16/10/2024
MY JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE:Fsphanie Designs…
Growing up as a hardworking girl I had somany ideas in my head of what I would want to become… I pictured myself as a Lawyer practicing one day,same time I saw myself becoming a Lecturer someday and finally a fashion designer… the later was a silent dream but obvious in its own way…as a little child I was converting trousers to skirts with needle so I could wear them.
Now let’s get down to my story of resilience and how far I have come
I grew up with hardworking parents and siblings very supportive but I had this eagerness to live an independent life. Yes growing up was never easy as my parents had responsibility of training each and everyone of us.I started working as a teacher in a primary school immediately I came out of secondary school with 5000 naira as my salary… yes I would say it went a long way. Along the line I got admission to study Law (LLB) at National Open University. At that time I had gotten another job in a fueling Station and so I was working as a pump attendant and same time schooling. I practically saw my self through school as Dad and Mum was training others and so didn’t see the need to border them though they were very supportive .October 2016 I graduated, same time I got layer off from work and same week I lost my precious mother who was my back bone through my struggle as a little girl.it was all like the world has come crashing on me… my support system cut off from me I was left without a purpose and no decision of my own.
After mums burial in November one month after her demise, I enrolled into a fashion class with the little money I had. Six months into the fashion class i got married to a man far older than me… yes not because of money but I thought I had found love and care( the biggest mistake of my life)I had a wonderful baby girl out of that marriage but I had wished it was out of wedlock and not in wedlock. One year later the marriage broke down irretrievably and I was left penniless,broke and with a child of 10 months. He left me broke and penniless without support with the sole intent of forcing me to give up on my child and hand her over to him. But he was so myopic, he was not aware of that part of my life that speaks independence, resilience, consistency and hardworking.
Left at the middle of the road to no where to go to and empty of decisions, I remembered I once learnt tailoring.
Lest I forget in 2018 I got another admission on merit into the University (IMSU)to read another degree course ( Education Government) I was enrolled by my ex husband but just after my year one he left…now think about it, Having a ten months old child, schooling and starting a career as a fashion designer all at once. But in all I never looked at my past, I was all focused in my future because I never wanted to ask anyone for bread even though I ask my siblings for support but not as a begger.
I started my Tailoring business with one butterfly manual sewing machine at a low cost to make me get clients, create awareness and my fashion brand known.I never went back to learning fashion in a fashion class but rather I had virtual upgrade classes from Apparel . Six years down the line I am proud to say Fashion was a call, a gift and that key to survival.
Yes did I complete my law program,yes though I have not gone to Law school,did I finish my second degree? (Education Government) yes I did with both certificates.
Finally did I establish my fashion business,yes I did and now I work with industrial machines.I still do my sewing in my small bedroom but someday I hope to open an Academy. And now that silent dream of becoming a fashion designer is what has made me who I am today.
I am KANSI FLORENCE TOCHI STEPHANIE also known as Fsphanie and the Brand Creative Designer of Designs…Is always Fashion 10/10. I make and deliver quality wears with good finishing.
My Journey of Resilience thus far I have come I thank God and yet far I will go I ask God for his Grace,Mercy ,Love and Strength.
