Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebele Iloanya.
Ebele, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been interested in fashion. As a child I remember visiting my grandma and she would have weavers make fabrics for her, so it was natural for me to love clothes especially the feel of fabrics. However, growing up in Africa the idea of being a designer or seamstress was a big no-no, especially if you had the means to be college-educated.
Hence, I start my career in the corporate world as a marketing specialist. Though I was in the corporate world, my heart always yearned to do something in fashion, I’d always sketch something on a piece of paper or try to change the style of an already made garment.
In 2003, I moved to the United Kingdom to continue my corporate career, though I continued to design for my friends as a hobby. In 2008, I once again had the opportunity to move continents, this time to the states.
During the relocation process, I had a moment to stand still and listen to my inner voice that had been nudging me for quite a while. At that time, I was thinking of creating garments just for myself. I went ahead and registered for sewing classes, and after the classes I went on to study under a custom clothier for six months. My tutor encouraged me a lot and was very emphatic that I needed to start designing
I launched MODChic in 2009, a clothing line for any woman who wishes to stay classic yet contemporary — with a little dash of cutting edge. I started from my home and in 2 years I moved to Studio on Hwy 59 and Hillcroft also in Houston. At the studio I concentrated on RTW pieces and also custom dresses. In 2016, I opened my first official store front in Rice Village in Houston name MODChic which carries my Label which is the Boutique is named after and other vendors items including apparel and accessories.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any business, there have been challenges and obstacles. These challenges for me are what I call learning curves. There are issues with manufacturers- ensuring that you have your garments in on time, finding the right manufactures, sourcing fabrics and generally dealing with the challenges of an ever-changing fashion market and trying to stay relevant.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the MODChic story. Tell us more about the business.
MODChic is a clothing line as well as a boutique and caters to women from the ages of 22 – 65. Our demographic is quite wide and believe that there is something for everyone.
Our styles are Classic, Contemporary and Cutting edge. MODChic is known for our Uniqueness in garment and exclusivity. Our garments are crated from the finest fabric with vibrant colors.
I am most proud of how far we have come and the reputation we have built in are around Houston.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe that with prayer, hard work, consistency and opportunity you can achieve success
Contact Info:
- Address: 6125 Kirby Drive, West University Place, Houston, TX 77005
- Website: www.modchiccouture.com
- Phone: 8329257491
- Email: customerservice@modchiccouture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modchiccouture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModChicCouture/
Image Credit:
BethieLife
BlogConnet
Ashley Dunn
Misha Granada
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