By Rita Okoye
Grace Ojie-Chukwuka is an industrious woman who has passion for entrepreneurship especially fashion design.
Her passion for entrepreneurship made her to obtain two MSc degrees in Human Resources Management and Business Psychology respectively.
Recalling her humble beginning, Ojie-Chukwuka said: I started this drive when I was quite young, I usually used needle and thread to make unique designs for babies, and it metamorphosed into getting a machine to start sewing for adults, specifically women. My designs always stand out. Also, my choice of colour and creativity always give my brand a perfect and outstanding look.
Believing that knowledge and understanding of one’s customers is the bedrock of a successful fashion business, Ojie-Chukwuka thought of a perfect brand name that would attract clients to her business. And then she found and settled for Aceking.
My brand name, Aceking Fashion Design, was borne out of my passion for fashion and style. I asked myself what can I do to add beauty to humans? I love it when women are uniquely dressed. So, to add a different touch to the nominal designs, I started my fashion house, which was basically established to bring uniqueness to how women look.
Aceking was derived from my name – the last three alphabets. When I checked it in the dictionary, I realized it means Good and I quickly chose it, and the King’ refers to my husband; he is my king, she explained.
To Ojie-Chukwuka, fashion is a self-expression that allows people to showcase their individuality and personality through their appearances. Fashion can be influenced by so many things like culture, socio-economic status, climate and historical events, as fashion is not limited to clothing alone. For me, my favourite style is the traditional wears – the way we call it in Africa – our native wears that we use Ankara, Aso-oke, and laces to make. They are my favourites because they speak more of our origin, and add beauty to the black skin, she stated.
Dealing with difficult clients can be painstaking, but for the mother of four, with effective communication and a solution-oriented mindset, the problem of handling difficult clients could be a thing of the past.
“As a fashion guru, I understand the importance of delivering high-quality work in ensuring client’s satisfaction. My clients are peace loving, even the most difficult ones that I have ever encountered at the end became my best clients. I show my clients love and make my office conducive for them. I give listening ears to their opinions and make choices. I encourage them to always speak up and vent their anger when need be. In fact, the difficult clients made me a better fashion designer, Ojie-Chukwuka declared.
However, despite the troubles of stubborn customers, the fashionpreneur could boast of some memorable experiences. “My most memorable moment was the day I started using manual machines to sew. I was just days into the journey of fashion, I was able to make a unique dress for a friend, and she was so happy. But what actually made it unique was that she adored this dress that she wore to a wedding ceremony; and she was looking stunning in it. This got me encouraged and motivated to take creativity to the highest level.
With Signature Fashion, House of Jumbo, Excel Fashion, and Coco Channel as role models, Grace Ojie-Chukwuka described her journey so far as one of learning, discovery and growth.
“From my early days of playing with materials, creating designs with various styles and fabrics, to my most current experiences designing for customers and cooperating with other fashion professionals, every step of the journey has been an opportunity to develop my creative ability and expand my vision. My main objective is for my brand to be a powerhouse in the global fashion industry. It is attainable by developing designs that inspire and empower individuals to standout and be distinguished, she concluded.