Weddings, birthdays and celebrations often inspire people to wear attire that reflects their heritage and traditions. Through digital technologies, custom fashion – created to exact personal preferences and specifications – has provided an avenue for these occasions. But the growing field lacks standardization or best practices.

Enter NOMAJI, the brainchild of Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics entrepreneurship grad Alexis Isebor ’19. Currently in beta mode, this is an online custom fashion marketplace where clients can work with tailors or designers in their own communities or around the world.

“There are so many talented designers and tailors around the world, but there is no way to easily access them, resulting in endless hours of research through social media or personal references,” explains Isebor. “Through NOMAJI, I’m stepping in to allow the true craftsmanship of custom fashion to shine.”

Isebor’s motivation derives from her upbringing as a Nigerian American growing up in Miami, where her West African heritage was celebrated through food, fashion and language.

“I believe in a future where anybody anywhere in the world has the ability to find a tailor or designer that fits their quality, style and culture, and understands their needs,” says Isebor. “I know NOMAJI can become the home for the future of custom fashion, where anyone can discover trusted designers, learn about the custom fashion journey, and bring their ideas to life…all in the palm of their hand.”

With the experience of founding NOMAJI and gaining knowledge from CSUF entrepreneurship talent, Isebor shares these five tips for students, alumni and others in the Orange County community seeking to establish themselves in entrepreneurship.

1. Identify Needs. Isebor notes it is easier than ever to start a business and keep your day job due to technology. But the biggest challenge: Identifying an unfilled need that hasn’t already been addressed. That’s where Isebor encourages crowdsourcing opinions and ideas from others. Her mentors advised her that the insights of 10 people is a good starting point to test out an idea and see if a need exists. “If your idea solves a problem you know exists and is out there, execute it. If you don’t, someone else will. So don’t wait too long,” she advises.
2. Share Your Idea With as Many People as Possible. Isebor recalls that at first, she was afraid to share her ideas with others for fear they would steal her plans. But was encouraged by her CSUF professor to crowdsource with others. “We need to share our ideas with as many people as possible because we all see the world differently. Every person brings a unique perspective that can help strengthen your product and uncover opportunities you may have overlooked.” says Isebor.
3. Understanding Finance is Very Important for Any Business. The College of Business and Economics has three Centers of Excellence to help business concepts succeed – the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship, the Center for Family Business, and the Small Business Development Center. All of these stand ready to advise students, alumni and community members on how to get started on turning dreams into practice.
4. Implement an In-Person Component to Your Business. In the era of AI, Isebor believes startups that incorporate face-to-face interactions and real-world infrastructure will stand apart. For example, NOMAJI supports shipping logistics and plans to help clients with post-delivery alterations or fit issues when needed. “While the world is becoming more digital, I believe there will be even greater value in in-person infrastructure and face-to-face interactions. Anything that exists beyond the digital realm will become even more meaningful,” she says.
5. Get the Word Out on Social Media. Isebor encourages any entrepreneur to initially focus on the social media platform where they are most active to spread the word, in order to build a customer base and crowdsource ideas and funding.

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