A fashion entrepreneur, Dr. Princess Akawor, has said that her passion for creating a luxury shopping experience inspired her to venture into the fashion industry, despite her background in biomedical technology.
Dr. Akawor, the founder of LuxeByGlamoholic, shared this while discussing her journey following her recent doctorate award from Freedom University and Technology Seminary on October 5, 2024.
The fashion enthusiast, who holds a certification in Biomedical Technology from the University of Port Harcourt, explained that although she began her career in science, her love for fashion was the driving force behind her transition.
“A passion for fashion and a desire to create a luxury shopping experience that resonates with customers is what inspired me to pursue my current occupation,” she said, adding, LuxeByGlamoholic, the luxury retail store she founded in 2010, has grown into a leading brand in Nigeria’s fashion industry.
According to her: “The brand offers a curated selection of high-quality women’s and men’s shoes, clothing, bags, and jewelry. With a strong presence in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, LuxeByGlamoholic has become synonymous with elegance and exclusivity.”
Akawor emphasised that her scientific background helped her approach fashion with a meticulous eye for detail and quality, saying, “Establishing LuxeByGlamoholic as a recognised luxury brand in Nigeria has been my greatest accomplishment.
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“Navigating the competitive retail landscape and balancing quality with affordability while maintaining a luxury brand image has been challenging, but persistence and staying true to my vision have been key,” Dr. Akawor stated.
She said under her leadership, LuxeByGlamoholic has earned significant recognition in the fashion world, winning the Young Persons of the Year Award in 2021 and was named Luxury Fashion Retail Brand of the Year at the Scream Awards.
Akawor, also named one of the 10 Outstanding Young CEOs in Nigeria by CEO Africa at the Young Entrepreneurs International Summit, reflecting on her journey, shared her philosophy of success, which she believes goes beyond personal achievements.
“Success is not just about what you accomplish, but how you inspire others along the way. I advise aspiring professionals to stay true to their vision, be persistent, and continually seek knowledge and opportunities for growth,” she said, offering advice to aspiring professionals in the fashion industry.
She said she is focused on rebranding LuxeByGlamoholic to enhance its market presence and expand its customer base, and as part of this strategy, she is organising a fashion pop-up event aimed at providing an immersive shopping experience for both new and existing customers.
“The target for the fashion pop-up is to attract both existing and new customers, creating an immersive shopping experience that highlights the luxury and exclusivity of the brand,” she explained.
The inspiration behind this event, she added, comes from her desire to connect personally with customers and offer a unique, memorable shopping experience that reflects the essence of LuxeByGlamoholic.
Despite the successes, Dr. Akawor said she remains driven by her passion for fashion and dedication to her brand.
“We are constantly re-evaluating and rebranding to stay ahead in this competitive industry,” she stated, noting that the goal for LuxeByGlamoholic is to maintain its status as a leader in Nigeria’s luxury fashion industry while continuing to inspire others through its journey.