ZikPress interviews Ayozie Favour Uzoma of SHOP AKACHI, an Afrocentric ready-to-wear fashion line. Enjoy!
Can we meet you?
My name is Ayozie Favour Uzoma, a 200 level undergraduate law student of the University of Ibadan and a fashion enthusiast. I am the Creative Director of Shop Akachi, a small business towards growth.
Tell us about your business venture.
My business, Shop Akachi, is an Afrocentric ready-to-wear fashion line. The goal is to create awareness of Africa’s culture and tradition through fashion, both nationally and internationally, a goal that is gradually in realization. You know how our African prints like Adire ,Ankara, kente, kitenge, aso oke , aso ofi etc are for particular days like Sunday and Friday or for “owambes”? With Shop Akachi, I infuse African fabrics to make comfortable, versatile, unique dresses for Queens. My business niche aims at catering for females irrespective of body size, age, social status and making individuals feel unique and independent. I am super excited about the growth process.
What are the lessons you have learned so far from your business engagement?
Entrepreneurship definitely is a journey. With my business, I have learnt a lot as regards interpersonal relationships, having to interact well with customers older and younger than I am is something my business has exposed me to. Financial responsibility is a lesson I am gradually learning from my business having to separate capital from profit from flex money.
What do you feel is the way forward for the incessant gender-based violence in the contemporary society?
Gender-based violence is a global pandemic that is gradually affecting our present world and it really cuts across both the female and male gender and it is everyone’s business.
Personally, I feel the most important agent of socialization is the family. To a large extent, we are all influenced by our family, therefore, conversations about gender and human right should be emphasized. We should speak towards challenging gender roles and challenging the traditional characteristics of roles assigned to males and females. For example, our Social Studies textbook in primary school has the role and responsibility of the “mother as being in the kitchen, nurturing the children, etc and the father providing for the family”.
In my opinion generally, if that works for certain families, that’s fine but that should not be regarded as the standard and the norm, and in situations where the roles are reversed, it becomes triggering.
I am of the opinion that we should not have set out roles and norms in our Changing world, we should be open to embracing change towards a better world. I feel like discussions as regards consent are so underrated, “Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time and should be expected from both genders at all times”.
We should hold each other accountable. Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and in public spaces.
Individuals have to take a stand by calling it out when it’s seen. Catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments, Aro, and sexist jokes are never okay.
We all should work towards a safer environment for everyone by challenging our peers to reflect on their own behaviour and speak up when someone crosses the line.
Do you think extracurricular activities contribute greatly to students’ development on Campus?
In my opinion, extracurricular activities are advantageous and have their contributions towards the development of individuals. The tension in UI is something and extracurricular activities especially for persons involved in one sport or the other helps towards easing the tension. Lifelong skills, relationships and connections are also derived from involvement in extracurricular activities.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am most definitely optimistic. My career goal includes successfully obtaining my undergraduate and master’s certificate and to have been called to the Nigerian Bar, practicing law, and doing the Lord’s work. I see myself being committed to growth, business, personal, spiritual, physical, etc.
In 10 years, my business, SHOP AKACHI should be thriving successfully through the years and being a recognized and respected brand. Creating job opportunities and being a part of individuals’ happy stories through fashion. Also, living the rich Aunty life hopefully married that kind thing…
What do you do for fun?
Going out! To a certain extent, I like to say I am an “Ajala”. I sort and shop for African inspired fabric, try out new food hacks and spend time with friends
What comes to your mind when you hear “Zikites”?
Zik Hall has to be one of the bubbly male hostels in the University of Ibadan, popular for Zik’s cafe, popular for the extra and loud nature of Zik guys. It’s popular saying that the guys doing Aro are first-class students, I don’t know how true. I am not a subscriber of Aro. I feel it’s totally inappropriate but the gist is Zik hall has highly intelligent young men.
Do you have anything to say to Zikites?
If I could say anything to Zikites, I would say I am impressed with the new decision of the Executive Council by regulating the activities of Aro. That is a good step in line with reducing gender-based violence and creating a better and comfortable environment. Cheers to more growth.
How do persons connect with you?
It’s majorly Instagram for me.
That’s my business marketplace.
@ayozie_favour
@Shop_Akachi
