We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chisa Ugoji a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
As a Nigerian woman raised in a vibrant and diverse culture, I’ve always had a deep love and appreciation for my heritage. But I noticed a lack of representation of African aesthetics in the world of athletic wear. That’s when I decided to create something unique and empowering.
Each piece in our collection is a fusion of African artistry and modern athleticism. From the bold and vibrant patterns inspired by traditional textiles to the sleek and functional designs, Afroletics Apparel is a celebration of our heritage and an invitation to embrace the power within us.
Every pattern, every color choice has a story to tell. They represent the strength, resilience, and diversity of African cultures. Through Afroletics, I want to weave the threads of our heritage into the fabric of modern sports and fitness.
Chisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a results-driven and forward-thinking professional with a passion for entrepreneurship and operational excellence. Hailing from Oakland, CA, and proud of my Nigerian heritage, i have made significant contributions in various industries and top companies like Accenture, Apple, Tesla, Boeing etc, where I was able to showcase my strategic mindset, leadership abilities, and expertise in financial and supply chain management.
As a Principal at Cube Builders Inc a residential design and construction company which I started in Jan 2020. I have maximized operational efficiency, fostered team collaboration, and driven business growth. I have a strong track record in overseeing large-scale construction projects from start to competition. However, my entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at construction— I ventured into the world of fashion and cultural heritage.
Recognizing the need for African-inspired athletic clothing, I founded Afroletics Apparel in 2019. As the CEO and Founder, I have led all aspects of the startup, from concept development and brand creation to manufacturing and sales. My passion for blending fashion, cultural heritage, and performance shines through Afroletics Apparel, providing individuals with clothing that celebrates their identity while supporting their active lifestyle.
But my impact extends beyond the business realm. I am also the CEO and Founder of the Martin Ugoji Memorial Scholarship (MUMS), a non-profit organization that provides materials and scholarships support to low-income Nigerians for primary and secondary education. With a strong commitment to giving back to my community, I oversee every aspect of the non-profit, ensuring that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue their dreams.
As a Nigerian in the diaspora, I embody the spirit of resilience, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial drive. My story is one of determination, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. As a visionary leader, an agent of change, and the driving force behind Afroletics Apparel, I am transforming the way we view fashion, culture, and the power of entrepreneurship.
Our brand concept for Afroletics Apparel is inspired by the vibrant and empowering spirit of African culture, combined with the essence of athleticism. We aim to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and inspire individuals to embrace their inner strength.
At Afroletics Apparel, our mission is to empower individuals worldwide to celebrate and embrace African culture through high-quality, African-inspired athletic clothing. We strive to inspire a sense of pride, diversity, and inclusivity by blending contemporary athletic designs with the vibrant colors, patterns, and symbolism of Africa. Through our products, we aim to cultivate a global community that values cultural heritage, fosters active lifestyles, and promotes unity across borders. With a commitment to authenticity, excellence, and social impact, we are dedicated to redefining athletic fashion and becoming a catalyst for cultural appreciation and self-expression.
But Afroletics Apparel is more than just clothing. It’s a symbol of empowerment, a way to embrace our identities and proudly showcase our heritage. I believe that when we feel connected to our roots, we can achieve greatness in all aspects of life.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
We started playing around with the concept of Afroletics Apparel in 2019 and the impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent shutdown of borders had undoubtedly posed significant challenges in our journey to find the right manufacturing partners. As we embarked on our quest to bring our African-inspired athletic clothing to life, we faced unexpected delays and hurdles caused by the global pandemic.
The closure of borders meant that we couldn’t physically visit potential manufacturers or engage in face-to-face meetings. This hindered our ability to assess their facilities, observe their production processes, and establish a personal connection. It added an additional layer of complexity to an already intricate search process.
Nevertheless, we were determined to find a manufacturing partner who shared our vision and could meet our stringent quality and ethical standards. We adapted our approach and turned to virtual platforms to conduct extensive research and communicate with manufacturers remotely. Video conferences, virtual tours of facilities, and detailed discussions became our new normal.
The challenges brought about by the pandemic reinforced the importance of effective communication and collaboration. We had to rely heavily on clear and concise communication channels to convey our design specifications, material preferences, and quality expectations. It required increased attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that our vision was understood despite the physical distance.
