Ozoza Lifestyle, means Beautiful Lifestyle. The word “Ozoza” means beautiful in the Ebira language of Nigeria. The founders of Ozoza are Africans who wish to share the beautiful elements of African heritage with the rest of the world.

Here, we chat to the founders to find out more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
We officially launched the brand in June 2017. Ozoza Lifestyle means Beautiful Lifestyle. The word “Ozoza” means beautiful in the Ebira language. Ozoza Lifestyle seeks to bring the alluring spirit of Africa to the world. Our contemporary collection of African home accessories, fashion accessories and artefacts reflect the Ozoza philosophy to preserve the traditional craftsmanship, skills and techniques from across the African continent. We felt that there are so many African stories to tell that haven’t been heard. We seek to do this through our products.

What’s your background?
I grew up travelling and living in various countries due to my father’s profession in the Foreign Service. I loved and still love travelling and learning about various cultures. I am a lawyer by profession and trained and worked in the City of London for many years with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Norton Rose Fulbright. Throughout my life, I have always been involved in and am still involved in developmental projects and the Creative Arts. Ozoza Lifestyle has enabled me to combine the two by working with artisans at a grass root level.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since starting the Company?
Learning when to switch off. It’s still a work in progress. Slow progress.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know
For about a year, I lived in a hut in the Rio Dulce region of the Guatemalan rainforest, whilst working for an NGO running a literacy program for Mayan Indian girls. It’s been one of the best years of my life so far. The work was immensely rewarding and the team was amazing.

2018 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
We are working very hard with our partners to make the Ozoza Lifestyle brand reach the international market, showing to the world the beauty and authenticity of Africa.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
So much happened since June, every little step is a step closer to where we want Ozoza Lifestyle to be. In October we launched at the British Museum in London, receiving outstanding feedback. With the support of the BBC journalist Asad Ahmad and Lord Poltimore of Sotheby’s auctioned various items from a beautiful selection of Ozoza Fashion, Lifestyle & Home Accessories for charity.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I love all three cities actually, but the city I have spent the most time in and feel most at home in is definitely London.

Style means….?
An authentic expression of oneself.

Best thing about London to you?
Its cosmopolitan nature

Statement Shoe or Statement Bag?
Statement Glasses

Favourite love song?
The love theme composed by Ennio Morricone for the film Cinema Paradiso. Incredibly moving piece.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Focus on the positive and seize the day.

Guilty pleasure?
Dark chocolate with almonds. No guilt though.

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Deep-Sea diving off the coast of Zanzibar, then watching the sun set from the rooftops of Stone Town. It’s simply a magical place. Outside Africa, it would have to be Havana, Cuba because of its African spirit. I spent many years of my childhood there and loved the warmth and openness of the people as well as the sheer beauty of the place.

Find out more…

Website: www.ozozalifestyle.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ozozalifestyle

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ozozalifestyle

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ozozalifestyle

Snapchat: ozozalifestyle

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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