GOZI: The Global Brand

GOZI: The Global Brand

Gozi is more than a fashion brand; studying in London, living in Japan and still firmly in touch with her Nigerian roots, she is a global ambassador of entrepreneurship. Her label U.Mi-1 supersedes the regular clothing convention; she cleverly infuses her engineering education into the construction of her clothes.


GOZI

Ngozi Ochonogor better known by her brand name, Gozi, is a fashion designer who lived in Japan until she recently moved to London a few months ago. Japan, wow! That’s what I thought. However, the more I learnt about her, the more I realised she was completely different to anyone I’d ever met, after all how many successful fashion designers have you heard of with a Masters degree in software engineering. “All my life I’ve wanted to differentiate myself, I chose software engineering because it sounded cool!” Gozi says before bursting into her contagious laugh. She’s right, in an era where everyone studied law, medicine perhaps even architecture, I.T was virgin territory even more so was software engineering which she studied at Imperial College, UK. “In my first year of University, I realised it wasn’t my calling. I told my mother I wanted to study fashion and she said my father would disapprove. I finished my engineering degree and went on to gain a Masters degree” she says.

However, during her studies she always encountered a problem: shopping. In her mind’s eye she had a specific idea of an outfit she wanted and would trawl the streets of London, looking for a particular style- which of course she never found. This spurred her on to pursue her true calling: fashion. “I enrolled at the Central School of Fashion, a couture school and within a week, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” she says. The world must have conspired for her to achieve her goal; in her first year of fashion school she began retailing ladies wear at a boutique in Paris and by 1995 she had a stall at the famous Portobello market in West London. “When I began selling at Portobello, my father began taking my fashion career seriously. Every Saturday morning I would wake up at 4am and cycle to the market,” she says deep in thought, slightly hunched over and subconsciously twisting her short locks. It’s clear Gozi is an extremely determined woman, her hard work paid off and the brand expanded. She showcased at London Fashion Week, her clothes were stocked at various stalls and stores around London and she was the first ‘upcoming’ designer to ever showcase at Paris Fashion Week, on-schedule (alongside the ‘big brands’).
Once she finished fashion school she decided to move to Japan. “I always thought I was cool, but at fashion school all the Japanese students blew my mind. They combined an array of colours with layering of clothes in mind-boggling ways yet still ever chic, classy and edgy. I loved their style. Apart from the business aspect of production, I’ve always wanted to go to Japan,” she says before bursting into giggles.


U.Mi-1

Leaving London for a holiday Gozi arrived in Japan, she stayed for a few months and fell in love with everything the country had to offer, the lifestyle, the culture, even the food- with the exception of missing her family, friends and fried plantain- she settled. She cites a similarity between Lagos and Kyoto. “When I got there life was slow, one really learns to exercise patience in Japan. Just like Nigeria when it comes to business they love meetings, they can have 10 meetings to conclude on one issue. The city is also just as over populated as Lagos, there’s a lot of traffic and it’s a bustling, thriving city.” In Lagos, due to high rental prices most newlyweds cannot afford their own property. However, in Kyoto, due to lack of space it’s difficult to find accommodation. Gozi says, “Even though the circumstances are completely different, the end results are the same; young couples living with other family members.” Based on these findings, Gozi was inspired to create her latest label U.Mi-1 which stands for ‘You and Me are One.’

“I promised myself not to have any more fashion shows, instead I setup art installations which creates more dialogue and unity.” Gozi says proudly. The U.Mi-1 collection focuses on collaborations with a range of artists from sculptures to screen-printers, she infuses their work charmingly into her designs and it translates beyond a piece of clothing. “The process of creating the pieces with other artists becomes informative. I share my experiences, we educate each other about cultures and that is what usually inspires the collection, the art form of storytelling.” Gozi’s style is unique and her brand is identifiable from the detailing which is often inspired by cubism and architecture. The construction of her clothes seems mechanical; showing off her engineering expertise.


