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

Hi Oluwakemi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Moving to America from Nigeria after high school, my thought process was to introduce my cultural background to people through my artistry, designs and creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My brand is House of Zuri. House of Zuri is an African inspired fashion company I founded in 2013. Zuri means beauty in Swahili which pays homage to my African background. I am fashion designer who makes high quality clothing with exquisite and unique designs. I am also a makeup artist that works with top models, hair stylists, fashion stylists and photographers that bring mine and my clients visions to life. House of Zuri is essentially a fashion house where you can get a complete fashion experience in one place. The journey has been a learning experience with some highs and lows. I would say one of my biggest challenges is combining being a fashion designer/makeup artist and motherhood, I have often had to take steps back from my businesses to focus on raising my children. Finding a balance can be challenging, as my children get older I find it easier to work on my businesses. I have been resilient in handling both however. I have learned to keep on creating, no matter how small or big with the world of social media these days, everything is content.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a military spouse, I like to start by exploring Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, it’s so beautiful and you get to see some amazing aircrafts that tell a story. I like to travel between Tucson and the Phoenix areas. My favorite artistic places are Barrio Viejo in Tucson/old town Tucson and old town Scottsdale. Some of my favorite restaurants are Canal Club, Pointe of View and The Grill at Hacienda del Sol. A few hang out spots I like are wonder spaces, portal cocktails and D’Lux Lounge for a night out in town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The fashion designer, Diane Berry from Detroit, Michigan. I started off as a model when I moved here to the U.S. I modeled for her quite often and everything she did was so amazing and i was intrigued! When I started designing, she would encourage me whenever I shared my work, I don’t even think she knew how much she motivated me to keep going.

Website: www.houseofzuri.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/houseofzuri?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOUSEOFZURIAGENCY?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Adelyn Baber Randramore Productions Dr Lee Productions

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