“My Dream Is To Bag A Master’s In Diplomacy And Build A Global Fashion Brand”

My name is Gold Ibiale. I’m a 28-year-old Fashion Designer based in Ibadan.

I have a National Diploma in Business Administration from Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic and a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Ibadan Polytechnic.

My dream is to get a Master’s degree in diplomacy and take my Fashion Design business to a global audience.

How did I get into Fashion Design? When I finished secondary school while waiting for results my mum suggested that I should go and learn a trade. I was instantly opposed to the idea but she’s a Nigerian mum. I’m sure you know what that means.

The main reason I was opposed to the idea was because I had heard horror stories about how apprentices were usually bullied by their masters and I was not looking forward to that at all.

I was, however, pleasantly surprised when I started training with Debraeworld and the “lady boss”, Debra, treated us, the apprentices, with so much respect and compassion. Debra inspired me a lot. She is my mentor.

Within a year of starting my apprenticeship, I gained admission into Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic but I did not stop my Fashion Design training. I would continue during school holidays mainly because of the inspiration I got from “Boss Lady” Debra.

In the year 2020, during the Covid lockdown, when we were all sitting at home doing nothing, I used that opportunity to complete my training.

I don’t have my own shop yet. I’m currently employed but I make dresses from home.

Below are samples of my work: