Kola Zubair- “I think It’s almost the same process, like the citizen of the country and the immigrant, too. It’s like almost the same challenges that we’re facing. If you don’t know your way out of the business you won’t go anywhere. If you know the way, there is great opportunity right here.”

After receiving a sewing machine as a gift soon after arrival in Connecticut, Kola was able to generate enough sewing work by word of mouth to self finance his overhead costs, and the eventual purchase of some commercial machines. He found additional support and guidance in the Niro Design Center in downtown Hartford, co-founded by Rondelyn Bell, and Naimah Spann.

Naimah Spann- “Kola came in, he was very new from Africa, just got here. He came that day and we never got rid of him. He’s been here ever since.”

One of the design center’s missions is to combine fashion and design training with entrepreneurship and business development skills. Along with mentoring and use of equipment, Kola says that their guidance has helped him improve the durability of his garments for the demands of the American market.

He has built up a loyal clientelle, including Tola Adediran, who drives over an hour from massachusetts for his products and service.

Tola Adediran- “That’s how much we love Kola. He’s made about 5 outfits for me now, and today we got here to try on our outfits and there were a few things I wanted changed. And that’s what he’s doing now- he already had it done before but he’s a good sport about it and he’s changing it for me.”