Meet Helen Ogochukwu Nwiba

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helen Ogochukwu Nwiba. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helen Ogochukwu below.

Hi Helen Ogochukwu , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

After graduating from the university and struggling to find a job, I saw how many underprivileged women and youth were facing the same challenge not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked skills and opportunities.

That pain became my purpose. I decided to create something that could open doors, build confidence, and turn creativity into income. That’s how Helenz Footwear was born from frustration to innovation, from challenge to change.

So whenever things get tough, I remember where I started and why I started. That’s where my resilience comes from.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Nwiba Helen, a social entrepreneur, autodidact footwear designer, and the founder/CEO of Helenz Ogo International Company Limited, the parent company of Helenz Footwear, Helenz Afrique, and Helenz Business Hub.

After graduating from the university and not being able to secure a job, my passion for creativity led me to look deeper into opportunities around me. I noticed a huge gap in Nigeria’s footwear industry there were many shoemakers, but none specialized in beaded footwear. That realization inspired me to pioneer Helenz Footwear, a brand dedicated to creating timeless, handcrafted beaded footwear that stands out in the global market.

Beyond building a brand, I was deeply moved by how many underprivileged women and youth were also struggling to find jobs not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked both professional and local skills. That inspired me to make Helenz Footwear more than just a fashion brand; it became a platform for empowerment. Through training, mentorship, and job creation, we have turned creativity into opportunity and purpose into impact.

So far, we’ve trained over 500 people, created nearly 50 jobs (15 full-time), empowered 50+ women through drop-shipping, exported our footwear to 43 countries, and sold over 5,000 pairs globally in just three years.

What excites me most about this journey is watching a product proudly Made in Nigeria compete on international stages not just for its beauty, but for the lives it transforms. Every pair of our footwear tells a story of empowerment, strength, and creativity.

Right now, we’re expanding our reach through Helenz Afrique, our luxury African-inspired line, and Helenz Business Hub, which supports artisans and entrepreneurs with skills training, mentorship, and access to markets.

At the heart of everything we do is one mission to empower, and create opportunities for underserved women and youth through sustainable craftsmanship and purpose-driven innovation.

Our vision is to become the leading world class brand in beaded footwear manufacturing industry and build a standard footwear factory that can create a massive employment in Africa.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey:

Resilience and faith: After graduating and struggling to find a job, I learned to trust the process and turn setbacks into purpose. Early on, don’t fear challenges they are your greatest teachers.

Creativity and innovation: I noticed a gap in Nigeria’s footwear industry and used creativity to create timeless beaded designs that stand out globally. Observe, think differently, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path.

Leadership and empowerment: Success isn’t just personal it’s about lifting others. Empowering women and youth through skills and jobs has been central to Helenz Footwear. Lead with empathy, invest in people, and your impact will multiply.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Obstacles and Challenges:

As a growing brand, Helenz Footwear faces several challenges. But the major ones are funding and expanding production.

What We’re Doing to Solve Them:
We are Seeking strategic partnerships and funding to expand production capacity and support growth initiatives.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Helenz Footwear

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