We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chuks Collins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chuks , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, I always felt a deep calling to create something meaningful, to spark change, and to bring joy to others. I wanted to put smiles on people’s faces and make a difference, but in my journey, I often found myself becoming a people-pleaser. While well-intentioned, this left me feeling drained and disconnected from my own needs. Over time, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and staying authentic to my values, which helped me focus on what truly mattered.
In 2012, my life took a life-altering turn. After a kidney transplant, complications arose, and I was left in limbo, unsure of how long I had to live. Being in a foreign country, far from family, and navigating life as an immigrant, I felt lost and overwhelmed. In that period of uncertainty, finding a reason to hold on was incredibly difficult.
Everything shifted when I was introduced to nonprofit organizations that offered me support and resources. These organizations not only helped me but also opened my eyes to others facing even greater struggles. Witnessing their courage ignited something within me—my spirit of service. I began volunteering, and in serving others, I discovered healing and, ultimately, my purpose.
My creativity became a way to channel this newfound purpose. Living in New York City, I designed my first fashion pieces that reflected my journey and auctioned them to raise funds for these nonprofit organizations. It was through this work that I realized my art could be more than just self-expression; it could be a tool for empowerment, upliftment, and positive change.
This experience laid the foundation for the Chuks Collins fashion brand. Service, upliftment, and empowerment are woven into our ethos. Every collection, every piece, is an extension of my purpose: to create beauty that inspires, to tell stories that matter, and to empower individuals to rise above their challenges. For me, fashion is more than design—it’s a vehicle for impact, a way to honor resilience, and a reminder that purpose is often found in serving others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Chuks Collins, a multidisciplinary artist, designer, brand architect, entrepreneur, and curator. My work exists at the intersection of art, fashion, and purpose, with each creation deeply rooted in storytelling and a commitment to uplifting others. I see design as more than just a visual or functional endeavor—it’s a way to inspire, to connect, and to drive change.
Professionally, I’m focused on building the Chuks Collins brand, which is more than a fashion label—it’s a movement. Our brand ethos is centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability, and we create pieces that carry meaning and tell stories. From couture & RTW garments that celebrate resilience and culture to collaborations that amplify narratives of strength and transformation, everything we produce is intentional and impactful.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to blend art and advocacy. Through my collections, I have the privilege of exploring powerful themes, like in my upcoming SS’25 collection, Nné (An Ode to Mama), which pays homage to motherhood and the strong, resilient women who shaped me. It’s a deeply personal project, a homecoming collection that reflects my African heritage and the universal language of love and nurture.
This February, I’m thrilled to be unveiling Mycelia Whisper at New York Fashion Week in collaboration with Lush Decor. This capsule collection is inspired by the hidden networks of nature and serves as a metaphor for human connection and growth. It’s the first of a series of partnerships aimed at merging fashion and home decor while pushing the boundaries of design innovation.
As the co-founder of the African Fashion Council, I am dedicated to promoting and supporting African designers and the broader creative ecosystem. Through this platform, we champion innovation, collaboration, and the cultural narratives that make African fashion a global force.
Additionally, I am gearing up to curate the Pan African Food and Fashion Expo, set to take place in 2027. This event will celebrate the intersection of food, fashion, and culture across Pan African regions, creating a space for meaningful dialogue, creativity, and recognition of diverse talents.
Beyond fashion, I explore other artistic realms through commissioned artworks, channeling my creativity into bespoke pieces that resonate deeply with clients. I’m also excited to share that my first book of illustrations will be released in Q4 2025, offering an intimate glimpse into my artistic process and inspirations.
At the core of everything I do is a desire to leave the world better than I found it. Whether through the pieces I design, the experiences I create, or the causes I support, my work is a reflection of my journey and my purpose. I want people to see themselves in my art, to feel empowered, and to embrace their own stories with pride.
I’m grateful for every opportunity to create, connect, and inspire—and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I can identify three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful: resilience, empathy, and creative adaptability. These have shaped not only my personal growth but also the success of my work as an artist, designer, and entrepreneur.
Resilience
Life is filled with challenges, and resilience has been the backbone of my journey. Whether it was navigating health complications, starting over in a new country, or building a brand from the ground up, resilience kept me moving forward. It’s about embracing setbacks as opportunities to grow and learning to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
Advice: Cultivate resilience by reframing failure as feedback. Surround yourself with a support system that uplifts you, and never underestimate the power of self-care. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about moving forward with purpose, even when the path is unclear.
Empathy
Empathy has been instrumental in both my personal life and my creative work. It allows me to connect deeply with others, understand their stories, and create designs that resonate on a human level. Volunteering and engaging with nonprofit organizations taught me that service to others is not only healing but also a profound source of purpose.
Advice: Develop empathy by listening without judgment and seeking to understand perspectives different from your own. Volunteer your time, step into new communities, and remain open to the lessons people’s stories can teach you. Empathy will make you not only a better creator but also a more compassionate leader.
Creative Adaptability
As a multidisciplinary artist and designer, adaptability has been crucial. Creativity isn’t just about artistic skills; it’s about problem-solving, innovation, and finding ways to stay relevant in an ever-changing world. From pivoting during challenges to experimenting with new mediums and collaborations, adaptability has allowed me to grow and evolve.
Advice: To foster creative adaptability, embrace curiosity. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment with new ideas, tools, and approaches. Be willing to fail and learn from those failures. Adaptability comes from staying flexible and finding ways to let inspiration flow, even in unexpected circumstances.
For anyone early in their journey, my biggest advice is this: Be patient with yourself and stay committed to lifelong learning. Growth is not linear, and every experience—whether a triumph or a challenge—has something to teach you. Develop resilience by staying grounded, practice empathy by staying connected, and hone adaptability by staying curious. These qualities will not only guide you toward success but will also help you lead a life filled with purpose and meaning.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional development is The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. This transformative work challenged the way I perceive myself, my thoughts, and the world around me. It taught me invaluable lessons about inner freedom, self-awareness, and living authentically.
Here are a few of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom that have stayed with me:
“You are not your thoughts.”
This idea was revolutionary for me. Singer emphasizes that we are not the voice in our head; we are the observer of that voice. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in how I navigate challenges. It reminds me to separate my identity from my fears, doubts, or insecurities and to find clarity in observing rather than reacting.
“Let go of what no longer serves you.”
The book speaks about the importance of releasing the emotional baggage and attachments that weigh us down. This principle has helped me cultivate resilience by allowing me to move forward from setbacks without being consumed by them. It’s about creating space for growth and new possibilities.
“Live with an open heart.”
Singer encourages readers to embrace life fully by staying open, even when faced with pain or discomfort. This lesson has inspired me to approach both my creative work and relationships with vulnerability and authenticity. It’s a reminder that true strength comes from staying open, not closed off.
“Freedom is on the other side of surrender.”
One of the most powerful takeaways was the idea that we gain true freedom by surrendering control. Rather than clinging to outcomes or resisting change, we can find peace by trusting the flow of life. This principle has guided me in both my personal journey and my work as a designer, where creativity often thrives in surrendering to the unknown.
The Untethered Soul has been a compass in my life, helping me align with my purpose and embrace the present moment with clarity and courage. It’s a book I return to whenever I need to recalibrate or reconnect with my inner self. For anyone seeking greater freedom and understanding in their life, this book offers a treasure trove of wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chukscollins.com
- Instagram: iamchukscollins
- Linkedin: chukscollins
Image Credits
By Chuks Collins Brand.
