Words By –  Yemisi Suleiman 

As the world marks International Women’s Day, Allure sits down  with Julie Pinnick, a seasoned management executive and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, to discuss her remarkable journey in growing companies and devising business strategies. As the Creative Head of House of Dreyanda and Vice Chairman of Brownhill Group, Julie embodies the empowered woman who has leveraged on her expertise to drive innovation and promote equality.

In this exclusive interview, Julie, wife of former NFA (Nigeria Football Association) Boss, Amaju Pinnick, who turned 40, March 5th,  shares her reflections on life and career, her vision for House of Dreyanda, and her insights on women’s rights in marriage. She also discusses the importance of education, economic empowerment, and self-care in enabling women to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Enjoy. 

You turned 40 years on March 5th, what does this mean for you?
It means a lot to me. I am grateful to God for everything, I feel blessed and I am excited to celebrate my 40th birthday in a way that’s both meaningful and fun. I’ll be spending time carrying out medical and educational outreach, which are two causes that are really close to my heart. For the longest time, I have always wanted to give back, to help and assist in any way that I can. This is a chance for me to give back and make a positive impact. But I also believe in celebrating with the people who’ve been part of my journey and to look forward to the next chapter.

What are your reflections on life and career so far?
As I look back on my life and career, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the journey so far. Professionally, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and embracing opportunities even when they seem daunting.
On a personal level, I’ve come to understand the power of relationships and the impact that family, friends, and mentors have had in guiding me through difficult times. I’ve also realised that success isn’t always about big achievements, but the small moments of growth and learning along the way.

What role did your upbringing play in defining who you are today?
Looking back at my childhood, gr 0owing up, I was always curious, independent, and resilient.
My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and the value of never giving up, no matter how tough things got. I remember moments where failure wasn’t seen as the end but as an opportunity to learn and grow, and that mindset has stuck with me throughout my life.
One lesson I pass on to my kids is that they must put in the work to see the results, there are no short cuts.

With over 15 years experience in management, you recently switched to fashion, with the launch of House of Dreyanda; what inspired this?
 My time in management taught me how to navigate complex environments, lead teams, and execute plans effectively–skills that are essential in any industry, including fashion. I saw the potential to blend my strategic background with my love for fashion, where I could bring a fresh perspective to an industry that is constantly evolving. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to challenge myself, combine creativity with business acumen, and ultimately, create something that resonates on a personal and professional level.
The fashion industry is dynamic and full of opportunities to innovate, and I felt that I could contribute to shaping new narratives.

What’s your vision for the brand?
As the Creative Head of House of Dreyanda, our aim is to craft fashion that not only defines luxury but also tells a unique, authentic story for each individual. Our goal is to be more than just a brand; we want House of Dreyanda to be a movement that empowers people to embrace their individuality while staying rooted in grace and sophistication.
Our core acronym, SPICE, represents our fundamental values– self-expression, purpose, innovation, creativity and elegance.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends?
 I stay connected to the fashion world through a combination of sources, attending fashion shows, following key designers, and engaging with fashion publications and online platforms. Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, is a great tool for seeing what’s resonating globally, as trends can emerge quickly in these spaces.
I also keep a close eye on the street style around me, whether it’s through travel, observing different cultures, or even in the daily moments of life.

As a female boss, what does this year’s  International Women’s Day theme “For All Women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” mean to you?
Though I don’t identify as a feminist, I firmly believe in the importance of creating a world where women and men have equal access to opportunities and can thrive based on their abilities, not their gender. To me, empowerment is about creating an environment where women are encouraged to take charge of their own lives, from their careers to their relationships, including marriage. It’s about respect, choice, and equality.

How do you think women’s rights in marriage can be promoted and protected?
Promoting and protecting women’s rights in marriage, especially in societies with patriarchal norms, requires practical steps. Education is essential. Women need to be informed about their rights, including legal protections against unfair practices.
Cultural change is also important. Mutual respect and shared responsibilities in marriage can help break down outdated traditions. At the same time, strong legal frameworks that protect women’s rights are crucial, ensuring they can seek justice when needed.
I also believe that in any marriage system, there should be a leader, someone who takes charge and ensures the relationship remains balanced and fair. Whether that leader is the woman or the man depends on the couple’s dynamics, but it’s essential that the leadership fosters respect, collaboration, and equality. Involving men in this conversation is also key, it will help both partners understand that equality in marriage benefits everyone.

What role do you think education and economic empowerment play in enabling women to exercise their rights and make informed choices within their marriage?
Education and most importantly information, provides women with the knowledge to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and navigate any challenges they may face in their relationships.
Economic empowerment gives women the financial independence to make choices without fear of being financially dependent on their spouse. When women can support themselves, they have greater control over their lives and can ensure they are treated with respect and dignity within their marriage.

As a female boss, what advice would you give to women who may be navigating challenges or obstacles in their marriage?
In marriage, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every relationship is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for you and your partner. Take the time to understand your partner’s needs and communicate openly. Relationships require a lot of prayers, patience, compromise and mutual respect, but also the flexibility to adapt to each other’s individual strengths and challenges.

What role does self care play in all of this?
As a woman, taking care of yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally should always come first, because only then can you show up as your best self for your kids and husband.
Self-care plays a significant role in our well-being. It’s important to dedicate time to activities that rejuvenate you.

What self care activities do you engage in?
For me, I love to exercise, spend time with my friends over a glass of wine, and enjoy a relaxing spa day. I like to call this “Me-Time.” These small acts of self-care are not just about looking good; they help you feel refreshed, confident, and better able to handle life’s stresses.

What key strategies and solutions can you profer to accelerate progress towards achieving rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls?
First, education is critical. Ensuring girls have access to quality education is the foundation for their independence, knowledge of their rights, and the ability to make informed decisions. Education helps empower women to navigate life’s challenges and make choices that align with their values.
Second, legal reforms are necessary to protect women’s rights, particularly in marriage. Laws that safeguard women against domestic violence, ensure property rights, and offer legal recourse when necessary are essential. These legal protections help women maintain their self-sufficiency within the marriage, even in traditional settings.
However, I personally believe that in marriage, there should be clear leadership. In my own home, my husband is the incontestable head of our household. I believe that a marriage needs a leader, someone who takes responsibility and makes final decisions. This dynamic works for us, and I respect that each marriage may function differently. While mutual respect is essential, the balance of leadership provides stability and direction for our family.

What role does your family play in supporting your career goals?
My family, especially my husband, are my foundation, offering both emotional and practical support. My husband plays a pivotal role in supporting my career goals. He is incredibly supportive, and one of the key ways he helps is by taking on responsibilities like the school run. This allows me to focus on my work without worrying about the day-to-day logistics, giving me more time to dedicate to my businesses.
Having his support, along with the support of my family, makes a huge difference. It gives me the confidence to pursue my ambitions knowing that I have a solid team behind me. Their belief in my vision not only strengthens me emotionally but also, helps me maintain a balance between my professional and personal life.

When you’re not working how do you relax and unwind?
When I’m not working, I love to relax by listening to music and dancing. Music helps me disconnect, and dancing allows me to let loose and have fun. I also enjoy a glass of red wine while unwinding, and I’m a big fan of watching comedy skits, they always make me laugh and help me relax after a busy day.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and how has it impacted your personal or professional life?
Honestly, I’ve received so much advice over the years, but if I have to choose one, it would be this: ‘Listen to your elders.’