•PH Fashion Designer
There are ladies who are so passionate with what they do for a living after graduation from the University. Port Harcourt based Engineer Princess Karen Ijeoma Nwankwo, the Creative Director at Vogue Regalia Ltd is one of such ladies she is engrossed with Fashion design business. She is light-complexioned, vivacious, soft-spoken with her eyes absolutely fixed in making other ladies come out being well dressed.
On Monday, 12th of October, 2020 she played host at her 16 Nwogu street D/line to City People magazine Port Harcourt Bureau Chief, EMEKA AMAEFULA (+2348111813069) where she opened up on her love for Fashion Designing and how her late mum influenced her creative skills in churning out fashion styles for ladies in Port Harcourt and beyond.
What influenced your going into fashion Designing?
Well, my late mum was a fashion designer though she practiced only at home and we (her kids) were her clients. So, I saw my mum doing this and I realized I had Passion for Fashion.
How do you manage being a chemical engineer and that of a Fashion designer?
I am first of all a Chemical Engineer, before being a Fashion Designer. I still love being a chemical engineer; and I will still practice Chemical Engineering. It’s just that for every Vision there are steps and fashion is a step in my Chemical Engineering Vision. So, stay tuned.
What was the reaction of your parents when you told them that you want to go into Fashion Designing?
My parents are very supportive of me because they know the blueprint and they are seeing successful results.
Where have you worked since you graduated from university?
After graduation; I served with Exxon Mobil Eket, after which I joined my mum in managing her contracting company Eneno. We are registered contractors with SHELL, MOBIL and NDDC I was involved in executing construction projects, supplies of office materials etc.
Give us a rundown of your academic background?
I attended ALADUMO PRIMARY, EL-SHADDAI PRIMARY for primary education, I also attended UDSS UNIPORT for secondary education then UNIPORT for my Chemical Engineering Degree
When did you establish Vogue Regalia?
Vogue Regalia by Karen officially kicked off 30th August, 2015
Looking at the current Coronavirus aka Covid-19, how has it affected your business in Fashion Designing?
The ban has created more opportunities for Nigerian fabrics to thrive. Unfortunately, we still have a need for certain fabrics that are not produced here.
Do you also make Ready To Wear clothes?
Our ready to wear clothes are versatile so we use the available to create outfits that fit every special moment
Have you won any award since you opened Vogue Regalia 5years ago?
I just won my first award from the Prestigious Lamode Awards in Lagos on October 1st, 2020
Are you married?
No, I Am single.
How has it been since you started business?
The first three years were very Rocky but right now there’s a breath of fresh air at least.
Give us your clientele profile, who and who that patronizes you?
Our clients range from government officials, entrepreneurs, students etc. Our brand caters for all.
Were you born while your Software Engineer father was living in the United States of America—USA?
My dad was the one that lived abroad but he came to Nigeria and married my mum. Me and my siblings were all born here (NIGERIA).
How has inter-tribal marriage helped you in your fashion designing business?
Inter-tribal marriage is such a beautiful thing as my father is from IMO STATE and my late mum came from AKWA-IBOM State. For me I think it has made a free-spirited person and fashion requires that. You need to think of End Possibilities with fabrics.
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