Today we’d like to introduce you to Okey Ujoatu.
Hi Okey, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised in Abia State, Nigeria, I arrived in the US in 2001 with goals of pursuing higher education. Graduating with a bachelor’s in accounting and later a master’s in business administration, I built a successful medical billing business, but my heart always remained with fashion.
Growing up in Nigeria, where fashion was ingrained in our culture, I developed a keen eye for style and quality. However, living in America posed challenges in accessing authentic cultural attire. Frustrated by the lack of options and the unreliable nature of local tailors, I often resorted to ordering large batches of custom outfits during my holiday trips to Nigeria. Although my needs were met, it was quite time-consuming. Eventually, I picked up an interest in fabrics, patterns, and design intricacies.
In 2018, I decided to combine my expertise in business with my love for fashion, founding a clothing line that offers authentic cultural garments to Africans and the diaspora, bridging the gap between tradition and accessibility. Today, my brand stands as a beacon of quality and authenticity, providing individuals with the opportunity to connect with their heritage through clothing without the stress of unreliable tailors.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While the journey of establishing my clothing line has been rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the major struggles I encountered when my business started was navigating the unknown process of customs. Shipping authentic cultural garments from Nigeria to the diaspora involved complex procedures and regulations that I had to familiarize myself with. Understanding the intricacies of customs clearance, duties, and tariffs was a steep learning curve that required patience and persistence. Additionally, ensuring that the garments reached customers in a timely manner without any hiccups at customs posed its own set of obstacles. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to providing a seamless experience for my customers, and through perseverance and dedication, I was able to overcome these hurdles and now offer timeline guarantees.
As you know, we’re big fans of AfroVogue. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the sole owner of AfroVogue, an African clothing brand catering to both Africans and those in the diaspora. We specialize in custom clothing and suits for everyday wear or special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, work, and social gatherings. I operate a physical storefront in Houston, Texas, and offer virtual services for those outside of the city, ensuring accessibility across the entire United States.
As your comprehensive resource for garments, I also provide traditional accessories like wedding coral beads, canes, and customized hats and fans. With a vast array of options to accommodate preferences stemming from the multitude of African tribes, I guarantee personalized solutions. Leveraging my expertise in fabric selection and fitting intricacies, I offer assurances that your clothing will be tailored precisely to your measurements.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Versatility has been pivotal to my accomplishments. From assisting clients who are unsure of their preferred style and still effectively meeting their needs to navigating the unpredictable delivery timelines of shipping giants or international customs, adaptability has been key. Moreover, understanding the nuances of various fabric types and their fitting requirements has been essential to providing guarantees.
Expect change and be flexible enough to adapt. I watch for trends and adjust my process as needed. I will not make the same mistake twice. I want to make sure that each customer has a smoother experience than the last.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.afrovogue.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afrovogue1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afrovogue1
Image Credits
@secondshotsphotography
