Renowned fashion designer Veekee James has shared her invaluable insights with emerging designers, offering guidance on how to protect their brand from potential pitfalls.
In a recent Instagram post, Veekee James drew from her extensive experience, cautioning designers against compromising their brand’s integrity.
Veekee James warned designers to steer clear of clients who force them to choose between payment and social media recognition, emphasizing that such ultimatums devalue their brand.
She recounted her own encounters with such clients, stating:
“I don’t know anything about the issue going around on social media so I can’t really speak on it! Here’s my advise as someone who has been there done that.”
“Once anyone comes to you with the ‘Do you want money or tag’ phrase, You better run! I’ve had so many of your faves, both in this country and abroad, use that phrase with me and that was it! Today some of these people will give anything to be in my piece! No cap. It just shows no respect or regard for your brand! Once you allow that, it confirms the fact that your brand has no value whatsoever!”
Veekee James stressed the importance of clearly defining brand values and being selective when collaborating with celebrities. She advised:
“Be wise! Don’t let money come first before the important things! Sacrifice in business is a must! As long as you have made glaring the values of your brand, be ready to collaborate sometimes only with celebs who respect you as well! Never forget that it’s a win win for you and the celeb! No one is doing you a favour!”
She also emphasized the power of faith and discouraged designers from relying solely on celebrity clients for publicity. She said:
“Don’t be desperate to be known through a person! You must know that only God is the LIFTER of Men! He will use only the people He chooses to lift you! Don’t try to do what only God can do for your brand! Don’t expect publicity from every celebrity and make desperate decisions without thinking!”
Finally, Veekee James urged designers to understand the true essence of being a designer, she said:
“If you want to be a fashion designer, go and research the true meaning of being a designer! So that you don’t end up being a tailor parading him or herself as a designer! If you are a designer, do the work of a designer!”
