Nwokeji: Driving on Inclusivity, Authenticity and Building a Legacy with LhambiProfile

Amaka Nwokeji is a Nigerian entrepreneur, petroleum engineer, and creative director with a passion for fashion, mining, and brand building.

She’s the founder of Lhambi, an upscale fashion company that recently launched “The Bond Edit” collection, celebrating meaningful bonds
between women.

With a strong foundation in engineering and project management, Nwokeji leads multiple businesses with clarity and vision.

She is a mother of four, wife, and leader who embodies quiet strength, relentless drive, and
effortless style.

Nwokeji values include simplicity, joy, love, and purpose, which she instills in her children. She is hands-on, intuitive, and unafraid to get involved. Her work spans fashion, mining, and real estate, and she’s the Managing Director of a mining and quarry company in Nigeria.

Her long-term vision is to live fully, love deeply, and build a legacy of purpose, joy, and impact, inspiring future generations to pursue their
passions fearlessly.

Congratulations on the successful launch of TheBondEdit! How does it feel to finally share your collection with the world?

It feels deeply fulfilling. The Bond Edit was never really about footwear. It was centred on women, their everyday lives, and the moments that often go unnoticed. The women were the stars of this campaign, not the shoes or the fashion, but the people who bring it to life. Sharing it with the world felt like acknowledging and recognizing women for all that they
do, in ways that are quiet but powerful. Seeing how people connected to that has been incredibly validating.

What was the most surprising feedback you have received from customers and fans about TheBondEdit, and how has it impacted
your approach to future collections?

One of the most surprising reactions was how many people asked if the campaign was AI generated. The opening scene with the mother and daughter made many people pause because they couldn’t believe it was
real. No one had really told stories like that in fashion before.

Another unexpected response was that many people didn’t realise it was a shoe campaign at first. The storytelling came before the product. By the end, the feedback was phenomenal, with people expressing genuine admiration for the execution.

What stood out most was that the response came from both women and men. That showed me that when you lead with authenticity, the message travels much further than the product alone.

How did you balance creativity with commercial viability in TheBondEdit, and what compromises did you have to make?

For me, it wasn’t so much about commercial viability as it was about practicality. Of course, this is a business, but the focus was on comfort,
durability, and wearability. None of the shoes in The Bond Edit are higher than four inches. That was intentional. We wanted designs women could wear all day and still feel stylish and confident. Every piece was centred on making women feel comfortable, seen, and beautiful for as long as they choose to wear them. Comfort did not take away from style, it enhanced it.

How did you collaborate with your team, and what role did they play in bringing TheBondEdit to life?

I had a fantastic team. From styling to set design, videography, and photography, everyone understood the vision from the start. A clear brief was given, and it was one of those rare moments where everyone truly
understood the assignment. Each person brought their own perspective, but when we came back together, everything aligned seamlessly. There was very little back and
forth. The styling, sets, script, and execution all tied together naturally. That shared understanding played a huge role in bringing The Bond Edit to life.

How do you prioritize self-care and make time for yourself, especially with a demanding career and family life?

Self-care is essential for me. I simply cannot work nonstop without it. I prioritise time alone, time with close friends and family, and experiences that allow me to reset. I love to travel, and I’m intentional about building
moments of rest into my schedule.
For me, self-care is not a reward. It is a requirement. I protect my time, delegate when necessary, and stay present in the moments that matter most. That balance allows me to show up fully in every area of my life.

What is your long-term vision for your brand and legacy, and how do you see TheBondEdit contributing to it?

My long-term vision is centred on inclusivity, longevity, and timeless design. Lhambi was created because there were no stylish options for women with bigger feet, and inclusivity remains a core part of the brand. Today, we

cater to a wide sizerange, and that commitment continues to guide our decisions. Beyond sizing, I want to build a brand with timeless pieces that remain relevant season after season. The Bond Edit represents a foundational pillar in that journey. It shows that Lhambi is not just about products, but about connection, memory, and meaning. This collection also marked an expansion for the brand.

By including children, we introduced a new signature that reflects legacy, passing style
and identity from grandmother to mother to daughter. The Bond Edit allowed us to broaden our audience while staying true to our values.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who want to make a mark in the fashion industry?

There is no perfect time. If you have an idea, start. Someone else is likely thinking about it too. Put it out there, and if it doesn’t work, try again. Failure is part of the process, not the end of it. Consistency and originality are extremely important, especially in today’s digital space. Learn the business as deeply as the creative side, and don’t be afraid to evolve. Most importantly, trust your perspective. There is space for originality, but only if you’re willing to stay grounded and consistent.