Hello everyone,
This week we interviewed Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, the Founder and Creative Director of EKI Silk about her recent experience of the Level 2 Award in Digital Marketing.
Hazel was born in a rural town in Germany, raised in Nigeria and now residing in London. Through EKI Silk, she injects a bit of nature, culture and travel into her designs, but always with Africa on her mind.
Hazel recently completed the Level 2 Award in Digital Marketing and has been applying her new-found knowledge to more clearly identify target customers, research her competitors and to focus on using the business's current tools and budget to amplify the brand story.
Here is our interview:
Hello Hazel, tell us a bit about yourself:
I am the designer and founder of the brand EKI SILK, a women’s wear brand. We design with the modern woman in mind and our collections feature a combination of versatile separates and gorgeous kaftans that make it light and easy to travel with and lounge in.
Wow, it sounds as if you are already very successful. Why did you feel the need to do more studying?
I joined Dagile to improve my digital marketing skills. As a founder of the business, I tend to invest most back into the business and less so in my skillset, so I saw this as a perfect opportunity to go back to the drawing board and hone in my skills as well as learn new ones.
It’s important to keep abreast of any new marketing tricks on how to better engage with my audience. As I don’t have a marketing department, it is important that I invest time in learning new methods from a different perspective. I also knew it would force me to become more disciplined with my timing as there would be time set aside for assignments.
I also joined the course because I knew I could schedule the lessons around my busy schedule, even though it would have also been nice to be in a room with other like-minded people.
What made you chose Dagile as your training provider?
I have worked with London South Bank University before on a course and was invited to give a speech. This is where I learned about the Dagile programme.
How did you find the course and it’s teaching?
I found it very enriching as it really forced me to look at my current business model and ensure it was being managed properly. Then it forced me to break down my clients and prospects to the very detail and look at different ways of communicating with them. I also had to do some research and see what other companies are doing and comparing it to my business.
My Tutor, Thomas Empson was very comprehensive and thorough, giving ample amount of guidance on research. He also took the time to evaluate and give constructive feedback on the assignments.
Did the training help you develop new ideas for your company?
The most important thing I learned was the importance of customer profiling and looking at different marketing mechanisms. It also encouraged me to focus on using my current tools and budget to amplify the brand story.
Do you think the training will enhance your career prospects?
I will need to dive deeper into the various marketing tactics in a more in-depth course over a longer period, but this short course has definitely been of benefit to my career development.
Do you have any final thoughts to share?
It was a pleasure to be on this course.
Thank you so much for your time Hazel.
We are grateful to Hazel for sharing her Dagile experience with us and wish you every success for the future.
If you too want to find out more about EKI Silk, check the following social pages;