While the delays caused by border closures and travel restrictions were frustrating, they also provided us with an opportunity to reassess and refine our manufacturing requirements. We took the time to delve deeper into our values of ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and sustainability. We sought out partners who aligned with these values and were committed to upholding them, even in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Ultimately, our perseverance paid off. We found a manufacturing partner who not only shared our vision but also demonstrated a strong track record in producing high-quality athletic apparel. Their commitment to ethical manufacturing practices remained unwavering, even during these uncertain times.
The lessons we learned during this journey were invaluable. We realized the resilience and adaptability required to navigate unexpected obstacles. We deepened our understanding of the importance of effective communication, quality control, and building strong relationships with our manufacturing partners.
As we move forward, we remain committed to refining our manufacturing processes, staying agile in the face of changing circumstances, and exploring innovative solutions to enhance the quality and sustainability of our products. The challenges brought by the pandemic have only strengthened our resolve to deliver exceptional African-inspired athletic apparel that celebrates culture, empowers athletes, and promotes inclusivity.
In conclusion, our manufacturing journey amidst the Covid-19 pandemic has been a testament to our determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We are proud to continue delivering Afroletics Apparel products that not only reflect our cultural heritage but also inspire individuals to embrace their roots, pursue their passions, and thrive in their athletic pursuits.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Leaving the comfort and stability of corporate America to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the form of a residential construction company and Afroletics Apparel was a pivotal moment in my life. It was a decision that required immense courage, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
At the time, I had established a successful career in corporate America, with a steady job and promising opportunities for advancement. However, I felt a deep longing for something more fulfilling—a desire to create something meaningful and to pursue my passions. I realized that staying within the confines of corporate life would not allow me to fully explore my entrepreneurial spirit and make a lasting impact.
The first step in my pivot was establishing a residential construction company. It was a leap of faith, as I had no previous experience in the construction industry. However, I was drawn to the idea of creating beautiful spaces and turning clients’ dreams into reality. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about the construction business, from project management to building codes and regulations.
The journey was not without its challenges. Building a reputation and clientele from scratch required perseverance and determination. I faced obstacles such as sourcing reliable subcontractors, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring the highest quality of workmanship. However, with each hurdle, I grew more resilient and adaptable. I honed my leadership skills, fostered strong relationships with clients and suppliers, and consistently delivered exceptional results.
While my construction company thrived, but I couldn’t shake off the nagging feeling that there was more I wanted to achieve. The idea of Afroletics Apparel all started to come back to me as an unaccomplished dream —an athletic clothing line that celebrated African culture and heritage. With my passion for fashion and a deep appreciation for my Nigerian roots, I saw an opportunity to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for athletics and African aesthetics.
Venturing into the world of apparel was a significant pivot from the construction industry. It required a whole new set of skills and knowledge, from fashion design to manufacturing and marketing. I immersed myself in the fashion industry, studying trends, understanding customer preferences, and envisioning unique designs that would resonate with athletes and individuals looking for culturally inspired athletic apparel.
As I embarked on this new journey, I encountered numerous challenges. Finding the right manufacturing partners, ensuring quality control, and building brand awareness in a crowded market were all tests of my determination and resilience. Yet, with each obstacle, I embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. I leveraged my experience in project management, strategic thinking, and leadership to navigate the complexities of the apparel industry.
Both my residential construction company and Afroletics Apparel required unwavering dedication, long hours, and a commitment to excellence. However, they also brought immense fulfillment and allowed me to make a meaningful impact in different realms. Through my construction company, I had the privilege of transforming spaces and creating homes where families could build memories. With Afroletics Apparel, I had the opportunity to empower athletes and individuals to embrace their cultural heritage while pursuing their athletic passions.
The journey of pivoting from corporate America to becoming an entrepreneur in both the construction and apparel industries taught me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing calculated risks, and trusting my instincts. It showed me the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Most importantly, it reinforced the belief that following one’s passions and embracing entrepreneurship can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Today, as I reflect on the pivotal decision to leave corporate America and pursue my entrepreneurial ventures, I am grateful for the challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way. I am proud of the impact I have made through my residential construction company and Afroletics Apparel, and I remain committed to pushing boundaries, exploring new opportunities, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.afroleticsapparel.com
- Instagram: afroleticsapparel
- Facebook: afroleticsapparel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chisa-ugoji-bb458b4/
Image Credits
Chisa Ugoji