Ugochi Iwuaba is an award-winning international fashion designer making her mark in the fashion world. She is a wife and mother who started her fashion brand at the darkest time in her life when her unborn son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome eight years ago. She was fired from her job for getting pregnant so soon after a maternity leave but she turned all that pain into fuel for starting her successful fashion brand.
She has used her voice in the industry to inspire and ignite a vibrant fashion community in San Diego through her involvement with the San Diego Community College fashion and fashion photography programs. Her shows are reputed for the deliverance of quality and an amazing experience while fostering inclusivity, diversity, and culture in the beautiful San Diego she now calls home.
Born in Nigeria with degrees in History, International Relations, and Real Estate, everything pales in the face of her deep passion for fashion design.
About Ugochi Iwuaba
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I met my wonderful husband on Facebook about 15 years ago. He flew to Nigeria to meet me and get officially introduced to my family in a traditional ceremony a year later. I came to San Diego on a fiancé Visa about 9 months later and I have been building our family with him since then. We are blessed with three wonderful children and my last baby, diagnosed with Down syndrome is our resident angel.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I graduated from University with a BA in History and International Relations. After I graduated, I worked in Advertising for two years and editorial writing before I moved to the United States. When I got here, I worked as a Calvin Klein Consultant at Macy’s then became a property manager for three years. Got my Real Estate license and sold some houses before going fully into fashion and creating my brand, Ugochi Iwuaba.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love God, Love yourself, and Love people. Happiness is entirely your decision and never let anyone tell you who you are or what you can achieve.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In a position that allows me to create real life-changing financial impact on the lives of many. I understand how access to funds can hinder dreams and I would love to change that for as many as I can.
Ugochi Iwuaba & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Inside Out, The Fish Market,
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
13 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Ricky Shabaaz, President of San Diego City College.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Agora Galleries. The owner is so welcoming, and her laughter is uplifting. She has the most beautiful art pieces and jewelry!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The friendly nature of the people. Maybe it’s the Sun. I love both.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would like to discuss ways in which we can create more accessible fashion training programs to the underserved and disabled communities in advanced clothing manufacturing. Tom’s Light House.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Emily In Paris, Ugly Betty, and Gossip Girl
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am actually very shy but I have learned to overcome it. Sometimes it peeks through though.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
In and Out burger.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Make-A-Wish San Diego, COJIL Foundation, and Feeding San Diego
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I can be anything I put my mind to be, it only takes hard work.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
National City
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The cultural diversity and the food.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
At home, cooking for my family with a movie on and children playing outside in the sun.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warm, Food, Cozy
