How circumstances forced me into care work in UK

By Christy Anyanwu in London

Esther Olorunfemi is the founder and Managing Director of Enablement Care Services Limited, based in Harrow, London, United Kingdom.

She is also the founder and Creative Director of House of Estree, a fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to celebrating African heritage and creativity.

In this interview, she shares her journey from humble beginnings as a carer in the UK to establishing her own care business, the challenges she has faced, the lessons she has learnt and her passion for promoting African fashion internationally.

As a Nigerian living in the UK, how would you describe your work, the challenges you face and the environment in which you operate?

I moved to the UK in 2005, so I’ve been here for over 20 years now.

I’ve always had a passion for helping people, particularly those living with disabilities and individuals who need additional support.

In 2016, I established Enablement Care Services Limited to provide care and support for people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and behaviours that challenge. This December, we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary, which is a significant milestone for us.

We’re also expanding into franchising, which is something I’m particularly excited about. My vision is to create opportunities for other entrepreneurs, including Africans in the diaspora, to establish successful businesses within the care sector.

I believe we have so much potential as Africans, and we should be confident enough to build businesses, create opportunities and make our mark wherever we find ourselves.

How much progress have you made over the years, and what initially inspired your passion for care?

Interestingly, when I was preparing to move to the UK, I told myself that one job I would never do was care work!

At the time, I had certain misconceptions about the profession. I thought it was mainly about domestic duties and personal care, and because I’m quite particular about certain things, I couldn’t imagine myself doing it.

But life has a way of teaching us lessons.

When I experienced difficulties with my immigration documents, my circumstances changed, and I found myself working in the care sector.

Looking back now, I believe God was directing my steps, even when I didn’t understand what was happening.

What I initially thought I would never do eventually became my calling and the foundation of the business I run today.

I started as a carer, gained experience in the sector and eventually established Enablement Care Services Limited.

Today, we operate several services across London, including supported living accommodation, respite care, day services and community outreach support.

It’s been quite a journey, and I’m grateful for how far we’ve come.

I’m also working on a documentary that will tell more of my story, by God’s grace.

What important lessons have you learnt about life?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of humility, resilience and faith in God.

My mother taught me something that has stayed with me throughout my life. She always said, “There is nothing you cannot achieve if you put your mind to it.”

I’ve been through some extremely difficult times. There was a period in the UK when I was homeless and had to sleep in my car. I would wake up in the morning, brush my teeth, clean myself up and find somewhere to freshen up before continuing with my day. Those were very challenging times, but I refused to give up.

That’s why I always tell people that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you must find the strength to get back up. Even if you have to crawl before you can stand again, just keep moving.

Above all, I believe in God. My faith has carried me through situations I never imagined I would overcome.

People often tell me, “Esther, you don’t look like what you’ve been through.”

And that’s because I’ve learnt not to allow my circumstances to take away my joy.

I’m naturally a happy person. I love life, I love people, and I try to make the best of every situation.

Of course, life comes with challenges, but I don’t believe in allowing those challenges to define who I am.

My advice is simple: remain humble, stay prayerful, be grateful for where you are today and keep trusting God for where you’re going.

What were you doing before you moved to the UK?

Before moving to the UK, I worked with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). I was recruited in Ibadan but posted to Onne, Rivers State, near Port Harcourt, where I worked.

When I moved there in 1994, it was my first time living outside Yorubaland, and that experience played a significant role in shaping my passion for African fashion.

Working alongside expatriates, I began incorporating Ankara fabrics into my professional wardrobe, making blazers and other Western-style outfits with African prints.

Some people found it unusual. They would ask why I chose to wear Ankara blazers when I could easily wear conventional suits.

But for me, it was never about not being able to afford Western clothing. It was about representing my culture and being proud of where I came from. I’ve always been proudly Nigerian and proudly African. Wherever I find myself, I want people to see and appreciate a part of my heritage.

Even after moving to the UK, I continued incorporating Ankara into my wardrobe. I would make blazers, dresses, shoes and other fashion pieces using African fabrics.

People began asking where I bought my outfits, and when I explained that they were made from African fabrics, their interest encouraged me to explore fashion more seriously.

I’ve always loved fashion, but I wanted to do something different by blending African fabrics and cultural influences with contemporary Western designs. That’s really where the inspiration came from.

As a fashion entrepreneur, what remarkable aspects of your journey would you like to share?

Although I’ve always been passionate about fashion, I began pursuing it as a business in 2018.

Initially, I wanted to establish the business in the UK, but it was quite challenging because I was still trying to build a customer base.

I eventually decided to establish Estree London in Nigeria, where the brand began to grow.

However, my long-term vision was always to bring the business to the UK and create a platform where African fashion and creativity could be celebrated internationally.

That vision eventually led to House of Estree, which officially launched its UK store in Harrow in May 2025.

House of Estree is much more than a fashion business to me. It’s about celebrating Africa, our culture, our creativity and our heritage. I wanted to create a space where people could walk in and experience the richness of African craftsmanship.

We showcase fashion, bespoke clothing, footwear, handbags, accessories, African art and other products that reflect the beauty and diversity of our continent. When you walk into House of Estree, I want you to feel Africa.

I chose to open House of Estree in Harrow because that’s where I’m based, and it made sense to establish the business within my local community.

Harrow has a predominantly Asian population, alongside smaller White and Black communities. But that didn’t discourage me. In fact, I saw it as an opportunity to introduce African fashion and culture to a wider audience.

My vision has never been to create a store that caters only to Africans. I want African fashion to be appreciated and embraced by everyone, regardless of their nationality or cultural background.

After all, as Africans, we wear Western clothing every day. So why shouldn’t people from other cultures feel equally comfortable wearing African designs?

For me, it’s about breaking boundaries, promoting cultural appreciation and showing that African fashion deserves a prominent place on the global stage.