Today we’re excited to be connecting with Oghenetejiri Ogodo again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Oghenetejiri, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
My name is Oghenetejiri Ogodo, a model, medical biochemist, fashion designer and a sustainability advocate. I am the proud founder of Freedom Haute Humanitarian Foundation and La Tejcreations, a sustainable fashion brand deeply rooted in telling African stories through community, impact and fashion while promoting circular economy. I have always been passionate about blending creativity, sustainability, and community impact, and my work reflects this commitment.

La Tejcreations specializes in designing and producing unique, high-quality African fashion, bags and dresses. On the other hand, Freedom Haute Humanitarian Foundation empowers women and models, providing job opportunities and addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, inclusivity, and systemic challenges within the fashion industry.

What sets me apart is my unwavering focus on sustainability, creativity, and empowerment. La Tejcreations was born from a personal experience of seeing the harm textile waste can cause to the environment, a problem I am determined to solve through upcycling and recycling initiatives. And this birthed my brand Scrap2Style where we transform textiles waste into timeless accessories, and home decor items that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious. Additionally, I leverage my platforms to support vulnerable individuals, particularly women and creatives, creating opportunities for growth and advocacy.

My journey has been shaped by resilience and purpose. I started La Tejcreations in 2018 with little more than passion and a vision to make African fashion globally accessible. Over the years, I have shipped thousands of products across Africa, Europe, North America, and Oceania, and in 2024, I launched Scrap2Style, a separate brand focused solely on upcycling fabric waste. My work has been recognized through awards like Iconic accessories brand 2023, innovative brand award 2024, Most Environmentally Friendly business 2024, highlighting my contributions to sustainable fashion and women’s empowerment.

Despite challenges and setbacks, I have remained dedicated to my mission. Today, I am proud to be at the forefront of fashion innovation, blending artistry with impact, and building a legacy that prioritizes people and the planet. My story is one of perseverance, faith, and the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since our last conversation in 2021, my journey with my fashion brand La Tejcreations has been both challenging and rewarding. Our commitment to sustainability and empowerment has led to significant milestones.

La Tejcreations has expanded its reach, shipping thousands of African-inspired fashion items across Africa, Europe, North America, and Oceania. In 2024, we launched Scrap2Style, a brand dedicated to upcycling fabric waste, furthering our mission to promote a circular economy in fashion.

We also launched Freedom Haute Humanitarian Foundation where we empower models and vulnerable communities. We recently introduced a skill acquisition program “Freedom Haute Ignite Program” to empower youth and women in my community to learn a skill and be self reliant.

Looking ahead, I am excited about upcoming projects that blend creativity with impact. We are also developing new collections that emphasize sustainable materials and are planning more initiatives to support vulnerable communities through fashion.

I am grateful for the support and look forward to the future with optimism and determination.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Any Scary/Horror movie

Favorite Book: Why you act the way you do

Favorite TV Show: Project Runway

Favorite Band or Artist: Coldplay

Sweet or Savory: Sweet please 😀

Mountains or Beach: Definitely the Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): Swimming

Favorite Sport (to play): Swimming again

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Yes I did. Football

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: A Navy

French Fries or Onion Rings: French fries

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Lion King

Favorite Childhood movie: Werewolves in London

Favorite Breakfast Food: Yam and almost burnt fried eggs

Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Life, as I’ve come to understand, is a series of tough choices and tradeoffs. My approach to making difficult decisions is rooted in purpose, strategy, and a strong belief in myself and my journey.

When faced with tough decisions, I always go back to my “why.” Every choice I make must align with my core values and long-term goals. For example, when I chose to expand La Tejcreations and launch Scrap2Style, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Managing two brands with limited resources came with risks, but my vision of creating a sustainable fashion industry gave me the courage to move forward.

I am never afraid of failure or stepping into spaces others fear. I’ve learned that the places people avoid often hold the most potential for growth. Fear of the unknown doesn’t hold me back; instead, it fuels my determination to explore new possibilities. Failure, to me, isn’t the end—it’s a lesson and a stepping stone to greater things.

My decision-making process also involves what I call the “impact test.” I evaluate how each choice will affect my mission, the people I serve, and my own well-being. If the benefits outweigh the risks and align with my purpose, I go for it wholeheartedly.

One of the things that keeps me going is my love for positive affirmations. I constantly remind myself of my strength, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges. These affirmations ground me, especially in moments of uncertainty, and remind me that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.

At the heart of it all, I embrace discomfort and the growth it brings. Whether a decision leads to success or teaches me a valuable lesson, I believe every step is part of the journey. Staying true to my purpose, trusting my instincts, and reinforcing my beliefs through affirmations have given me the courage to push boundaries, take risks, and create a meaningful impact.

Website: https://latejcreations.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latejcreations

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oghenetejiri-ogodo-29132525a?

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@officialtej

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