Meet JULIET OBIAHU | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JULIET OBIAHU and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JULIET, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think of risk as an introduction to your potential, its the key point we get to that either changes our path permanently or maintain things as they. Not saying all risks will pan out positively however, taking risk especially a risk that involves betting on yourself will either reap rewards or a valuable lesson. I took a risk on myself to switch gears from my degree in psychology and randomly pivoted to project management right after college, where I’ve built a 10 year career in the IT field. The journey of entrepreneurship has introduced me to a side of myself I never new existed. In 2016 during my longest unemployment stint, I took a risk on myself and launched Teal & Moxie on an $800 unemployment check and it has easily been one of the best decisions of my life.

When I started Teal & Moxie, I was actually working on a different creative project with my friend. I think just being as integrated with that project as much as I was inspired me to pick back up sketching. I was sketching so much I started dreaming of designs which is funny as I didn’t have aspirations to be a designer. As I said earlier, I was unemployed and didn’t like the feeling of helplessness it made me feel. I remember in my frustration I prayed on what to do next. I wish I could say, it was an easy decision especially with limited resources at the time but I took the leap of faith, created my first set of designs and the rest is history.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Teal & Moxie to showcase west African prints in a relatable and fashionable medium for the modern woman. I wanted a brand that was as authentic as possible, so 90% of my production and manufacturing is done in my home country Nigeria. I’m most proud that my designs can be worn for everyday fashion yet unique pieces that stand out.

Currently, I’m still working a 9-5 and actively growing my staff bout overseas and in Houston to accommodate the growing demand. Its been a very interesting journey to date, especially pivoting during/post COVID-19. I’m learning to staff for my weaknesses and delegate work, sounds easy in theory but I struggle to be hands off as Teal & Moxie is like my baby.

My dream for Teal & Moxie is to build it to a household brand known for delivering quality unique clothes and bags.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston always has something going on, I would take my friend to city center for some live music, family friendly environment, a picnic at centennial park, bar crawling in the heights on Washington avenue in the evening. Explore the Woodland waterways and if my guest is up for the drive, a day at Galveston beach. Bruch at Moxies, Turkey leg hut or Taste bar. Might check for a concert or festival at Discovery green and definitely getting cookies from Fluff bake bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to my tribe; Ugochi Obijoffor the CEO of U&U Designs, Mary-Jane Mbamalu of Vivajika, the best makeup artist in Dallas and Jenny Leonce Yanga CEO of Afroboss Lady, YJL Wedding and YJL Consulting. These ladies keep me grounded and sane.

Website: TealandMoxie.com

Instagram: @TealandMoxie

Facebook: Teal and Moxie Apparel

Image Credits
photos by Drayback photography