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By Josfyn Uba
Like any other young graduate, Ofunne Oliseneku, had looked forward to working as a business executive in any blue chip company but providence had a different plan.
It all started in 2012 during her period of internship where she developed the interest for handmade products in Ankara crafts.
Ofunne Olisenekwu birthed Chibliss Fashion. Since her foray into the world of creativity, she hasn’t looked back.
After eleven years, her brand, Chibliss Fashion has continued to inspire young people to pursue a path in craft making, while promoting African culture and proving the strength of our heritage. Olisenekwu particularly employs the use of Ankara ,ofi , Adire to enhance and create trendy pieces.
Recently, the entrepreneur from Delta state took Daily Sun down memory lane into her journey of small beginnings.
Your work spans from school bags, food flasks to steering wheel covers. What was the “spark” that led you to apply Nigerian fabrics to such a diverse range of items?
My passion is the driving force behind my brand. I am inspired by the joy, and happiness I feel when I see people wear my products Ankara crafts and proudly represent our culture.
Every piece I make is a way of promoting and celebrating our identity.
Through my crafts, I use Ankara fabrics , Adire,Asoke and locally inspired designs to make ready-to-wear and other functional products such as bags everyday handbags to lunch and school bags, laptop bags.
Each product is intentionally crafted to add value to our culture.
For me, fashion is not just about style; it is about storytelling, and cultural pride.
Many people see Ankara or Adire as purely ceremonial. How do you challenge the idea that these fabrics are “too delicate” for heavy duty items like bags and car accessories?
I strongly disagree with that school of thought that says that those Fabrics are manly for Asoebi and special events .
For me, they are not limited to asoebi or party wear. They can be transformed into functional, everyday products like Ankara backpacks, Adire lunch bags, Ankara handbags, and even Ankara car accessories. It’s about redefining how we use our cultural fabrics.
The truth is, the fabrics themselves are not weak the issue is how they are used. They can be made durable and long lasting. In my production, I consider the quality, texture, and structure of the fabric. I use high-quality materials, strong linings, padding, and reinforcements like waterproof layers and PVC to give the products strength and durability.
For items like backpacks and car accessories, I ensure they are well structured and reinforced so they can withstand everyday use. Quality is my standard.
Beyond production, I also educate my customers on how to properly handle their products. Because these are fabric based items, proper handling and maintenance are important to ensure longevity. When used and maintained correctly, these products last and maintain their beauty
What is the story behind the first item you ever created?
I can’t my first Ankara crafts creation , in the year 2013 because it was the moment everything changed for me.
I remember making my very first craft a simple Ankara clutch purse and matching accessories , earrings and bangles. At that time, I didn’t even have a sewing machine. I worked with just basic tools my scissors, some fabric, gum and a lot of determination. It was mostly handwork, using simple techniques, and the finishing was far from perfect.
But the joy it gave me… was amazing
I wore it to church, and the way people admired and accepted them was mind blowing. That moment gave me confidence. It made me realize that what I created even in its imperfect state had value.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept looking at the Ankara clutch purse, the earrings, just admiring them.
Looking back now, that first piece may have been rough, but it was powerful. It was the beginning of my journey. It gave me the motivation to keep learning, improving, and pushing myself further.
It is the reason I am where I am today.
It reminds me that you don’t need to start perfectly you just need to start.
And even the smallest beginning can grow into something meaningful and impactful.
How do you select fabrics that are durable enough for a school bag but flexible enough for a steering wheel cover?
Fabric selection is a very important part of my production process, and it differs depending on the product I am creating.
When making Ankara /Adire backpacks, I carefully consider durability and structure. Ankara or Adire fabric on its own is not strong enough for long-term use in bags, so I reinforce it with padding and stiffeners.
This ensures the bags are durable, structured, and able to withstand everyday use.
However, when working with Ankara or Adire, the approach is different. For Ankara car steering cover , I focus on comfort, flexibility.
The fabric must be wearable, comfy and easy to wash, since it is designed for frequent use.
In essence, each product requires a different treatment. The bags are reinforced for strength and longevity, while Ankara car steering cover is designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Nigerian weather can be harsh. What techniques do you use to ensure your food flasks and bags remain functional and vibrant under the sun?
Creating vibrant and long lasting products is a key priority in my Ankara crafts business. I also tailor my production based on the customer’s location and environmental conditions.
For instance, when producing for customers in Nigeria, I consider the hot climate and its effect on fabrics. To ensure durability, I use a waterproof lining along with PVC covering. This protective layer helps secure the fabric, making it resistant to heat, moisture, and wear, while maintaining the product’s quality over time.
For international orders, such as those shipped to the UK and other countries, I also take weather conditions into account to ensure the products remain functional and long lasting in different climates.
By combining quality materials with climate conscious production techniques, I am able to deliver products that are stylish and culturally inspired.
As an entrepreneur, what has been the biggest hurdle in convincing consumers to choose locally made fabric bags over imported synthetic ones?
Many people assume that Ankara or Adire bags are not strong or long lasting, but that is not true. The real difference lies in how the products are made and how they are used. Fabric bags are different from leather or synthetic bags, so they require proper structuring and handling.
I try to focus on quality fabric and durability. I use high quality fabrics and reinforce them with strong linings, padding, waterproof materials, and PVC to ensure the bags are well structured and can withstand everyday use.
