On a sunny Lagos morning, Ozinna welcomes us with a smile that feels as intentional as her style. She’s quick to share that she grew up in a close-knit family that still anchors her today. “I was born in Atlanta, but Lagos raised me,” she says, reminiscing about family dinners that defined her childhood. “We sat together every night for dinner—it felt so normal then, but now I know it was special.”
OBIDA: Take us on a journey, where did you grow up?
OZINNA: I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but Lagos really raised me. I lived there until I was about 14 before moving to North Carolina for high school and university. After earning my Master’s degree in Paris, I returned to Lagos in January 2014—and I’ve been here ever since.
OBIDA: What’s your fondest childhood memory?
OZINNA: Definitely family dinners. We gathered every single night—it felt so normal back then, but I now realize how special it was. Even as adults, we have kept that tradition going for years, rushing home to eat together.
OBIDA: You come from a very close-knit family. What’s that like?
OZINNA: Losing my dad made me realize how close we really were. My siblings and I are only a few years apart, so we were always in similar life phases. I’m also the only entrepreneur in the family, so I often leaned on my parents—both entrepreneurs—for advice while my brothers pursued corporate careers.
OBIDA: People are often surprised to hear you’re a twin. Tell us about that experience.
OZINNA: Being a twin means having a built-in partner in everything. My twin and I have lived apart since 2014, but we make sure to spend every birthday together. There’s this unique security—you just know someone always has your back.
OBIDA: Many tease that your mum is your twin! What’s your relationship like with her?
OZINNA: My relationship with my mum has evolved so much over time. After losing my dad, I started seeing her not just as my mother but also as my friend. She’s always been this stylish, bold woman—crop tops, statement hats, funky glasses at the airport—long before social media made that a thing.
OBIDA: Did her love of fashion influence you?
OZINNA: Absolutely, though in different ways. My mum uses fashion as pure self-expression. For me, it’s also a communication tool—a way to connect brands and audiences. That’s how ozinna.com was birthed.
OBIDA: You didn’t take the corporate route—how did entrepreneurship happen?
OZINNA: After my master’s, I planned to intern in corporate communications. But Lagos Fashion Week happened, and I realized I wanted to build brands rather than just work for them. By the end of Fashion Week, I had clients and a registered business. I never went back to the corporate path.
OBIDA: How do you balance everything—agency, retail, influencer work?
OZINNA: I focus on one mission: connecting brands to people. I’ve built teams around each platform, which gives me space to balance work with family, friends, and my personal life.
OBIDA: Your faith seems important to you.
OZINNA: Hugely. My name, Ozinna, means “message from the Father.” My faith grounds my work and even helped me through grief when I lost my dad. That spiritual foundation keeps me going.
OBIDA: What’s been your experience as a woman running a business in Nigeria?
OZINNA: There are double standards—you walk into a room, and people assume a man is behind your success. But I’ve learned to own those rooms. On the positive side, women root for you fiercely. A thousand women will cheer you on just because they’re proud to see you win.
OBIDA: What does success mean to you?
OZINNA: Balance, consistency, integrity—and joy. A happy home and businesses built to last, that’s success for me.
OBIDA: How did you first connect with OBIDA?
OZINNA: Through Obida himself, back when he was running Grey Projects. I loved seeing the OBIDA brand grow—it felt like a natural partnership. In fact, OBIDA was the first menswear label we listed on ozinna.com.
OBIDA: Any favorite OBIDA moment?
OZINNA: One of my staff once called me after church—six men were wearing OBIDA, all purchased from our platform. That moment validated everything for me: people trust us, they believe in what we offer.
OBIDA: And if there’s one thing you want people to take away from your journey?
OZINNA: Dedication. I want people to see that I’m deeply committed—to my craft, my businesses, my family, and life itself.
Closing Note:
Ozinna’s story is more than just a fashion one; it’s about dedication, faith, and the kind of integrity that never goes out of style. She’s proof that success isn’t about rushing ahead but about building something meaningful—brick by brick, look by look, and moment by moment.