My name is Michelle Ekure, the CEO of Michelle Leathers. I am the last child of 8 children. A graduate with Honors in
International Relations. I am an entrepreneur, God fearing, passionate,
reserved, energetic, goal-driven, resilient and hard working. I have pushed through
against all odds and today have established my shoe brand (Michelle
Leathers). I also mentor and train other people on how to make shoes. I am one
of the new faces of women thriving in the "so-called" male industry
in Nigeria. Michelle Leathers brand caters for all individuals and high end
celebs in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
My initial plans like every other student out there was
to finish up my tertiary education and get a job but landing that job was not
forth coming after university and one thing led to another. As a lover of fashion, and art and an ex
model, I decided to think outside the box. I had to find a way to create my own
paycheck rather than wait for one to be handed to me. There was a desire to
explore uncharted waters. However, shoe-making was not the first thing that to mind
back then.
There is always that point in one’s life when you
search your soul to find answers, and this I did diligently, considering
opinions from family and friends, but at the end had to listen to my own heart.
The fear of failure and trying new things was the emerging challenge I had to
battle as I search for my path in life. Nevertheless, I stepped into the unknown and took the path of learning the craft of shoe-making, then discovered I was a natural at it. I continued polishing my skills…till date. I have no regrets and no reason
to look back. When I started, I had no capital and so, I only used monetary
gifts from friends and family members to buy materials and make shoes and give
back as gifts or sometimes sell them. I loved the positive feedback and
admiration when I made shoes for friends and family and that’s how my
shoe-making journey started.
I started making shoes in 2011. It was not so lucrative initially, especially
not having a brand and just servicing the needs of friends and family members
but now, I can say with the increasing awareness on home-made products in
Nigeria and also how I’ve improved on my craft – the business is becoming more
lucrative and rewarding.
People asked me how I do manage in such a male
dominated industry but actually, gender has no role when it comes to chasing
your dream and being artistic. I am more in touch with my femininity now than
ever but when I am in work mode I don’t know what gender I am in touch with…lol.
My passion has been my driving force, but more importantly, personal motivation
has made me rise above my fears and any form of gender bias.
Watch her video here
As an entrepreneur and my own boss, I have a deep sense
of fulfillment knowing I make a difference in the African Continent and that I made the
right choice pursuing my passion as well as giving back to the community by
training young individuals who want to pursue their passion too.
In conclusion, I want to say to all the youths out
there, that we have to remain diligent and persistent in pursuit for financial
independence and building Africa through entrepreneurship. The job you seek was
created by someone just like you. Youths
need to wake to the reality facing them and reduce their dependency on the
government and acquire every necessary skill to be of service to themselves and
their community. Find your own unique voice and skills. We are all gifted but
how deep have you searched to know what you are gifted in. if you can find your
answer, then you are on the right path to becoming the next big thing.
Landing that dream job is good, but what if it doesn’t
happened? Find a problem in your community, or your country and solve it – and you’d
get paid for bring value to the market. Your mail goal towards your pursuits
should not be money, because if it’s your driving force then you might be on a wild
chase. Greater fulfillment stems from using your talent or skill towards solving
problems and satisfying the needs of people and the reward comes in all forms
including money.
CEO of MichelleLeathers
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I am Nicky Verd, a Prolific Writer, Blogger and Transformational Speaker. I am passionate about inspiring you to Take Ownership of Your Life. Reconnect with your dreams and jump-start your personal transformation.
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