How fashion expert Nnmaa Okeke became a modern lifestyle influencer

Michael Adesina

In Nigeria’s ever-evolving fashion scene, where trends move fast and attention spans move even faster, Chidinma Okeke Millicent, popularly known as Nnmaa Okeke, is taking a different route — one built on patience, precision, and personality.

The commercial model and entrepreneur is steadily carving her own space, not just as a face in front of the camera, but as the founder of Ladytailor, a bespoke fashion brand she launched in 2021.

For many who have followed her journey, the transition feels natural. Before Ladytailor became a brand, fashion had already been a language she spoke fluently.

As a commercial model, Nnmaa spent years studying silhouettes, fabrics, and how structure changes confidence. She understood first-hand what makes a garment photograph beautifully and, more importantly, what makes a person feel powerful in it.

It was only a matter of time before she moved from wearing the designs to creating them.

“When you work closely with designers as a model, you begin to notice the little details,” Chidinma stated. “You see what works, what doesn’t, and how fit can completely transform a look. I wanted to build something that pays attention to those details.”

That desire gave birth to Ladytailor in 2021, a brand focused on bespoke pieces that celebrate structure and individuality. Rather than chase fast-fashion cycles, Ladytailor leans into craftsmanship.

The name itself reflects intentionality. It is about tailoring identity.

But beyond the atelier, Chidinma Okeke Millicent has also embraced the digital age in her own authentic way. While many creatives curate highly polished feeds, she prefers something more intimate. Snapchat, she explains, is her favourite platform for sharing her fashion and lifestyle content.

“Snapchat feels real,” she says with a smile. “It’s where I can show the behind-the-scenes of fittings, fabric sourcing, travel moments, even the challenges. People don’t just see the final look; they see the process.”

That openness has helped her build a loyal community that connects not only with Ladytailor as a brand, but with the woman behind it. Through snippets of her travels, styling sessions, and everyday life, Nnmaa Okeke has quietly positioned herself as more than a designer. She is a storyteller, one who uses fashion as her primary medium.

Travel, in particular, plays a significant role in her creative direction. Exposure to different cultures and aesthetics continues to shape her eye for detail. She often draws inspiration from architecture, street style, and the subtle elegance of people she encounters in different cities.

“It’s interesting how style changes from place to place,” she reflects. “You begin to appreciate textures, colours, and even confidence differently.”

Yet, despite the growing visibility, there is a calmness about her trajectory. She is not in a rush to dominate headlines. Instead, Nnmaa is focused on building something sustainable — a brand that can grow beyond social media moments.

In an industry that can sometimes prioritise noise over nuance, her approach feels refreshing. She believes in consistency, in quality, and in allowing her work to speak.

For young women looking to step into fashion or entrepreneurship, her advice is simple: understand your voice before you amplify it.

“Don’t build for applause,” she added. “Build for purpose. The recognition will come.”