ONE ON ONE WITH MONALISA KELECHI OKERE, CEO LISAKAY APPARELS
By Mcanthony Onuoha
According to a renowned philosopher, ” each of us possess a spark of individual brilliance, every one of us is capable of accomplishing something in our own unique way that cannot be accomplished by anyone else. Striving to discover what is our niche in this vast human market is part of our conquest of life”.
Monalisa Kelechi Okere is the CEO Lisakay Apparels. A Port-Harcourt based Fashion designer. She is from Nnorie, in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
Lisa has a BSc Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from one of the Prestigious Universities in Nigeria, and currently a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management, from the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
The Maverick of the fashion scene is in the compendium of the young minds that discovered where they ought to be early in life and moved towards that direction with determination laced with uncommon passion.
You can call her Lisa but those who love expertly tailored apparels, inspired by high sense of artistry have become her major clients and they call her Lisakay which is increasingly becoming a popular clothing line.
When asked how she came up with her brand name, in her words, “to be honest I had a little difficulty on that one, I came up with several names before I settled to use my first and middle name coined together and that was how I came up with LISAKAY.”
Lisa disclosed that she joined a fashion training course on a part time basis in 2016, the same year she had to do her compulsory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). She found it hard to balance the two programs because they both demanded a lot of time and attention but with the support of family and friends, and a passion to succeed in the fashion industry, she was able to persevere. According to her, Fashion designing was something she always loved right from her teenage years and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
For the hardworking and highly creative CEO, Fashion was something she ventured into, not because of the business aspect but for personal gains at the time. After a few more trainings in fashion designing, she consistently got so good that everyone suggested she venture into fashion business proper, and that, she seriously considered. Knowing the advantages, such as more personal time and financial growth it would simultaneously provide, she stuck to doing something she is so passionate about, something she loves dearly.
“l had to quit my job few months later to start my fashion business in my one room apartment with a little Online presence that consists of friends and family, and shortly afterwards, I was able to save enough money and rented my first physical store.”
” I attended few other trainings and got better in pattern drafting, sewing, and cutting as well as dress designs generally. Having all these in my kitty, l became a fashion tutor and started taking on students in twos and then it increased to 10s and then as much as my physical space can take. And in Oct 2021 I held a fashion exhibition/store opening with a large space for my fashion school in GRA Port Harcourt.”
Lisa carved a niche for herself in couture dresses and mastered the art of corset making.
Interestingly, in 2021 Lisa held her first Online corset class on telegram that had over hundred participants.
She also had ready-to-wear collections that dotted her store as she also catered for every other fashion need, for example, casual wears, street wears, corporate wears and even lost count of traditional wedding dresses she has made over the past few years. In her words, ” l made dresses for thousands of people, and I am also a ghost dress maker for several boutiques.”
But looking at all she had achieved as a fashion designer, Lisa still saw that something was missing. “The thing is, I didn’t grow up in a business-oriented family and I had no prior knowledge of how to run a successful business, so when I delved into fashion business, I knew I had to learn on the job. My business at some point, grew more than I had anticipated when I first started and I was met with so many unfamiliar circumstances. So, I decided to get a degree in Management. And that was why it seemed like I had to pause for one year.”
“The expertise of a great manager cannot be overemphasized, whether in a small-scale business or a global conglomerate as mine have grown to be. No business can compete effectively and achieve its mission without a strong management system, that, I had to learn.”
“My core responsibilities demand high level of leadership and management experience, and with the expansion plans of the business, it’s pertinent that I equip myself with formal knowledge in a course that’s focused on leadership, strategic management, and business development. And I know for a fact that getting a UK degree would give one an edge and help one stand out, which brings me to the reason as to why I chose UK for my postgraduate studies and because I’m also aware of the access to the many benefits it provides, such as: access to world-leading resources and facilities, increased knowledge, earning potential and career enhancement, opportunity to explore all that UK and nearby Europe have to offer, and networking; as you get to interact with people from all walks of life, culture and diversity. And because I have plans to expand to the UK it was a journey worthwhile for me.
But I am back now, and I hope to make an impact in my Immediate environment by applying the knowledge gained to champion growth in my business.”
“My goal is to continue to provide insightful leadership and creative vision, employment opportunities and growth to the UK/Nigerian economy as I plan to expand my fashion business here in the United Kingdom”, Lisa said.
Follow Monalisa Kelechi Okere on Instagram @Lisakay_apparels
Facebook : Lisa Kay
