Abuja: Popular Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James has cautioned that designers who charge high prices without providing a corresponding level of quality could risk losing their customers. According to Ghana Web, the designer was not concerned by fellow designers who decided to increase their prices after she recently adjusted hers, emphasizing that the value delivered to customers should dictate a designer's charges.
Speaking in an interview with Riyah, Veekee James defended her pricing strategy, highlighting the significant amount of work, creativity, and investment that go into her designs. She asserted that customers must understand these factors when evaluating her prices. 'When I put up my prices recently, some designers were saying they're also going to raise their prices. I just said if you feel like you give that much value and you deserve that much, then fine. If you don't give the value of that price, you're going to lose customers,' she stated.
Veekee James explained that her current standing in the fashion industry was achieved through substantial investment and effort. She revealed that her journey in the industry required time and resources to establish a unique niche. 'I've already been able to have a niche for myself in the fashion industry. When I started fashion designing, I did not just wake up and start calling prices. It took so much and there's so much that I've invested in my business to make it what it is today,' she elaborated.
The designer also addressed the challenges she faces in explaining her pricing to those who question it, as they may not fully appreciate the creative process involved. Veekee James considers several factors in her pricing, including the time spent on creating and detailing a dress and the creative energy necessary for unique designs. 'Do you know the value you're going to be getting? Do we want to start from the time that we will take to detail the dress or what it takes me to actually create a design for you because it takes me a lot,' she explained.
Veekee James disclosed that she sometimes struggles with generating ideas and often turns to her faith for inspiration. She has attributed some of her creative ideas to the Holy Spirit, a notion she said often perplexes people. 'That's why every time I say that the Holy Spirit gives me designs and they ask me how? The devil gives nothing, but they don't understand,' she added.