Entrepreneurs are the backbone of many economies, with their impact felt far beyond borders. In Africa alone, there are more than 245 million businesses — each with a unique story. Among them is Nigerian-born fashion designer Ramatallahi Abubakar, whose journey from medical science to fashion illustrates the determination and creativity it takes to build a brand.
Now based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Ramatallahi is the founder of Ramatporsche Design, a label that blends African-inspired style with modern design. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to create beautiful outfits that help women feel confident.
“Fashion allows me to tell stories through fabric,” she says. “I use bold colours, intricate lace, and flowing silhouettes inspired by African culture, but I merge them with modern, minimalist touches.”
Ramatallahi’s foray into fashion began while studying Medical Science at Kwara State University, where she designed custom lab coats for her department. Her talent quickly gained recognition: in 2020 she was named Student Fashion Designer of the Year, and by 2021 she was showcasing her work at the Kwara Trade Fair.
What started as a side project soon evolved into a full-fledged passion and, eventually, a business.
Today, Ramatallahi juggles the demands of entrepreneurship with motherhood and teaching sewing workshops in Bradford. Like many small business owners, she’s learned that creativity is only one part of success.
“The challenge is balancing creativity with the business side — especially managing costs and deadlines,” she admits.
To keep her business sustainable, she turned to online marketplaces for affordable, high-quality tools and materials. From sewing needles to mannequins, Ramatallahi estimates she saves 40–50% compared to local stores — savings that make her quality designs more accessible to clients.
One investment made a particular difference:
“My mannequin from Temu was a game-changer,” she says. “It saved me from constant fittings and allowed me to perfect designs much faster. The quality is outstanding — sturdy, durable, and exactly what I needed.”
Beyond running her brand, Ramatallahi is passionate about passing on her skills. She runs 12-week sewing classes where beginners learn to design, cut, and sew garments, often using sketchbooks to plan and illustrate their ideas.
Her goal is not just to build her own business, but to inspire others to start theirs.
For those dreaming of starting a business, Ramatallahi’s message is clear:
“Start with what you have, keep learning, and don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you begin. The best part is seeing a client’s face light up when they wear something I’ve made — it’s priceless.”
Her journey from lab coats to high fashion is more than a career pivot — it’s proof of the hustle, resourcefulness, and passion that drive African entrepreneurship forward.