CHANGE

The U.Mi-1 range is currently being sold in stores in Kyoto, Japan. The most popular actors and singers in Japan are regular clients of hers. Having conquered Japan, she decided to move back to London six months ago. “I moved back to Europe to become more central, to be an international brand. I exhibit at trade shows in Paris rather than catwalk shows because it’s simply business.” She says firmly. The few months she has been in London has proved worthwhile, this month (May) her collection will be stocked at Wolfe & Badger, a contemporary store in Notting Hill. By the end of the year expect her U.Mi-1 denim range to be available in Lagos.
Despite her growing brand, fashion to Gozi is just a means by which she can express herself; her real ambition is to bring about change, especially in Nigeria. “If I could I would improve the light and security sectors. I would not hesitate to bring my factory in Japan into Nigeria. We have over 150 million hard working people in Nigeria. I would train and employ therefore creating more jobs in our society.” Gozi is currently manufacturing in Japan, UK and China.

Gozi is clearly on a blazing path of success, her clothes are a reflection of herself: systematic, structured yet incredibly stylish. Beyond her designs what I admire most is her ability to see the beauty in others, she realises that stories and experiences connects us all. The more dialogue is formed, the more educated we become, the more similarities we share...U.Mi-1.

FINAL FOUR


1) If you found out for certain there’s a Heaven and Hell how would you change your life?

As a Christian, I do believe there’s a Heaven and Hell, so my life would remain the same.


2) If you had to name the one thing that frightens you most about growing old, what would it be?

I guess not accomplishing my dreams. Growing old is okay because I believe as long as I am breathing I can do whatever I set my mind to.


3) If you could have any view in the world visible from you bed, what would it be?

The Ocean, I love water.


4) If you could be the house cat of any person on Earth, whose would you choose to be?

I would be God’s, oh wait, He is not a person on Earth. Then I would choose to be my own house cat, I love myself! (Laughs loudly)

TANNAZ BAHNAM is a TRIPLE THREAT

Tannaz Bahnam is a Triple Threat: Photographer, Marketer and Entrepreneur

Tannaz has travelled the world twice over and worked in numerous places but it’s only since this Iranian beauty landed in Nigeria in 2008 has she really blossomed. She has exhibited her photographs of her extensive travels, she is the brand marketer for ICE Watch and most recently- among other things- setup her lifestyle website, www.LostInLagos.com


Pictures, Latte and Ice

Tannaz Bahnam moved to Lagos in January 2008 for a six month project with National Geographic. “During my report with the National Geographic, I met my Lebanese husband here and once the project finished, I stayed,” she says with a contagious smile. Although she holds a Master Degree in Diplomacy, it is quite irrelevant to her current career path; she is definitely a jack of all trades. “Because of my passion for travelling and exploring, photography plays an important role in my life,” says Tannaz. Taking photographs was a means for her to document her daily lifestyle, from different cultures to cityscapes; Tannaz discovered and captured it all. She has even had her photos exhibited at the Life House in Lagos.
When she is not running around taking pictures, you may find her distributing her own brand of Chai Latte, T.Kup. “There are lots of things I love about Nigeria, if there were things I’d miss from home such as Chai Latte, I realised that in Nigeria if you can’t find it, you can make it,” she says pointing to her glass jar of branded Chai Latte. “Most Nigerians would never ask for Chai Latte, but now it’s available for them to try, it’s in demand in several stores and cafe’s across Lagos.” Tannaz really does embrace Lagos and all it has to offer. Her mindset is incredibly positive; where others may sit back and grumble she overcomes her obstacles by creating her own opportunities and filling the void in the market- even if it is with Chai Latte. “In Lagos, there’s always an opportunity for growth and development, any ideas you have, you can implement,” she says encouragingly.
Belgian brand, Ice Watch are good friends of Tannaz’s, they required someone with charm and intelligence to help market their watch in Nigeria. “I started working with Ice Watch as the brand manager thinking it would be part-time, but I have to handle everything from distribution, stock-taking to marketing, which obviously became a full time job.” Tannaz says whilst subconsciously playing with her white and gold Ice watch. She has been an intricate and effective member of the Ice watch team; since she came on-board, the company now retails in 17 locations throughout Lagos. A job well done!


Lost in Lagos

Tannaz is the definition of superwoman, as well as all the aforementioned ventures, she has recently setup her own website called www.LostInLagos.com; she clearly displays entrepreneurial qualities. The idea behind the website was created as a result of Tannaz’s far-reaching travels. She finds that, “the better I know a city, the easier it is to adjust. However, with Lagos it’s much different as everywhere is hidden and I either stumble upon it or get a recommendation from someone.” Tannaz began her own internal database of all upscale restaurants, bars, spas and gyms in Lagos. “I know all the names of roads and exactly how to get there, as a result all my friends would constantly call me to provide information. I decided to collate this information into a directory and that’s how ‘lost in Lagos’ started” she says enthusiastically. Tannaz really is a walking bank of information, she could even tell me which aisle in a supermarket to get flavourings for coffee...random!

