Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chi Nzepuome. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally was when I was really young. I always had this innate passion for fashion, and it wasn’t just about clothes—it was about expressing myself through them. I would often style my mom, picking out outfits that I thought were cool or that told a story. Even back then, I was fascinated by how fashion had the power to completely transform someone’s look and confidence.
Growing up, I was always the one with the biggest personality in the room. I loved to stand out, and I gravitated towards anything that allowed me to shine creatively. I’d binge-watch Project Runway, completely captivated by how the designers could take a simple piece of fabric and turn it into something extraordinary. I’d find myself sketching out ideas or playing with textures and colors, not just on paper, but in the way I arranged my clothes or styled my environment. Fabrics became my playground, and I knew that this was where I belonged.
What really solidified my decision to pursue this path professionally was that fashion felt like a natural extension of who I am. I’ve always been an extrovert, and my creativity feels like an outward expression of my personality. Fashion is where I feel most at home—it allows me to combine my love for storytelling, my extroverted nature, and my deep passion for design into something tangible. I knew, and still know, that I’d end up in the industry—it was just a matter of time. It’s where I feel like I can truly be myself and create in a way that makes others feel seen and heard.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who haven’t heard my story yet, I’m someone who has always been passionate about fashion, even before I really knew I could turn it into a career. Growing up, I was constantly experimenting with clothing and styling my mom, so I developed an early love for design and how fashion can express personality and individuality. However, it wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I truly decided to start putting myself out there.
Before college, I wasn’t very active on social media, but once I entered university, I felt a shift in how I viewed my potential. I started an Instagram to share my fashion looks, and then decided to launch a YouTube channel to document my journey. It wasn’t about instant success; it was about testing myself and gaining the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. I began to share my thoughts on style, trends, and design, and soon, I realized how much I loved connecting with others who shared my passion.
As I’m nearing graduation, I feel like I’m finally stepping into my full potential. I’ve learned a lot along the way—not just about fashion, but about myself. I’ve become more assertive and self-assured, and I’m beginning to see the fruits of that in my creative projects. Although I haven’t launched my fashion business just yet, my goal is to eventually bring my designs and ideas to life in a way that’s authentic to me. My long-term vision is to offer clothing that empowers people to embrace their individuality, style, and confidence.
In terms of what sets me apart, I’d say it’s my willingness to embrace vulnerability and put myself out there in an industry that can sometimes feel daunting. I’m not rushing to build a business for the sake of it—I want to make sure I’m doing it for the right reasons, with authenticity, purpose, and a clear understanding of what I stand for. I believe the key to success is seeing things through, even when the path isn’t clear. I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my journey, the confidence I’ve gained, and the connections I’ve made so far, even if my business is still a work in progress.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand is that I’m driven by passion and creativity. Everything I do is built on the foundation of self-expression and confidence. I’m not just trying to create a product or a service—I want to create something that helps others feel good, unique, and empowered. Whether it’s through styling tips, content creation, or eventually my designs, I’m here to share my love for fashion with the world and invite others to do the same.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the honesty that comes with the process. It’s about being spontaneous and letting ideas come to me naturally, without forcing anything. I’ve learned not to rush myself or follow any kind of rigid schedule—creativity flows best when I’m not trying to control it. I allow myself the freedom to be inspired by what’s around me, whether it’s a moment, a feeling, or a random thought, and then I let those ideas shape my work.
There’s something so fulfilling about giving yourself permission to create without pressure, to trust that the best ideas will emerge when the time is right. For me, that’s when the most authentic work happens—when I allow myself to be fully in the moment and just let my imagination take over. It’s rewarding because it’s real. It’s not about meeting expectations or pleasing others; it’s about honoring what feels true to me and expressing it freely. That’s where the magic happens.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My journey has been defined by resilience—not just in the past, but every single day. I’ve always fought for my seat at the table, and I still am. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that this isn’t a hard fight for me. It might take time, but I’ve never doubted that I belong.
Growing up, I had to fight for stability, for safety, for a future beyond the circumstances I was born into. Leaving an abusive home and putting myself through college wasn’t just about survival—it was about proving to myself that I could create the life I deserved. I took on the challenge of financing my education, not as a burden, but as an investment in the person I knew I was becoming.
Even now, as I prepare to enter the corporate world while building my own brand, I face the reality that spaces aren’t always designed for people like me. But I don’t see closed doors—I see opportunities to build my own. I walk into every room knowing that my vision, my skills, and my drive set me apart. I don’t question whether I’ll make it—I know I will.
Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about continuing to push forward with confidence, even when the path isn’t immediately clear. And that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @yeaxchi
- Facebook: Chidubem Nzepuome
- Youtube: @yeaxchi
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yeaxchi?_t=ZP-8ukYwYJ4DZW&_r=1