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I guide my customers on how to properly use and care for their bags, because handmade fabric products require a different level of handling compared to synthetic ones.
Most importantly, I let my work speak for itself.
Once customers experience the quality of my products, they trust the brand, return for more, and refer others. I have had several referrals from customers who received my products as gifts and came back to place their own orders. That is the power of quality.
Despite the initial doubts, more people are beginning to appreciate the value of locally made, culturally inspired products.
It is not just about selling bags; it is about promoting our culture, proving the strength of our heritage, and showing that “Made in Nigeria” can compete globally
You also teach people Why was it important for you to incorporate youth tutorials into your business model?
I do not just create products, I also teach and empower others.
Adding tutorial into my crafts was very important to me because I believe my Ankara crafts was not just a personal success , but a great opportunities for others.
I started my journey learning and building my craft from around the age of 19 years . Because of this, I am passionate about giving back, especially to the youth. I train young people on how to turn waste to wealth , simple fabric into valuable products, showing them the power of creativity and skill.
Through my work, I encourage youths to become self reliant and productive members of society. By equipping them with practical skills, they are able to create opportunities for themselves, generate income, and reduce dependence on limited job options.
I believe that when a young person is engaged in learning a skill or building something with their hands, it not only creates economic value but also helps reduce unemployment and social challenges like crime.
That is why I have integrated training and mentorship into my business. Even when I am not producing, I am teaching passing on knowledge and inspiring others to grow.
My brand is not just about fashion; it is about impact.
What is the most rewarding transformation you’ve seen in one of your students?
I had a student who came into my academy feeling confused and uncertain about her direction. She had a shop but struggled to define her path and lacked clarity in her business. On her first day, I told her that her life and business would not remain the same and she believed it.
Over the course of her training, the transformation was remarkable. Within just a few weeks, she began to gain confidence, direction, and clarity. By the end of her program, there was visible growth not just in her craft, but in her mindset, appearance, and overall approach to life and business.
At my academy, we do more than teach skills we provide holistic development. We guide our students in areas such as business management, customer relations, personal branding, social media presence, and financial discipline. This ensures that they are not only skilled but also prepared to succeed independently.
Her testimony stood out to me because of how completely her life changed mentally, physically, and financially. She left the program as a transformed individual, equipped with the confidence and tools to build a sustainable future.
With the current economic climate in Nigeria, how vital is “handwork” or vocational skills for the younger generation?
In today’s Nigerian economy, handwork is no longer a plan B ,it is the way out.
There are limited white collar job opportunities, and the economic environment is not encouraging enough to depend solely on employment. Young people can no longer afford to wait for jobs that may never come. Instead, they must take initiative and create opportunities for themselves.
Having a vocational skill empowers youths to become self employed and financially independent. It allows them not only to earn a living but also to create jobs for others, support their families, and contribute to their communities.
Beyond economic benefits, engaging in productive work also helps reduce social issues like unemployment and crime. When young people are actively building something with their hands and minds, they are more focused, creative, and purposeful.
For me, skill acquisition is not just important it is essential. I always encourage young people to learn a skill, develop it, and take it seriously. It should not be seen as Plan B, but as a powerful pathway to success and stability.
In the current reality, the future belongs to those who can create, innovate, and use their hands to build something meaningful.
Where do you see your brand -and your students in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see Chibliss Fashion evolving beyond just a brand into a thriving business ecosystem and a global force in culturally inspired fashion.
I plan building a strong community of skilled individuals an ecosystem where my students are not only empowered but are running successful businesses of their own, with some establishing their own academies and training others. This creates a ripple effect of impact, growth, and sustainability.
I see Chibliss Fashion expanding its physical presence with multiple branches, starting from Abuja and extending to Lagos and Delta State, and eventually reaching international markets. My goal is to make our products globally recognized, with Ankara and Adire designs becoming everyday essentials across the world.
In terms of production, I aim to scale significantly moving from small scale production to producing in large volumes while maintaining quality and authenticity. I want my brand to provide solutions, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy.
Personally, I see myself growing alongside the brand traveling for business, learning new techniques, gaining global exposure, and continuously improving my craft and knowledge.
Ultimately, in five years, I see Chibliss Fashion as a recognized name globally impacting lives, empowering youths, promoting African culture, and building a lasting legacy
What advice would you give to a young woman who has a sewing machine and a dream but is afraid to start?
When I hear a young woman say she has a sewing machine but is afraid to start, I always tell her this: start where you are, with what you have.
When I began my craft journey in 2013, I had nothing. No shop , no proper equipment no sewing machine just a small beginning and determination. I started with small jobs, saved little by little, to get my first sewing machine 2013 and a few fabrics for practical.It was not perfect, but it was a start.
That one sewing machine changed everything for me.
Many people wait until everything is perfect before they begin, but the truth is there is no perfect time. Your first work may not be perfect, but it is powerful because it is the beginning of your journey.
What will keep you going is consistency. You must have a vision something you are aiming for and let that vision guide you. Fear will come, mistakes will happen, and discouragement will try to stop you, but you must not quit.
That one sewing machine in your hands is not small. It is a tool of transformation. With it, you can build income, create opportunities, and even change your life completely.
Start small. Practice. Make mistakes. Learn. Improve. And most importantly, don’t stop.
Build your confidence. Build your skills. Build your presence, even on social media. Show up for yourself every day.
Because if you can think it, you can do it. And if you stay consistent, your beginning will never define your ending.