However, Lost in Lagos, is more than a simple directory, it’s an upscale guide to different lifestyle options in Lagos. Not only does it provide the basic information of a company, it now rates the company and allows consumers to give feedback on their experience on everything from the food to the customer service. Have you ever complained about the lack of customer service in Nigeria...of course you have. Well, no longer do we have to sit back and allow staff of restaurants or bars, continue in their impolite ways. Tannaz believes that customer service needs to be improved as competition increases. She says, “In the past there was a general, ‘if you don’t like it, leave’ attitude but as consumers we are more knowledgeable and we have a say in what we deserve as paying customers.” In a booming society such as Lagos where every month a new cafe, spa or bar opens up, no longer do we have to be content with sub-standard services.

Tannaz’s vision for the website is to take the brand beyond the virtual realm, into a 3-D reality. To compliment the website, lost in Lagos often hosts outdoor events, the next will be a two-day lifestyle event taking place at the Federal Palace hotel. “We are having a lifestyle event not an exhibition, it will bring together companies that are on the website live with their consumers, expect over 50 vendors, ranging from bars, spas to fashion retailers and there will also be live music performances. It’s not just a social event, tickets will be sold and we aim to infuse all that Lagos has to offer. We would want people to come and purchase from vendors and not just for the free goody bags.” She says with a coy laugh.


Positivity

From working for National Geographic, to exhibiting photos, making her own brand of Latte, creating a successful website and did I mention she writes for magazines too, Tannaz Bahnam has garnered much inspiration from this pulsating city, Lagos. Rather than complain about what the city is lacking, she has found herself and is giving back to the society. This positive attitude is what I encourage others to adopt, nothing will change if we all sit back and point faults, time is better spent on solutions. If Lagos could change Tannaz’s life and she has only been here for three years, what is your excuse? Others may have been frustrated by the challenging lifestyle in Lagos, but Tannaz saw this as a positive and informative opportunity. What will you do next time you are lost in Lagos?


Final Four

1) When was the last time you felt intimidated at a business meeting?

I often feel intimidated before most meetings but once I get started and begin to talk with confidence about ‘Lost in Lagos,’ the feeling of intimidation disappears.


2) Since adolescence, in what 3 year period do you feel you experienced the most personal growth and change?

Definitely the last 3 years; I feel everything I have experienced in my entire life was a build up for the last three years. I changed jobs, moved to Nigeria, got married and setup my own company. It has definitely been the most stable three years of my life and I guess I have Nigeria to thank for that.


3) What three things in your life do you feel most grateful for?

My family, my husband and my Cannon Rebel camera; It has given me a whole new view on everywhere I’ve visited. As corny as it may sound I now view life through a different lens.


4) Complete the Ceteris Paribus (all things being equal) In five years I...

I will have grown ‘Lost in Lagos’ to the level of Facebook (just kidding!) Lost in Lagos will be a recognised brand, it will have expanded to lost in Nigeria, then lost in Africa- well maybe in 10 years. But definitely in 5 years time I will have expanded Lost in Lagos to include lots of other Nigerian states.

KATHLEEN STAFFORD: Dignitary, Wife and Artist

Kathleen Stafford: Dignitary, Wife and Artist


Travelling from Iran to Italy, Tunisia to Tennessee is part of Kathleen Stafford’s role as the wife of the consulate general of America. Nevertheless, she is not just another ‘ex-pat’ following her husband worldwide, she is a hard working artist that takes inspiration from her travels and turns them into unique works of art.
The world is her muse and at the stroke of a brush she translates a manic marketplace into an inviting array of colours and expressions, with the use of water colours and an interesting technique called collography. The paintings burst through the surface as she depicts the beauty of the world with more than colours, you can run your fingers over the paintings and feel the embellishment of the young girl’s native materials, the texture of the chief’s skin, the life that is captured in the image.


COLLOGRAPHING

Collograph is a printing technique in which the artist adds materials to a rigid background such as wood or cardboard. The resulting design is built up like a collage, creating a relief. The design is then inked and printed on paper. In the most basic form it embosses the artwork, but one can create a variety of textures. Collographing is cheaper than printing, all you need is cardboard and you do not need any acid, just glue, acrylic and paint. “The process is what I love most,” Kathleen explains. “I take pictures then I print them in black and white so I just fixate on the expressions of the person and not distracted by the abundance of colours. When I add my own colours to the paintings I feel I’m bringing it to life” she says.

