April Wind Couture grows from one-woman fashion start-up to global-ready brand, defying Nigeria’s tough economy with Ankara-focused innovation

April Wind Couture is rewriting the fashion playbook in Nigeria—rising from humble beginnings to become a globally-aware brand with over 30 staff and more than 40 machines.

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Built on resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep love for Ankara fashion, the brand’s success proves that growth is possible even in the face of Nigeria’s harsh economic realities.

Founded in 2017 by Uwem Asibeluo, April Wind Couture began as a one-woman operation—cutting, sewing, selling, and even cleaning.

Initially focusing on ready-to-wear Ankara outfits, she quickly realised the capital needed was too steep.

She pivoted to bespoke tailoring, using clients’ fabrics and measurements to keep the business afloat.

Everything changed during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. With reduced walk-in traffic, Asibeluo leaned into the brand’s original ready-to-wear vision.

By investing in digital marketing—especially Instagram—she was able to attract new customers and scale without a physical storefront.

“Instagram became our lifeline. Customers started ordering without stepping into the shop,” she said.

By December 2020, April Wind Couture experienced its first major sales boom.

This momentum led to an expansion in 2021—more staff, a rented two-bedroom flat as a production space, and dedicated roles for logistics and customer service.

But a sudden notice to vacate pushed her to complete and relocate to her own unfinished property—a tough decision that laid the foundation for long-term stability.

Today, that space houses a fully functioning production hub, employing over 32 people and serving customers across Nigeria and internationally.

Asibeluo’s choice to focus on Ankara was not only personal but also strategic.

Drawing on her background in economics, she recognised Nigeria’s unique advantage—affordable, high-quality labour and easy access to fabrics.

“My mother wore Ankara only on Sundays. I wanted to reimagine it as daily wear—versatile, stylish, and global,” she said.

April Wind Couture now produces high-demand, well-finished Ankara pieces like kimono jackets, blending tradition with contemporary fashion.

Social media continues to be a key driver, connecting the brand to clients in the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, and France.

Despite success, daily operations face huge obstacles—especially the unreliable power supply.

The company spends ₦39,000 daily on diesel to run essential equipment like rhinestone machines and industrial irons. Sewing machines rely on solar energy.

“Whenever we plan expansion, the first thing we think about is electricity—not even staff or machines,” Asibeluo said.

Still, the brand has managed to maintain quality, meet deadlines, and grow sustainably.

Every design is first produced as a sample, ensuring consistency in production and customer satisfaction.

Asibeluo’s five-year vision is ambitious. She plans to open branches in key countries where demand is high and eventually establish a fashion school to train young designers and create jobs.

“We want to keep Nigeria as the production hub. This way, we grow the brand and contribute to the economy,” she said.

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She also hopes to collaborate with iconic Nigerian brands like Odeva Nigeria and Lisa Folawiyo Studio—names she deeply admires for their innovation and longevity.