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

Hi Olubukola, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My native name is Bukola, I am from Nigeria, West Africa. While growing up, my Mom ran her own personal business. She was a very industrious woman who dealt in wholesale of textiles and lovely fabrics of colorful and different patterns. She taught me the art of business and made me develop a keen interest in the fashion industry. She was also a very fashionable woman who knew how to combine colors and style herself up to look outstanding at all times. I think seeing her love for fashion coupled with the art of business I got from her made me start up my own clothing line which I proudly named; FABULOUS BY NORA AFROCENTIC WEARS. One of my astute beliefs is that fashion is a language you speak without actually saying any word, so looking good is not a child’s play… it goes a long way in determining how you will be addressed. My company will be one year in November and I know I am who and where I am today because of my love for seeing people look good without having to break the bank.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My designs are what I am extremely proud of. I take my time to create designs that show a mix of tribal and western inspiration, that can be worn casually, occasionally and as a formal or corporate wear. What sets us apart is the fact that there is always an afrocentric touch to our outfits/pieces. Each outfit in our store also has a peculiar name given to them that sets them apart. It creates an identity for them. I believe I was able to get to where I am today because of the grace of God and secondly because of my tenacity. Also, I guard my pieces by reminding myself that if the quality is not good enough for me to wear it, then I cannot sell it! I believe there’s nothing we cannot achieve if we set our mind to it. My daily mantra is that “As a man thinketh, so is he”. If you can visualize, it then you can achieve it. Nothing can stop YOU but you! It has actually not been easy because all our fabrics are sourced in Africa and are sewn by some of the best tailors in Africa. Getting my tailors to interprete the designs the exact way I had imagined them is sometimes not an easy feat to achieve but overtime, myself and the tailors/stylists are gradually getting on the same page. It just takes a little bit of extra push and encouragement on my part. Overtime, I have learnt that patience is key when working with more than one vendor, especially coupled with the distance between us. Thankfully, technology has been able to bridge the gap to a very large extent. I sincerely want the world to know that Fabulous by Nora LLC is a company that caters to fashion needs of every member of the family. We have Clothing items for all and very soon we are expanding into other Afrocentric/fashion accessories by God’s grace. The world should please look out for us as our mission/goal is to become a household name that gives our customers the best value for their money all at affordable and unbeatable prices.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am more of an indoor person but I would love to take them to the movies (especially studio movie grill), Houston museum and also get some nice food to eat at Pappasitos or Pappadeux…. I love their nachos and sea food salad.. OMG! If they love African food too, Wazobia African Kitchen on Westheimer would be a great place to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God Almighty,, My Late Mother- Emily, Michelle Obama’s book – Becoming and Iyanla Vanzant’s – Peace from Broken Pieces.

Instagram: @fabulousbynoraapparel

Facebook: Fabulous by Nora Apparel

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.