Kathleen has always been surrounded by creativity, her grandfather was an artist and inventor but she does not believe she has a ‘talent’. With her blond hair bouncing and a bubbly personality to match, she humbly says, “I don’t think I was born with an exceptional talent, most people at the peak of their career work hard towards it. Everyone from Beckham to Picasso, all dedicated hundreds of hours towards their passion. I was lucky to realise my passion early and work hard at it as that’s the true key to success.” She majored in water colour at the University of Tennessee before heading to Italy, where she mastered drawing the human figure. Kathleen is not only an avid artist, but devoted wife too. How many women do you know have children away from family and friends, learn Arabic, Italian, and live in war-torn countries like Ivory Coast? This has been Kathleen’s life for over 20 years.


TWO DECADES IN AFRICA

Kathleen’s premier experience of Africa was Tunisia in the 80’s. Her green eyes light up as she reminisces and says, “Cairo was our next destination. I was very busy with work and it was an incredibly productive time. I painted everything from landscapes of the city to portraits of the locals. Cairo may possibly be my favourite destination because of the memories I carry, I gave birth to my son David there.” There was no violence and she was free to mingle with the locals and take pictures of them in their natural state; not posing. “I try to remain observant and I am forever amazed and charmed by the beauty in Africa. At first the locals object to a foreigner taking their picture but I usually give them a copy and they are at ease.”

Her husband was posted to Ivory Coast and there she lived trying to learn French, raise a son, run an art business as well as contribute to her dignitary duties. “I was in Ivory Coast during the 9/11 occurrence and had to be evacuated for safety reasons. I stayed in America and that’s when I started working on my collograph collection called, ‘African Icons’” she says proudly. Returning to Abidjan in 2003, life was relaxed; security was tight, miniscule amount of crime and according to Kathleen, “it was common to see cannon tanks patrolling the streets. However, recently it has become incredibly tense; everyone was worried about the impending war. It’s hard living life in constant fear and it was a relief to leave.”


LIFE IN LAGOS

In August 2010, Kathleen and her husband arrived in Lagos. “Lagos is like no other city in Africa, everyone is extremely friendly and there is more of an arts community here than any other I’ve lived in” she says with a firm nod. Within a few months Kathleen has discovered and infiltrated the art aficionados in Lagos. Rubbing her hands with excitement, she says, “I have met wonderful people like Nike Okundaye, owner of Nike’s Centre for Art and Culture where I will be exhibiting my works and Prince Yemisi Shyllon who has offered me the opportunity to teach at a complimentary workshop at the University of Lagos.” This whirlwind lifestyle may seem lonesome to most but to Kathleen her natural free-spirit embraces it. She delves into her work to overcome any burdens that may arise; besides her perky personality allows her to make friends easily. “My life is very different, I am almost sixty and I have never lived in one place for more than 5 years. At times, it gets difficult especially being away from family in America and for my son as he has never had one consistent group of friends; as soon as he makes friends, we move country.” In Lagos, Kathleen makes friends at the American Women’s Club (AWC) where the motto is ‘bloom where you are planted.’ The AWC supports a variety of charities, raises money and distributes it to support the community which is of great importance to Kathleen. Art is more than just capturing expressions and painting scenery, she believes it’s a reflection of hard work and enriching others either through the appreciation of beauty or teaching students, thus enabling them to develop their skill. She is reaching out to her surrounding community; wherever she is planted, she blooms.


FINAL FOUR

1) What is your most treasured memory?

I remember my husband sitting on the side of the bed 24 hours after our son was born, holding him and saying he has his ears.

2) Describe a moment in time when you put everything on the line to bet on yourself.

Once in Iran I was climbing the wrong side of a shale mountain, which was crumbling and very dangerous. I knew I had to survive; I focused and forced myself to keep going, stay positive and not think about failure or death. If ever I encounter a difficult situation, I draw on that moment and use it to overcome any hurdles....wait, did I actually answer the question? (giggles)

3) If you had the chance to have dinner with any two people, dead or living who would they be and why?

I would love to meet my favourite artists Picasso and Matisse during their last sets of paintings and listen to their conversation. The pair used to have arguments with each other but rather retaliate with words they would respond with a painting. A picture is worth a thousand words.

