The ‘GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025’ unfolded in Lagos with the elegance of a runway and the urgency of a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship. The annual showcase, a fusion of creativity, business, and mentorship, once again positioned Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) as a major catalyst for Africa’s small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) transformation. From fashion to skincare and beauty innovation, this year’s edition was more than a spectacle – it was a classroom for resilience, authenticity, and enterprise.
Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of ‘The Lip Bar’, a U.S.-based beauty brand, drew the audience in with her story of grit and grace. An African-American from Detroit, Michigan, Butler swapped Wall Street for her kitchen table in 2012 to create lipsticks that would later redefine inclusive beauty. “Entrepreneurship demands patience and belief,” she said, recalling how her brand earned no profit for six years. “Speak your truth, connect with your audience, and let your story define your brand.” Dressed in a radiant yellow balloon bustier gown, she left a message that resonated with the energy of the young Nigerian entrepreneurs who filled the hall – that resilience is the new luxury.
For Jade Oyeteru, co-founder and COO of ‘Uncover Skincare’, the power of narrative was at the heart of business success. Drawing from her experiences at Nestlé, Jumia, and Unilever, she underscored that “a brand isn’t what you say about yourself – it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” With her signature poise and floral-print dress, Oyeteru spoke about building trust through authenticity, especially in a beauty industry long dominated by foreign ideals. “We’re not just creating skincare,” she declared. “We’re building confidence for melanin-rich women across Africa.”
British-Jamaican designer ‘Bianca Saunders’, winner of the prestigious ANDAM Grand Prix and BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, offered a masterclass in self-definition. From her days at the Royal College of Art to her rise on the Paris fashion runways, Saunders has championed the power of staying rooted. “Your biggest strength is your truth,” she told participants. “People connect with honesty – never lose your identity.” Dressed in sleek black and clutch in hand, she embodied the calm authority of a designer who has mastered the balance between innovation and integrity.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour, ‘Patrick Ta’ – celebrity make-up artist and founder of ‘Patrick Ta Beauty’ – spoke passionately about his journey from a small salon in Arizona to global acclaim. Known for sculpting luminous faces across red carpets, he reminded the audience that the beauty industry is a calling that demands consistency, creativity, and pride. “Love what you do,” he said. “Even when no one sees your work, excellence must remain your signature.”
GTCO’s fashion weekend has evolved beyond aesthetics into a continental movement – merging art, ambition, and enterprise. Through its masterclasses, exhibitions, and designer showcases, the event reaffirms the brand’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, inspiring innovation, and shaping the future of African creativity.
