to rent a studio space to keep working, even though the production issues would take over six months to resolve. It was a tough time—I had to keep communicating with frustrated customers while navigating my own feelings of failure and uncertainty.

But looking back, that experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. I could have easily given up on the RTW line, but I chose to learn from the situation instead. It forced me to dig deeper into the production process, take more control over quality checks, and understand the business side of fashion more thoroughly. While it’s still taking months to get things back on track, that challenge strengthened my commitment to my brand and my craft.

Ive learnt a lot from that setback, the experience reminded me that setbacks are inevitable in any journey, but what matters is how you bounce back.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a designer is seeing how my work impacts people on a personal level. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating a piece of clothing that helps someone feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. Fashion is such a personal expression of identity, and when a client puts on something I’ve designed and they feel more like themselves, that’s the moment that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

I also find great joy in the creative process itself—the ability to take an idea from a sketch, through the production phase, and finally into something tangible that someone will wear and cherish. It’s like watching a dream come to life, and every step of the journey fuels my passion to keep creating.

The connection between the art and the wearer is what truly drives me. Whether it’s a bespoke piece for a special occasion or an everyday item that makes someone’s life easier, knowing that my designs play a role in how someone feels about themselves is a deeply rewarding experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ruthwaziriatelier.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwaziriatelier