DIANO, creating wealth from wisdom

DIANO, IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING   PEOPLE LOOK AND FEEL GOOD

make-up, before and after

Dorothy Omonigho Uwangue, is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Diano, a fast growing fashion and life style outfit, whose vision is to give people the best in fashion. Diano, she said, is the umbrella name for the

Dorothy on duty

other sub ventures like Diano creations which handles the knitting arm of the business; Diano makeover handles the makeup aspect, Diano Tutor and Diano cares that handles the training and humanitarian aspects respectively. The business lines according to the CEO, will in future extends to other areas.

 The knitting arm of Diano designs is into the making of knitted bags, shoes, wears, and also makes hand fans for bridals and all classes of people. Tying of Gele (head scaffs), make overs of bridals runways, celebrities etc are all undertaken by Diano.

Dorothy was born into an entrepreneurial family that are always interested in being self employed because they feel working for people do not give them satisfaction and independence.

Dorothy attended Otaru Primary school, Auchi, Edo state, Idia College, Benin, Edo State and Lagos State Polytechnic, where she studied Business administration. After her Business Administration programme in Lagos State polytechnic, her search for job was futile, so she decided to do what she can to keep body and soul together. On how it all started, she said, she worked in several places including eateries, Canopy renting businesses as a marketer, in all of these, she didn’t find fulfillment, until she decided to become creative. She’s always had the flair for fashion and also gifted in being creative, so, as the bible readily said that the gift of a man shall make a way for him, she decided to undergo some training in makeup from an alumnus of Tara Make up in Benin, her learning how to knit bags was a miracle as she learnt in just three days from one of her friends who visited her; as she helped her in doing the knitting, she also learnt how to do it in the process and as she continually practiced it, she eventually became perfect.

Diano custom made Bag

Diano custom made Bag and slippers

Speaking on the philanthropic aspect of the business, Dorothy said, she decided to venture into it as a result of her experience as an alumnus of a girls’ school, Idia College, Benin. She said way back in school, she knows what girls faced, and how difficult it can be to survive as a lady; which is why some men take undue advantage of girls. So, in teaching them on how to be creative, and also helping them to be independent, it will go a long way in ameliorating their problems; therefore, as God began to bless her, she said she felt sharing her wealth of experience with upcoming ladies is not a bad idea at all.  

On the affordability of Diano products, she said, it depends on the social status of the customer as the cost of materials and accessories that are used in production varies. However, prices of Diano products she said, varies from N2, 000 to N20, 000 depending on the product, and materials that go into its making.

On the length of time that it takes to produce her different products, Dorothy said; a luggage bag takes about two days to produce, while an ankle bag takes a day and a half. She said; ‘...I can produce about 40 pairs of shoes in a day. But, when we fully launch our products’ knitting machine, we expect our output to double the existing quantity within the same length of time...’

Our products are in most super stores around the state capitals and Diano can also be accessed online, on facebook. We are sure a business organisation in a class of our own. We believe that looking good is good

Diano custom made Hand Fans

business, so we are in the business of making people look and feel good.

This is the story of Diano business venture. In view of the above, can some unemployed graduates learn some lessons from it? Instead of sitting at home and waiting for a nonexistent white collar job, wisdom demands that they begin to think of how to create wealth for themselves and get themselves out of the grips of lack.