Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria a fast-paced city that's now home to more than 20 million people taught Chika Oguh how to be adaptable and resilient.
"Lagos brings out the best in you," says Oguh, a graduate of Carleton University's Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program and the founder of My Afromania, an Ottawa-based clothing company.
"It's such a dynamic environment, which makes you believe you can do anything. If you can thrive in Lagos, you can thrive anywhere."
One of six siblings, Oguh absorbed ideas from both her father, a businessman who worked in electronics, and her mother, a teacher who ran a fabric business on the side. Oguh's mom would design and wear stylish outfits to school, a creative way to attract new customers.
Carleton University graduate and My Afromania founder Chika Oguh
After earning an undergraduate degree at university, Oguh worked in business development, product strategy and sales in the banking, tech and energy sectors. These experiences sharpened her understanding of "value creation" knowledge that would later shape her entrepreneurial success.
"I had to do things like encourage clients to invest money or buy insurance, and I had never sold anything before," she recalls. "You really have to understand a customer's needs, especially if what you're selling is not tangible."
A decade into her career, Oguh decided that she wanted to do something more impactful and began looking into opportunities abroad. Carleton's TIM program caught her attention and she has never looked back.
Classroom Assignment Takes Off
After arriving in Ottawa in December 2022, Oguh immersed herself in school. In one of her classes, students had to create a business concept with global potential.
Thinking about the network of designers, tailors and artisans she had cultivated in Nigeria, Oguh saw an opportunity to introduce vibrant clothing to the Canadian market to show people in this part of the world "how colourful and beautiful African-inspired garments and design can be."
The business plan came together in TIM Prof. Eduardo Bailetti's class, and both Eduardo and his father, the late TIM academic director Tony Bailetti, as well as Sprott School of Business Prof. Nuša Fain, recognized its potential right away.
My Afromania was the focus of Oguh's final research project, supervised by Fain, and was selected for the annual TIM Showcase, which highlights projects created by the program's students and alumni.
"TIM faculty members were the first to believe in my vision," says Oguh. "Their mentorship and guidance have been vital."
With support from the TIM program, including a grant from Carleton's Nicol Entrepreneurship Institute, Oguh registered her business, launched a website and began working with artisans in Nigeria to produce designs.
To validate the market beyond her immediate community, she opened a pop-up store in Ottawa's St. Laurent Shopping Centre. The response was overwhelmingly positive, selling the majority of her inventory within two weeks and confirming that there was indeed demand for fashion that blends cultural heritage with contemporary style.
"Chika is a clear example of what female immigrants and other newcomers to Canada can do to benefit their local communities," says Eduardo Bailetti.
"She is an inspiring community leader and demonstrated that she has the capabilities to establish a business that leverages cross-border resources for company success."
Retail Store Builds Online Trust
Today, My Afromania is both a retail store in the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and an e-commerce platform that "connects African designers and artisans to global markets."
Oguh's collections feature dresses, wraps, hoodies and accessories that incorporate African-inspired designs in a modern and accessible way, appealing to a diverse customer base. "Our designs are expressive but versatile," she says.
"Our clothes are not too busy they just have a little bit of pop. We're learning what people like and adjusting our styles."
The physical store allows customers to see the products in person, she adds, helping to build trust and drive online sales.
As part of her broader vision, Oguh also recently launched FixnTread, a tech platform that connects local tailors with customers seeking alterations, customization and "upcycling" services.
"FixnTread reflects my commitment to sustainability, community empowerment and innovation within the fashion ecosystem," she says.
As a whole, Oguh's journey embodies the entrepreneurial mindset fostered by the TIM program, which aims to help students turn ideas into ventures with real-world impact.
"Carleton creates an environment where you can build, experiment and create value," she says. "It's about taking initiative and making the most of the opportunities around you."
