Meet Uzo Omenihu | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Uzo Omenihu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Uzo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was influenced by my desire to create. I constantly get inspired by life and thought that I could express them through owning a business. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
OBI is a gender inclusive fashion brand dedicated to the amplification of Love through fashion.

what you are most proud of or excited about.
I am most proud of launching my fashion brand OBI. This is the first brand that I have created on my own. I have always had partnerships in the past.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise.
I previously co-owned and operated a fashion brand that was successful from year 2010-2020 I chose to move on from that brand in 2020 and I am now starting a new brand called OBI.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
The transition back to starting over was very challenging because I took some time off to pursue other interests and realized how much I actually love fashion and decided to come back. I struggled with depression, imposter syndrome, PTSD. I had to face and heal parts of myself to make it back to something I love.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
I learned how to trust my own judgement again. I learned how to balance my well being with work. I learned how to prioritize what’s important and how to slow down and appreciate working in a different flow than I have been used to in the past.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that it is never too late to start a new venture, a new business or a creative project. I believe that when we use our innate ability to create, we have the power and potential to create something good and meaningful. Fashion for me is a way of self expression. I love using fashion to say something or to make a statement. The pieces I create are gender inclusive, so whatever gender you are, you are welcome to shop with us. For this collection I used green as the foundational color because green is the color of the heart chakra. I believe that bringing awareness to our heart health will make a difference in our lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite spots in LA are restaurants, bookstores, beaches, museums, and house parties. First I would take my friends on a hiking trail in echo park, or an art opening, a women’s basketball game, masa restaurant and sticky rice in echo park, a friend’s house or event. The Philosophical Research Society Library is an amazing place too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had the pleasure of being surrounded by many brilliant Women and humans of the LGBTQIA+ creatives. My peers for their fearlessness in staying true to their craft and allowing themselves to evolve their creativity.

Website: www.obi.la

Instagram: obi.losangeles

Image Credits
Miko Rounds