Bukola Nora Oyetunji shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Bukola Nora, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
This morning, during a conversation with one of my partners in Africa, we talked about something many people still get wrong about the fashion industry. Too often, people assume fashion designing is a simple business—one where you invest some capital and wait for success to show up, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Fashion is not a business for the uncommitted. You must love it deeply enough to face the hurdles, push through the setbacks, and keep creating even when inspiration feels far away. Capital alone won’t carry you. This industry demands your time, energy, creativity, intelligence, consistency, and unwavering dedication.
To thrive, you must constantly think outside the box, stay ahead of trends, rebrand when necessary, and keep learning and relearning techniques. You must create designs that are not only beautiful but profitable. And in a world where the industry is becoming saturated with similar ideas, standing out requires doing something exceptional, unexpected, and authentically yours.
In a nutshell, fashion is often misunderstood as an easy path to success, but those who truly know the industry understand that it requires far more than people assume. It is a craft, a discipline, and a calling—one that rewards those who are willing to put in the work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bukola Nora Oyetunji, and I am the Founder and Creative Director of Fabulous by Nora LLC, a fashion house known for its bold creativity, cultural elegance, and modern couture craftsmanship. My journey in fashion is deeply rooted in my Nigerian heritage.
I was raised by my late mother, who sourced and sold African fabrics, and it was through her that I first discovered the beauty, richness, and storytelling power of our textiles. The early lessons I learned from her have grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined, and today, Fabulous by Nora stands as a continuation of her legacy.
At Fabulous by Nora, I create designs that merge traditional African elements—especially vibrant Ankara and other African‑inspired fabrics—with contemporary luxury. My work is all about celebrating confidence, individuality, and self‑expression. What makes my brand unique is the way we transform cultural heritage into innovative silhouettes that feel modern, elegant, and unforgettable. From custom couture to ready‑to‑wear pieces, every design is crafted with intention, meaning, and artistic excellence.
Right now, we are working on something incredibly exciting: the launch of our Spring Collection, which also marks the official rebirth and rebranding of Fabulous by Nora. This private runway event will showcase our new luxury collection—versatile, statement‑making pieces designed for special occasions and memorable moments. The launch will take place on March 7th, 2026, at The Anderson HTX on Northwest Freeway, from 6 PM to 10 PM.
I’m truly looking forward to unveiling this new chapter, and I hope you’ll be able to join us for this intimate and unforgettable experience.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of truly feeling powerful came in my early 30s, around 2015, when I enrolled in a certificate program in Life Coaching and Neuro‑Linguistics Programming. My intention at the time was simple: I wanted to gain the tools to help others feel empowered and navigate life with more clarity. But in an unexpected twist, I became my own first client.
That journey required me to confront and release emotional baggage I had carried for years. With the guidance of my coach and trainer, I went through a deep process of self‑discovery. I emerged from that experience reprogrammed, renewed, and able to see myself in a completely different light. It was during this period that I discovered my true purpose, and that clarity has shaped every part of my life since then. I stopped worrying about people’s opinions and began focusing on living a life that felt fulfilling and authentic.
That sense of inner power played a major role in my evolution as the founder of Fabulous by Nora, and it continues to guide me as I build and sustain the brand. It marked the beginning of a new version of myself—one who leads with confidence, intention, and purpose, while also remaining empathetic toward others. I understand now that everyone is on their own journey of self‑discovery, and sometimes, people simply need grace as they find their way.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
At the beginning of this interview, I mentioned that fashion designing is not a child’s play—and I think it’s also important to add that running a business on its own is a major feat. Since officially launching my brand in 2020, I’ve had moments where I almost gave up, but the period that truly tested me was between December 2023 and January 2024.
Within the span of one month, my store was broken into twice, and several items were stolen. I remember feeling targeted, almost like someone was out to get me, lol.
But instead of letting that experience break me, I chose to treat it as a learning curve. I reinforced my security, re‑strategized, and rebuilt with even more determination. And the beautiful part is that, rather than collapsing, the business grew stronger. Today, I can proudly say that we’ve reached a point where the sky is only our stepping stone.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Loyalty is something I hold very close to my heart, and my closest friends know this about me. It’s one of the main reasons I’m very selective about who I allow into my inner circle. I have many acquaintances, but the moment someone becomes a friend, I expect the same level of loyalty, sincerity, and support that I’m willing to give in return. I value friendship deeply, and the few friends I have can truly attest to that.
Once that trust is broken or I feel betrayed, it’s almost impossible to earn it back. I believe in protecting my peace and surrounding myself with people who genuinely want the best for me. I love to see everyone around me succeed, and I expect that same energy and goodwill in return.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my customers would miss the aura, joy, and personal touch I bring into styling them. My clients are truly like family to me. I love making them feel special and welcomed from the moment they step into the store. I take my time to understand their personality, their style, and even their budget, because creating a look that makes them feel confident should never come with pressure.
But the truth is, I don’t think I could ever fully retire. Fashion designing and styling are more than just work for me—they’re my passion. That’s why Fabulous by Nora feels like my baby. I love watching it grow, evolve, and flourish.
This work gives me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment that I can’t imagine walking away from. It’s the connection, the creativity, and the transformation that keep me inspired every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fabulousbynora.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fabulousbynoraapparel
- Twitter: fabulousbynorapparel
- Facebook: fab by nora
- Other: Attend our upcoming luxury fashion show event – https://tinyurl.com/Atunjiluxuryfashionrunway
