Chizoba Nancy Uchechukwu-Elekwa: Sewing Confidence into Every Seam

From Passion to Purpose

For Chizoba Nancy Uchechukwu-Elekwa, fashion isn’t just fabric—it’s a feeling. It’s the quiet confidence of walking into a room wearing something that fits not just your body, but your identity. It’s the kind of presence that speaks without words. That belief is what led her to build Zobs Wearables and Collections, a UK-based fashion brand specializing in Afrocentric ready-to-wear pieces designed for elegance, comfort, and pride.

“I’ve always loved well-made outfits,” she shares. “No matter the condition, I believe a woman should feel unbeatable when she steps out.”

Born from her own love of craftsmanship, her brand has grown into a statement—one that affirms Black beauty, cultural pride, and the everyday glamour of African fashion made wearable for every season and occasion.

From Custom Work to Ready-to-Wear

Like many designers, Chizoba Nancy Uchechukwu-Elekwa began with custom pieces—measuring, fitting, and tailoring outfits for individual clients. But after relocating from Nigeria to England, she noticed something that changed her business model. “A lot here depends on the weather,” she says. “Weddings are seasonal. Events happen mostly in the summer. I needed something that could work year-round.”

That realization led her to develop a line of ready-to-wear clothing—timeless, tailored pieces that women could style for work, casual days, or nights out. She focused on simple, clean designs with bold prints and flattering silhouettes. “I wanted something you could wear to a meeting and still feel like a queen,” she says.

This pivot allowed her to reach a broader market and maintain consistent sales during slower custom seasons. Her clients now span from brides to business professionals, all drawn to the signature Zobs style—classy, culturally rooted, and easy to wear.

Confronting the Challenge of Delegation

One of Nancy’s biggest challenges was learning to trust others with her work. Tailoring, by nature, is a detail-heavy business. For years, she struggled with letting anyone else touch her designs. “I used to worry so much about finishing. Would anyone else do it like me?”

That hesitation slowed her growth—until she decided to try. By hiring and training a small team, she learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about teaching others to share your standards.

“Tailoring is never a one-person business,” she admits now. “Delegating was hard, but it was necessary.”

Creative Roots and Formal Training

Nancy has always been crafty. From childhood, she loved working with her hands—whether it was threading needles or crafting home décor. But talent alone wasn’t enough. She enrolled in a formal fashion academy to sharpen her skills and learn techniques that would elevate her craft.

That training helped her refine her signature style: bold African prints, structured fits, and thoughtful detailing that transitions easily from day to night. Every Zobs piece is designed to celebrate the uniqueness of the woman who wears it.

Balancing Business, Life, and Grace

Running a business in fashion isn’t easy—especially while balancing personal life. Nancy credits time management and intention as her greatest tools. “It’s not always easy, but we keep trying,” she says. “You have to allocate time. You have to make space.”

Her husband is her biggest supporter, especially during tough seasons. When sales slow or doubt creeps in, his belief in her vision keeps her moving forward. “He trusts my instinct,” she says. “That kind of encouragement—it changes everything.”

Fashion with Meaning

For Nancy, being a Black woman in fashion isn’t just an identity—it’s a responsibility. “Black women are resilient,” she says. “That resilience shows in how we create, how we lead, how we show up.”

That mindset drives her work ethic and her business philosophy. She understands that growth takes time and consistency. “You have to always be prepared,” she says, “so the success doesn’t surprise you.”

Her advice to young Black women entrepreneurs? “The road to greatness isn’t smooth,” she says. “Some customers will make you doubt your sanity. But take a breath. Pray. Keep going.”

Looking Ahead: Distribution and Bridals

Nancy’s vision for Zobs Wearables over the next five years is expansive. She wants to return to her bridal roots and also begin distributing her Afrocentric ready-to-wear collections throughout stores in England. Her goal is to make African fashion part of everyday wardrobes, no longer reserved just for special occasions or cultural events.

“There’s beauty in the everyday,” she says. “I want women to feel beautiful even on a Tuesday morning. That’s the power of fashion—it changes how you move through the world.”

She’s also considering building out a showroom where customers can try on and customize pieces while learning about the textiles and stories behind them. “It’s about more than clothes,” she says. “It’s about connection.”

A Brand That Honors, A Woman Who Builds

Zobs Wearables isn’t just a clothing line. It’s a reminder that style is strength, and cultural pride can be both fashionable and functional. Through every thread, every stitch, and every confident step, Nancy is building something deeper than fashion—she’s building legacy.

Connect with Chizoba Nancy Uchechukwu-Elekwa

📍 Website: www.zobswearables.com

📧 Email: zobswearables@gmail.com

📱 Instagram: @zobswearables

📱 TikTok: @fashiondesignerintheuk

📍 Facebook: Zobs Wearables