In a world where success is often measured by achievements, Princess Kelechi Oghene, CEO of GMYT Group Ltd., founder of GAHAWARDS and GMYT Academy, has redefined the fashion industry.
The vibrant and industrious philanthropist, entrepreneur, golfer, educator, and strategic business consultant has been relentlessly pursuing success while inspiring the young generation to follow in her footsteps. Kelechi Oghene has built a business empire that spans multiple industries. Her company, GMYT Group Ltd., has become a household name, synonymous with innovation and excellence.
Through her philanthropic efforts, particularly through GAHAWARDS and GMYT Academy, have impacted countless lives, providing a platform for young people to showcase their talents and achieve their dreams.
What sets Princess Kelechi Oghene apart is her belief in the power of learning and relearning. She embodies the spirit of continuous improvement, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve. Her mantra, “we all need to learn and relearn,” has inspired a generation of young people to embrace lifelong learning and strive for excellence.
In this interview with Weekender, she take us through the journey of founding GMYT Academy, success stories recorded through the academy and how she has inspired young fashion entrepreneurs.
Take us through the journey of founding the GMYT Academy and sustaining it through the years.
The journey of founding GMYT Fashion Academy has been a journey of passion, vision, and resilience. The academy was established with the goal of setting a sustainable pace and standard for African fashion. We aim to create the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs by fostering a strong leadership team based on our core principles and standard structure. GMYT Fashion Academy is a fashion-education school that equips students, particularly women and youth, with the essential skills and business knowledge needed to operate and maintain a fashion company in today’s economic climate.
What remarkable success stories have you recorded from the academy since it started?
Our academy has empowered over 12,000 alumni who have gone on to establish successful fashion businesses, win international fashion competitions, and gain recognition in various global platforms around the world. The transformation and growth of our students stand as a testament to our effective training and mentorship programs.
How long have you held the GAHAWARDS and for what purpose are these awards?
GAHAWARDS have been held for 12 years, with this year marking the 12th edition actually since its inception in 2012. These awards serve a humanitarian purpose, celebrating social impact, innovation, and individuals breaking boundaries across various sectors globally, these strides, these efforts, these stories are worth celebrating..
What will you be doing differently this year at the GAHAWARDS?
At this year’s edition of GAHAWARDS, we will be expanding our reach and recognizing individuals from a wider array of sectors who have made significant contributions to their fields. The 12th edition, happening this December, will feature movers and shakers from various industries around the world, showcasing outstanding achievements and innovations. We are open to sponsorship and partnership opportunities, offering a unique platform for brands to align with excellence and social impact. This is an unmissable opportunity to support and be associated with leaders driving positive change globally.
How do you inspire the young generation to follow in your footsteps?
I inspire the younger generation by emphasising the importance of having a solid structure and system, and never making excuses. I believe in hard work and SMART work. Discipline is crucial; you can’t reach new heights without it. Consistency, investment, study, and confidence are also essential. I encourage young people to believe they have everything they need and that they are always enough. I don’t wait for anyone or for opportunities to come to me; I go out and create them. This proactive mindset is what I strive to instill in others especially young prodigies.
You were recently awarded a Global Business Strategy certification from the prestigious China Europe International Business School. Tell us about this certification and what it means to your career and impact on people.
Obtaining the certification in Global Business Strategy from the China Europe International Business School has been a transformative experience. This certification has deepened my understanding of global market dynamics, strategic business planning, and cross-cultural leadership. It enables me to integrate advanced strategic insights into my business operations, fostering growth and innovation. More importantly, it equips me to mentor and inspire others with cutting-edge knowledge and practices, amplifying my impact on aspiring entrepreneurs and the broader community.
You have built a business empire that spans multiple industries. How have you been able to gather the right talents to sustain your vision and values?
Frankly, I can say, beyond recruiting the right talents, it’s crucial to build a firm structure. Businesses thrive on systems, not just individuals. This is a core lesson I teach and instill in my team. Additionally, I have a knack for spotting raw talent and refining it into excellence, thanks to the strong structures we have in place. Discipline and focus are key attributes I encourage in young talents.
How have you thrived in your business despite economic downturns and current foreign exchange volatility?
We’ve thrived by maintaining a flexible and innovative approach. Diversifying our offerings, continuously upskilling our team, and leveraging technology have been critical. We also emphasize financial prudence and SMART/strategic planning, which helps us navigate economic challenges effectively maintaining relevance.
How do you provide the platform for young people to showcase their talents and achieve their dreams?
At GMYT Fashion Academy, how we provide this platform is by offering world-class fashion education and hands-on experience tailored to nurture the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs. Our comprehensive programs/curriculum equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive fashion and corporate industry. We provide unparalleled networking opportunities and a supportive community to ensure every student can showcase their talents and achieve their dreams. Stay tuned as we integrate innovative insights from global business strategies into our curriculum, taking your fashion education to the next level.
What is the next big thing in the pipeline for Princess Kelechi Oghene?
Through strategic collaborations with industry leaders, the next big motion in the pipeline for me involves expanding GMYT Fashion Academy’s reach in the fashion and business sphere, both nationally and internationally. We aim to showcase the exceptional talents and raw skill nurtured within our community on a global platform, fostering partnerships that celebrate innovation and excellence. With a focus on empowering aspiring fashion entrepreneurs within Africa and beyond and building a dynamic network, our vision is to elevate the fashion landscape and create unparalleled opportunities for growth in these sectors and success industry wise, who knows, I just might stop by oil and gas sector next.
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