A Journey of Passion, Heritage, and Global Sisterhood!
Written by : Angel Kalu
The Shekudo Story: A Journey of Passion, Heritage, and Global Sisterhood!
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Sydney, Australia, a young woman named Akudo Iheakanwa—fondly called Amy—dreamed of creating something beautiful. But this wasn’t just any dream. It was a dream rooted in her Nigerian heritage, lessons from her Australian upbringing, and a burning desire to rewrite the narrative of her homeland.
Growing up as a mixed-race child, Akudo often felt caught between two worlds. While her Australian side was celebrated, her Nigerian identity was met with stereotypes—scams, corruption, and chaos. But Akudo knew there was more to Nigeria than the headlines. She carried with her the stories of her father, a brilliant businessman who constantly had to prove himself in a foreign land. She remembered the sting of discrimination, the whispers of judgment, and the determination to show the world that Nigeria had so much more to offer.
And so, Shekudo was born.
What started as a women’s clothing brand in Sydney soon evolved into something much bigger. Akudo’s vision was clear: to create modern, wearable art that celebrated her heritage while empowering women. But she didn’t stop there. In a bold move, she relocated Shekudo’s production base to Lagos, Nigeria, where she could shine a light on the incredible craftsmanship of local artisans.
From just four artisans, Shekudo grew to employ 14 in just one year. Akudo integrated age-old techniques and overlooked local resources into her designs, creating a unique aesthetic that was both contemporary and deeply rooted in African culture. Shekudo’s collections soon caught the attention of global retailers like Nordstrom, Zalando, and Shop Bop, proving that Nigerian craftsmanship could stand tall on the international stage.
But Shekudo is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. Akudo is on a mission to build a global sisterhood, one that celebrates women, empowers artisans, and cares for the planet. From using remnant linen and recycled materials to employing 80% women in her team, Shekudo is a testament to the power of socially responsible fashion.
In an interview with NDAANEV in 2020, Akudo shared her vision: “I want people to see the abilities we have here in Nigeria. I want to create modern products that can be enjoyed locally as well as internationally. I want my products to tell the story of this ever-growing small-scale industry and show its potential to be something much bigger.”
For Akudo, Shekudo is more than just a brand—it’s a love letter to Nigeria. It’s a reminder that no matter where life takes you, your roots are your strength. It’s a call to celebrate the beauty of your homeland, even when the world tries to tell a different story.
Today, Shekudo stands as a beacon of hope, creativity, and empowerment. It’s proof that following your passion—no matter how unconventional—can lead to incredible rewards. And it’s a reminder that no matter how far you roam, you can always contribute to the positive narrative of the place you call home.
So, the next time you slip on a pair of Shekudo shoes or carry one of their handbags, remember: you’re not just wearing a piece of fashion. You’re wearing a story—a story of resilience, creativity, and the unshakable belief that where you come from matters.
And that, dear reader, is the magic of Shekudo.
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