Today we’d like to introduce you to Ngozi Okechukwu.
Hi Ngozi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts with the passion of my mother. When she wanted to learn something new, she didn’t hold back. With her need to satisfy her creative impulses, we had all sorts of machines and gadgets around the house. Icecream making machines, soap making gadgets, including a brand new sewing machine. So I asked her to teach me to sew. After learning, I transformed all my old clothes into something new, then I got attached to denim. I started to turn my old denim jeans into new skirts with all sorts of rhinestones and holes here and there. Which got the attention of family and friends and before you know it, I was making denim skirts for people all around town.
Sometime after, I created a brand called Nigerian Hippie which was mostly made of custom-made African printed fashion sold mostly on Etsy. Nigerian Hippie lead me to fashion shows all around town which lead me to shows in New York. Then shortly after, I moved to Brooklyn, New York in 2016. After moving to New York and learning more about fashion, I decided to rebrand Nigerian Hippie into Ngo Bolingo to bring more of a sophisticated look that represents more of a sustainable brand with subtle African prints.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. It has been a lot of trial and error. I’m a very creative person. I can paint, draw and create things all day long with ease and no problem but being a fashion designer and owning your own business is not just about being creative. I had to learn that sometimes I have to take my creative hat off and put it to the side for a moment and to learn more about management, profit margins, and smart investments.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is my story of love. I want my brand to inspire others to go inside and learn to love themselves as they are.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The lesson I have learned is that waiting for something without frustration is a useful skill and a good aspect of one’s personality.
Contact Info:
- Email: ngobolingo@yahoo.com
- Website: www.ngobolingo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngobolingo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ngobolingo
