We recently connected with Chibuzo Ohakpougwu and have shared our conversation below.

Chibuzo , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I take art very seriously. It occupies a good percentage of who I am. I was born with it and with time, I have been able to develop it. The journey has not been easy but it’s worth the stress and time and effort put into it.
I love fabrics and I like to create art with fabrics; sometimes not as an actual clothing and not also as a wearable art but as something entirely different that I cannot begin to describe. This is how I express myself.
Overtime, I thought it wise to master the skill of tailoring ; fashion designing and fashion illustration. And over time I realized that, that was not enough. I wanted more. I needed more. You know they say thé artist is never satisfied. And so instead of just making the usual style of garments for sale, I would make them and style them to represent art in the language I understand.
I am not a model but I started with myself. Styling me was challenging but it worked and then I moved on to styling others. I was only practicing and pushing my limits. I needed to see how far I could go with this. That was how I became a special breed of stylist.
I was a painter in school. I used to produce artworks( paintings). And that experience really helped my craft. Sometimes I find myself fusing unconventional, local materials on fabrics and also fusing fashion from different cultures and eras. It’s quite fun.
I created this Instagram handle (needle.fly) where I show off my work to the rest of the world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After my days in the university, I was hungry for fashion and so I registered in a fashion academy where I learned the skill of garment construction. This was the beginning of my journey into the world of fashion.
I make everyday wears for the female folk of any age and size and body type. I sell them.
What makes me special is the fact that I try to blur the line between art and fashion but this consumes a lot of funds and effort.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

As a creative, my family became my pillar and rock. I was lucky and still am. I am grateful for that. They supported my fashion journey and they also appreciate art and appreciate the work I do.
They helped me with my initial capital I needed to start my business.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

While in school, I was forced to study painting which is just a section of fine and applied art as a course. The department lacked the facilities, equipments for a proper textile studio. I had wanted to study textile (fashion design) but things didn’t go as planned. I didn’t see the machines I need to work with and it discouraged me.
I switched to painting and then switched to fashion after school.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: needle.fly
• Facebook: Needlefly

Image Credits

Tundeystudio