For 42 years and counting, Mrs. Grace Chito has been making women beautiful with her creative designer hats.
The talented graduate of Corporate Economics from the Institute of Management and Technology, (IMT) Enugu State shares her success story with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online, AZUH LILIAN.
Can we meet you?
I’m Grace Chito Mark, the CEO, Grace Hats
What’s your educational background?
I studied Corporate Economics at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State.
When did hat designing begin for you?
It started 42 years ago when I was still in secondary school, at Queen’s School, Enugu. My sister came and saw me needling with my hands and said she thinks I can make hat. She actually led that idea in me. When I was done with my SSCE I started feeling my hands with the left over materials in the house and before I knew what was happening, I came up with something that looks like a hat and people liked it. And before you know it, it just became a business from small to what you are seeing today. I told the first person who asked me how much I was selling that each hat cost N10. She gave me N30. I was so excited. And that was how I went to the market, bought hat materials and today God has made it big.
Did you have any formal training in hat designing?
No
How long did it take you to master the act of hat making?
There was no training. It’s a gift from God.
Who are the people you look up to in the milliner business?
None
As a milliner, what designs are in vogue?
Turbans and Fascinators
What is a-must-have in an elegant woman’s bag
Powder
What is the most expensive thing in your wardrobe?
None
How many awards do you have to your credit?
Several, I have lost count
What does style mean to you?
Style is whatever you make out of what you want to look like.
When was the last time you wore a suit?
I don’t wear suits
Describe the kind of woman who would wear Graces Hats?
Elegant stylish women
What’s the full meaning of Chito?
It means, God be praised
What inspired your designs?
God’s creations, objects and worshipping God
The name Graces Hat’s, how did you come about it?
My name and that of my mother’s is Grace
When did you set up Graces Hats?
1980
What is your favourite color and why?
Green, just like it
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
Giving me a talent and knowing him
How would you describe Chito mark?
I’m simple, talented and godly
What is the bestway to overcome challenges in business?
Overlook the challenges and trust God for a way out.
How would you describe Nigerian women in terms of fashion?
Nigerian women are very fashionable
How would you rate the hat making industry in Nigeria?
It is a very creative industry
Would you consider marriage the best decision you ever made?
Yes!
Where do you source for your hat materials?
I source for my materials within and outside this country
