Chinedum Okolo, a passionate entrepreneur from Nigeria, has always believed in the power of African Cultural Heritage. Her entrepreneurial journey began with an unshakeable love for African culture, and her business, ‘NedumKreationz‘, is a testament to this passion. As the last born in a family of six, Chinedum journey is a reflection of hard work, resilience, and the desire to see her culture appreciated globally.
The EntreprenuerNG had the privilege to meet Miss. Chinedum Okolo in an interview and here is the highlight of our conversation:
What inspired you to focus on African fashion, accessories, and cuisine, and how did you get started in this business?
“My venture started with a simple idea – to share the beauty of African attire and traditional dishes with the world. The colour combinations of African attire always fascinated me, and the aroma of traditional Nigerian dishes like ‘accent meals’ filled her my inspiration.
What started as a passion for African culture soon transformed into a profitable business. I began creating handmade accessories like beadwork, hand fans, and sourcing authentic traditional fabric. I found herself with customers worldwide, eager to wear a piece of Africa.”
How do you ensure that the products you offer genuinely represent African culture and heritage, and what steps do you take to educate your customers about their significance?
“NedumKreationz success story isn’t just about selling products; it’s about selling a story, a culture, and a legacy. Chinedum isn’t simply offering items; I am sharing the pride of Nigerian culture, telling the story behind every piece of fabric I source, from the original handmade ‘wrapper’ fabrics to the unique traditional handwork found only in specific regions of Nigeria. My dedication to authenticity is what sets me apart, making my customers not only appreciate the product but understand its value.”
Can you share your process for sourcing authentic African attire and accessories? Do you work directly with artisans, or do you have partnerships with suppliers?
“Despite my degree in ‘Biochemistry’ from Delta State University, I humbled myself to learn the trade. I travel across Nigeria, from Asaba (Awakocha) to Port Harcourt (Kurubute),Oyo(Aseoki) seeking genuine fabrics, and investing time to learn the true origins of each product I offer. I believe that educating my customers about the value of what they purchase helps them appreciate the culture behind it.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in the business market, and how do you overcome them to maintain your business’s growth?
“However, like many entrepreneurs in Nigeria, funding has been a challenge. I run my business bootstrapped, with no venture capital or angel investors backing me. Logistics costs are rising, and keeping my boutique stocked is a constant struggle.
Yet, I remain committed to my dream of making NedumKreationz a global brand. I envisioned opening shops across Europe where people can access rare African attires and groceries used in making African dishes, bringing the richness of African culture to the world.”
How has technology influenced your business operations, from marketing to sales, particularly in reaching broader audiences?
“Technology and the internet have helped me grow my business. By outsourcing different digital marketing to experts, I ensure my strengths in sales and closing deals remain my focus.
Once I attracts customers to my platform, I nurture them, offering personal touches like custom Photoshop edits for their special moments. This approach not only creates a loyal clientele but encourages them to refer others, ensuring the brand remains thriving.”
How important is customer feedback to your product development?
“By listening to customer feedback and analyzing it for data, I am taking necessary actions to predict customer churn and make the strategic adjustments for my business needs. Whether positive or negative, I use feedback to strengthen my brand, ensuring that every interaction with my customers is meaningful and enriching.”
What are your future plans for expanding your brand? Are there any new product lines or collaborations that you are currently exploring?
“The logo of ‘NedumKreationz’ carries a deep meaning. The purple colour symbolizes royalty, while the crown within the circle signifies the pride of African culture. The capital “N” represents another way of pronouncing Chinedum’s name as “Nedum,” reflecting the richness and natural beauty of African culture.
It’s not a journey that will happen overnight, but I am steadfast in my belief that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Chinedum’s dream to bring Africa to the world is not just a goal; it’s my mission, and every step I take will bring me closer to making it a reality.”
