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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Amaka Nwokeji, a remarkable Nigerian entrepreneur, petroleum engineer, and creative director whose passions span fashion, mining, and brand building. She is the founder of Lhambi, an upscale fashion company that has recently launched “The Bond Edit” collection—an inspiring celebration of meaningful bonds between women.
With a strong foundation in engineering and project management, she has been leading multiple businesses with clarity and vision. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she
is a devoted mother of four, a loving wife, and a leader who embodies quiet strength, relentless drive, and effortless style. Her values of simplicity, joy, love, and purpose are deeply reflected in her work and her life, inspiring those around her.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, Nwokeji delves into her creative journey, the inspiration behind “The Bond Edit,” and her vision for the future of fashion and legacy.
What inspired the theme of “The Bond Edit” by Lhambi, and how do you hope it resonates with women?
“The Bond Edit” was inspired by my own life and the women around me. I noticed that some of our most meaningful moments are shared quietly—mothers and daughters getting ready together, sisters laughing in front of the mirror, friends supporting each other without words. I wanted to create something that honors those moments. I hope women see themselves in this collection, feeling seen, understood, and celebrated for the relationships that shape who they are.
The collection features bold colors and refined craftsmanship. Can you share your design process and what went into creating these pieces?
Comfort was a key decision from the start. We were intentional about heel height, capping it at 3.5 inches to ensure wearability in everyday life. While higher heels can be sexy and dramatic, this collection emphasizes relatability. We focused on comfort, style, structure, and craftsmanship, ensuring every detail was designed to make women feel confident, supported, and effortless.
How would you describe your personal style, and how does it influence your designs?
My personal style is intentional but effortless. I gravitate toward pieces that feel strong yet feminine, comfortable without sacrificing elegance. I love clean lines, good structure, and subtle statements. This influences my designs because I always ask myself if I would wear the piece in real life and if it would move seamlessly through different moments of the day.
In your opinion, how can fashion empower women and help them express themselves?
I believe style should have no limits. Fashion should never feel restrictive or exclusive. It should allow women to express themselves freely and confidently. That’s why we extended our shoe sizing to size 45 and continue expanding. Shoes shouldn’t be a limitation—when women have access to well-fitting pieces that reflect who they are, fashion becomes truly empowering.
How do you balance creativity with commercial appeal in your designs?
For this collection, comfort was the top priority. While higher heels can be sexy and elongate the legs, we focused on making lower heels feel just as desirable. We paid close attention to design details, silhouettes, and structure to ensure the shoes are stylish and compelling regardless of heel height. From a commercial perspective, we design with women in mind first, not trends. Timelessness guides us—we want our shoes to stay relevant and beautiful for years to come.
Outside of fashion, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I absolutely love traveling. It’s a major source of inspiration for me. Exploring different cultures, discovering new places, and experiencing diverse cuisines help me see the world differently. I also enjoy restaurant hopping, observing how people live and express themselves, and I have a passion for visual storytelling, photography, and editing. These interests influence my worldview and often inspire my creative work.
What trends do you see shaping the future of fashion, and how do you plan to incorporate them into your work?
I see a shift toward intentional fashion—people are becoming more mindful about what they buy and why. There’s a growing appreciation for quality, longevity, and storytelling. I plan to continue creating pieces that embody these values, emphasizing meaningful design and emotional connection.
What role does fashion play in celebrating and strengthening bonds between women?
Fashion often exists in shared moments—getting ready together, borrowing pieces, passing items down, or recommending brands. These experiences foster connection and create memories. Fashion becomes part of those moments, helping to strengthen the bonds between women.
If your brand had a personality, how would you describe it?
Lhambi would be confident, warm, expressive, and intentional. She knows who she is but continues to evolve. She values quality, connection, and authenticity. She doesn’t need to shout to be noticed—her presence is felt through her integrity and purpose.
What’s next for Lhambi?
There’s much more to come. We’ll continue building on our emotional storytelling with new collections and thoughtful collaborations aligned with our core values. Our focus remains on organic, meaningful growth that resonates deeply with our community.
