We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ugonna Abakwue a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ugonna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My life has been a continuous series of risks—each one shaping who I am today. The first major leap I took was when I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a stylist. It was my first time living in a city on my own, navigating an industry in which I had no formal training. I had no roadmap, but I had a vision and was willing to bet on myself. I was figuring out how to network, build relationships, and create opportunities where none existed. That experience sharpened my creativity and taught me resilience, adaptability, and the art of advocating for myself—lessons I carry with me to this day.

Then, I took another risk: I went to law school. For many, that might seem like a calculated career move, but for me, it was a leap into the unknown. I was stepping into a world that, on the surface, seemed far removed from the creative space I had built for myself. I worried about losing sight of my vision, about whether I could bridge my passion for art and my growing expertise in law. But I kept pushing forward, trusting that the two could coexist.

Standing at the intersection of law and artistry, I see the impact I will make—not just for myself but for the next generation of creatives who need legal protection and guidance. Every risk I’ve taken has brought me here, and it’s clear that none of them were taken in vain.

Ugonna, 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 designer, but my role in the creative space goes far beyond that. Over the years, I’ve found myself not only designing but also consulting—helping other creatives navigate their next steps with the knowledge, experience, and network I’ve built. Whether it’s fashion, branding, or strategic direction, I work with artists, designers, and visionaries to refine their ideas and bring them closer to their goals.

Right now, my focus is on my name label, ugonna, a project that embodies my vision and approach to design. Every piece reflects a balance of minimalism and meaning, capturing the essence of letting go, evolution, and individuality. But beyond the physical designs, my work is about helping other creative minds move forward—whether that’s through sharing insights, making connections, or providing the guidance I wish I had earlier in my journey.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge creativity with strategy. I understand both the artistic and business sides of the industry, and that allows me to offer a perspective that’s both visionary and practical. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on others—seeing artists and designers take their next big step with confidence, knowing that I played a small part in their journey.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In an era where speed and convenience often prioritize craftsmanship, I see a growing gap—an absence of intentionality, refinement, and the art of truly building something timeless. My goal is to bring that level of excellence back, to create a visually compelling world that is deeply considered in its design, execution, and impact.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society needs to do a better job of letting artists freely share their opinions. So much raw thought is censored now, diluting messages and limiting true expression. Art thrives on honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. When artist are forced to filter themselves, we lose depth, perspective, and innovation. If we want a real creative ecosystem, we have to protect artistic freedom and give artists the space to challenge, inspire, and create without restraint.

Contact Info:

• Website: ugonna.xyz and frntrfrntr.club
• Instagram: @ug0nn9
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ugonna-a-23ba99135/
• Twitter: @ug0nn9