West explains her winning business idea at Kid Business Fair

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Alexandra West, CEO of Lexy Fashion House

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My name is Alexandra West, friends and family call me Alexandra the Great, I’m 9 years old and I’m the CEO of Lexy Fashion House. 

I started making slippers, sunglasses and hairbands with Ankara fabric about a year ago. I used to admire my Mum’s lovely, colorful Ankara fabrics, so I fell in love with ankara prints, and I knew I could make something out of it. I started creating things with Ankara fabrics and it was so much for fun until April 2017, when I decided to sell out my products.

I started selling my products officially at the Kids Entrepreneur Business Fair in April 2017. It was an awesome experience, I made a whole lot of money and I realised I had great marketing and communication skills. My grandma encouraged me to be polite and my Aunt told me I had be confident. I couldn’t have done this without their help. Sometimes it could be overwhelming but I try to stay calm and patient and that works for me. I sold out all my sunglasses and slippers at the fair. After the fair I had a lot of orders from different people. People seem to like my product and Business has been great. I try balance school work and business. So I get to produce during weekends. My products are not only for kids. Adults get to rock them too.

Now I know what it’s like to start a business and make money for myself. It’s a good thing but very tough sometimes. I’m lucky because I get a lot of support from my family.

Winning the most innovative idea at the last KENT Fair made me very happy and excited to do more beautiful things. My mum gave me a diary 2 years ago and she told me to write down all my ideas and thoughts no matter how big or small. I can’t believe my idea has become a reality. I love the African culture, it’s so colorful that’s why I chose Ankara prints. I have great Ideas, I’m hoping to grow Lexy Fashion House into a big brand that the world will recognize. I’m saving towards that (big grin) & my Aunty says she will invest in my business once I reach my N1 million sales target. It seems like a lot but I think I can do it. It’ll be a dream to work with her. I will learn a lot.

I’d like to encourage all the beautiful kids out there, I want you to know that you’re not too young to start and it’s not too hard. You can do it. Believe in yourself.