We’re reinventing luxury fashion with cultural authenticity – Fashionpreneur, Akpu Tessy

In a powerful tale of resilience and innovation, Nigerian entrepreneur Akpu Tessy Oluchi is leading TCM Brand from modest origins to international recognition redefining African luxury fashion with authenticity and purpose.

Founded with a vision to make luxurious fashion and beauty products both affordable and accessible, TCM Brand has grown into one of Africa’s fastest-rising fashion and beauty empires. The brand now caters to women across the continent and beyond, offering handcrafted ready-to-wear pieces and premium wigs tailored for individuality and elegance.

“What started as a passion became a mission to fill a gap in the market for factory-direct, high-quality fashion pieces that are both unique and affordable,” said Tessy, founder and creative director of TCM Brand.

The journey, however, has not been without its trials. A significant business setback once forced Tessy to rebuild the brand from scratch. One defining moment came when the company lost millions of naira through third-party payments.

“We entered resolutions with affected customers, started doing refunds, and ensured every customer was properly sorted out,” she recalled. “Instead of letting it define me, I rebuilt, rebranded, and repositioned the business for bigger opportunities. That season taught me the value of persistence, the importance of brand trust, and the reality that setbacks are setups for comebacks.”

Rather than retreat, Tessy used the challenge as an opportunity to transform the business model—shifting from a local retail focus to a global, pre-order-based e-commerce structure.

Each TCM collection begins with a story, inspired by culture, emotion, or mood. Tessy champions ethical sourcing and made-to-order craftsmanship as pillars of the brand’s identity. This not only supports sustainability, but also reinforces exclusivity in a world of mass production. Signature packaging further enhances the luxury experience.

“My customers are my biggest collaborators,” Tessy said. “Their feedback shaped everything from fit improvements to new product categories like our luxury wig combo deals.”

With improved sourcing strategies and expanded production capabilities, TCM Brand has shortened delivery times without compromising quality. The company has also introduced The China Merchant lifestyle division, launched bestselling product bundles, and expanded its international reach.

Looking ahead, Tessy aims to position TCM as Africa’s leading wholesaler of factory-priced luxury fashion and beauty products. Expansion plans include entry into Ghana, strategic partnerships across Africa, and a broader global offering that includes accessories and cosmetics.

“It’s all about structure,” he said. “I set aside specific days for design, others for strategy. Delegation has helped me protect my creative energy while making data-driven decisions.”

But for Tessy, the brand is more than a business it is a platform for empowerment and transformation.

“TCM Brand is proof that African brands can compete at a global standard without losing cultural authenticity,” he noted. “My story isn’t just about clothes or wigs it’s about turning challenges into stepping stones and using business as a tool for transformation.”

With every stitch, every strand, and every sale, TCM Brand tells a story that began in Africa and now speaks boldly to the world.