ON THE RISE: FASHIONPRENEUR, BLESSING ODOEMENA FEATURES, TALKS ZIKORAH AFRICA AND INSPIRATION BEHIND HER DESIGNS

On this debut edition of #OnTheRise, we speak to the young and vibrant Odoemena Blessing Obiageri; Founder, Zikorah Africa, a fast growing fashion outlet in Nigeria, changing the norms and redefining standards.

The Imo state born graduate of Industrial Physics takes us through her journey, her first ever fashion award nomination experience and her path way to getting that global recognition she truly deserves.

Enjoy!

Q: Hello Ms Odoemena, we know you as the Imo state born beauty, what else should we know about you?

A: I'm a fashion enthusiast, a lover of God and people, a B.Tech degree holder from the    Federal University of Technology, Owerri and the first of 4 children 

Q: At what point in your life did you decide to delve into Fashion?

A: Being a lover of fashion, I always love to look good no matter where I'm going to.

I decided to go into fashion when I realized I was spending a little too much on clothes almost every week. I initially learnt to make clothes because I wanted to just make for myself alone.

In the long run, I decided to go into the fashion business and here I am.

  

Q: What does Fashion mean to you? Is it beyond clothes?

A: Fashion for me is beyond clothes. It's a way of expressing myself;

my inner thoughts and creativity.

Q: What does “Zikorah” mean and how hard was it for you to decide that would be the name of your fashion business

A: Zikorah is an Ibo name which means "show the world"

I wanted my brand to have an indigenous African name and something that people could easily relate with.

It took me 2 days to finally conclude on the name after sending to friends and family for assessment.

Q: How hard is it venturing into Fashion? 

A: No business is easy and the fashion business isn't exempted.

It's been a struggle trying to break into the saturated Nigerian fashion industry, but the journey has been worthwhile.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge as a Fashionpreneur? And how have you coped?

A: My greatest challenge has and still is funding.

It's difficult assessing loans and grants to fund a business in this part of the world.

But so far, I'm taking everything step by step towards building my brand with or without external funding 

Q: Zikorah Africa is notably known for some of the most eye-catching designs when it comes to fashion, how do you come up with such designs? What inspires them?

A: The world on its own is full of so many inspiring features.

I love my designs to stand out and be unique, so I draw my inspiration from nature; most of my designs are imagined and others, a fusion of inspiration gathered from trends set by western designers 

Q: You have been nominated for the SME 100 Nigeria’s 25 under 25 Awards in the fashion category, your very first nomination; how does that make you feel? 

A: Very excited actually...

I have long desired recognition for my work, and this nomination was very timely. I'm very delighted and I hope to bring the award home.

Q: For those who would like to see some of your works and possibly contact you, how can they go about this? Social media accounts? Email?

A: Yes, Zikorah is on Instagram as @zikorahafrica

On Facebook as @zikorah

And we have an official contact 07034854849 

And email is zikorahafrica@gmail.com 

Q: What would be your final words to people out there who are inspired by what you do and see you as a role model.

A: I'll say keep pushing, never forget why you started. Soon, your work will be seen, and your labor rewarded.