Pretty designer, Uju Perpetual Okoye, is the face behind Sycca Couture; a fashion outlet situated at Festac, Mother of 5 and a native of Igbo-Ukwu in Anambra State shared the story of how to excel in the fashion industry to the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN.
Can we meet you?
I’m Uju Perpetual Okoye. CEO Sycca-couture. (Lolo Omaricha Ugoeze).
What’s your educational qualifications?
Well, I graduated from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka as an Administrator (Public Administrator). .I also have a professional course with institute of Public management. Nigeria.
You studied Public Administration, why abandoned it for fashion designing?
Well, I didn’t abandoned my discipline like you said literally all goes in hand because I would not be where I am if not the education I acquired, in other words, fashion and style has been something that is in me from birth, even in my secondary school days. I style my uniforms to my taste although its meant to be in a particular way but because of what I have in me, I do re-style mine, not my fault anyways, its in me. I contested for miss Public Administration during my university days and I came out first runner up graciously, all I can say is that fashion and style has been to me like butter and bread.
When did designing begin for you?
Like I said, it began from birth earnestly, I start designing from a very long age but not as perfect, so I decided to go out and make it a profession, it’s like I have already realize that this is my calling so I need to make it work and expantiate on it.
Did you have any formal training?
Yes, I first trained with an Ivory Coast man, which I went further to continue my training with CEO Luminee Official.
Wat was the duration, how long did it take to master the act of fashion designing?
Well, it took me one year plus, with the Ivory Coast man and months with Luminee.
The name Sycca Couture, how did you come about it?
Sycca is from Jessica and that’s my daughter’s name.
When did you set up Sycca couture?
I have been using the name for styling when I have not been professionsl with the work but I became professional with the work and made the name official about four years ago.
What is your State of Origin?
I am married to a well known business man who is the CEO GUCCI Nature Red wine and blessed with 5 kids, I’m from Igbo-ukwu in Anambra state of Aguata Local government Area in Eastern part of Nigeria.
What fabrics do you love to work with?
I work with every fabrics that comes my way, no one in particular as I am ready to perfectly design any.
What inspires your design?
My design are inspired by nature and God’s creation.
What are those things you look out for when designing for a client?
I look at the person’s shape to know what can go with the body structure then I give it.
How affordable are your charges?
Very affordable
Who is your best dressed Nigerian woman? And Why
Me of course
What distinguishes Sycca Couture from the other designers?
Our hall mark, Our hallmark which is our creativity.
What colors are in vogue now?
No color in particular order whatever color of fabric I work with becomes vogue
What is your dream for Sycca – Couture?
I see Sycca – Couture becoming far better from what it is today as it has become a house hold name.
What are the three things people don’t know about you?
The 3 things people don’t know about me are (1) That I am a woman with so many titles (2) That I’m from a family of 8 which I’m the last child and (3) That I’m married to a high chief.
What is the sweetest thing about marriage?
When you love and the love is reciprocated.
Would you consider it the best decision you have ever taken?
Yes
What makes a good Designer?
Being creative.
How lucrative is the fashion business?
Well, its lucrative if you know what you are doing but In a situation you don’t know the work well enough, it’s not 10/10.
What do you like most about being a fashion designer?
You get to play with colors and the feeling you get knowing you made someone look so lovely.
What is your favourite food?
Rice with stew
And drinks?
Gucci Red Wine
How do you relax?
I relax in my office for some hours after I cut outfits before I continue.
What is the best way to overcome challenges in business?
Focus and fastidious.
Describe your personal style?
Uniqueness
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
My children are so dear to me.
What is a must- have in a woman’s wardrobe?
Sycca – Couture signature dress
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
To be good to others.
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
My signature top.
What is your definition of a stylish woman?
Been able to make something out of nothing, I mean give me a blouse with a shoulder, I can repp it off shoulder
When was the last time you wore a suit?
Hahaha earnestly can’t remember but its been long.
What is your favourite ,Corporate or Native Attires?
Native attires
Why?
Because I stay everyday making those dresses, it’s inevitable not to wear my designs because they are lovely.
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
My hometown
What is your best fashion accessory?
No favourites, I wear what’s good on me.
Describe Uju Perputual Okoye?
Okoye Perpetual Uju is a smart, calculative, humble lady that is always fastidious to whatever she does and God fearing woman too.
Who are your fashion Icons?. The people you look up to in the fashion industry?
Many of them so I can’t start calling names.
Can we meet your family? Tell us about them.
My husband is a known business man and my kids are the best. I love my family and wouldn’t jeopardize it for anything.
Tell us your husband’s name and the kids too?
Chief Ezeonyebuchi Vitalis Okoye (CEO Gucci Nature Red Wine). And my kids names are; Valentine, Jessica, Kasie, Amanda and Kachira Ezeeonyebuchi.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me is the way you desire to stand out, your style, the manner you interpret things.
What is the most important thing to you right now?
To keep building my brand and my family.
Share your happy moments with us?
The day I had my first baby. Oh! My God, I was so happy, I said to myself ‘I am a mum…… the happiness cannot be compared with anything.
What styles are in vogue?
I can say Corset, Straight skirt or gown, A-LINE and many more.
Describe your wardrobe?
My wardrobe is like my office where you see different colors of outfits.
What is your advice for those upcoming designers who see you as a role model?
My advice is for them to be focused and keep working hard, one day they too would shine
What is your favourite color and why?
White, white is classy for me.
Lastly, how do you rate the Nigerian Industry?
Good.