4) What 3 things are you most thankful for?

My husband, my son and I am lucky that I’m happy most of the time. I have a fortunate lifestyle all of which I’m thankful for.

The Ongoing Battle to Spik Rait and Saund Rait

Not until I arrived at their home office did I realise that élan magazine is correctly pronounced a-laan (ei’la:n). “It is derived from a French word,” Biola Ufeli informs me with her elegant poise, deliberate stress and ever friendly manner. Her deep dimples sinking further beneath her cheekbones as she corrects my French pronunciation of ‘a-laan’. “We all know about the cringe worthy ‘h’ factor and dreaded ‘th’ factor where simple words like ‘house’ are pronounced as ‘ouse’ and ‘that’ as ‘dat’. However, to those who suffer from this ill-pronunciation, it is very natural. They are simply unaware of their speech impediment; after all, how can you treat a problem if you are unaware you have one?” she says.

Spi:k Rait and Saund Rait is the brainchild of both Sidney and Biola Ufeli. They met at Radio Nigeria in 1977 and it was ‘love at first sight,’ according to Sidney. In his incredibly well spoken and charismatic manner he says, “I dropped out of medical school in pursuit of passion. I do not have a degree but I am arguably one of the best presenters Radio Nigeria has ever had.” In 1995, he left Radio Nigeria because of its financial constraints. Back when Oxbridge College was a finishing school, they paid him N6,000 for a two-hour lecture, while his monthly wages at Radio Nigeria were much less. “I immediately realised that I had undervalued my worth,” he says. “I discussed with my wife, left Radio Nigeria and we set up the company. The rest is history.”

The problem

The Ufelis have worked as speech and etiquette experts for over 15 years. They have worked with various broadcasters at Silverbird TV as well as various schools including Corona, Vivian Fowler, King’s and Queen’s Colleges. Although their expertise has been used to generate eloquent teachers, the education and teacher training courses available in Nigeria counteracts their efforts. As Biola points out, there are barriers to getting their message widespread across the country.

“The average Nigerian is more familiar with their native language or the common dialect, pidgin,” she says. “Not everyone speaks enough ‘proper’ English for it to be understood at an indigenous, mainstream level.

“With such a diverse culture across Nigeria and a plethora of ethnicities, to overcome the language barrier, pidgin has become the most common language used to communicate. If the average Nigerian thinks in pidgin, they will speak pidgin and English will forever be a secondary language. Could you send your cook, driver or house-help for an interview for the same job position in America and expect them to accurately express themselves with a firm command of the English language? No!

“It was not always like this; there was a past generation when the BBC had a training school in Radio Nigeria, when there were strict broadcasting standards. English was deemed in Nigeria as the correct language to be spoken by lawyers, doctors, broadcasters and teachers: educated people. But somewhere over the last few decades these expectations have been lowered and the lines blurred.”

There could be a misconception that the Ufelis are anti-pidgin. That is not the case. Their point is though we in Nigeria do not teach pidgin as a standard language in schools, it is the most widely used and most accepted language in our country. If our children at home and with peers are constantly speaking pidgin as their primary language, is it any surprise when so many fail basic English exams?

The solution

Biola in her perfect ladylike tone says, “What seems most worrying is that teachers are being trained but not in the right courses. No course in Nigeria encourages speech training. Sidney is BBC-trained and in turn passes on these standards to our students. We are members of the International Society of Protocol and Etiquette as well as members of the English speaking board,” she says with a smile that manages to be both demure and debauched. It seems the global community has recognised the importance of the role speech plays in education and implements it into their academic courses, thus enabling the population to thrive at the same level of communication.

Business and pleasure

Despite all this, what is most fascinating about the couple — beyond the passion they share for their jobs — is the passion they share for each other. Nowadays, it is hard to have a genuinely happy marriage and it is incredibly stressful to run a successful business but these two defy logic and do both with enviable ease.

“I knew she was going to be my wife the moment we shook hands at Radio Nigeria,” Sidney says confidently. There was a delay in their marriage due to family differences; Sidney is from Delta and Biola from a Yoruba background. Despite the family’s concerns, they threw caution to the wind.

“One morning we decided to go to a registry and we got married. We sent the family pictures informing them of our marriage. No traditional, no white wedding, just me and my wife and that’s the way we have always been,” he says.

They both agree that the basis for any marriage is God. While Biola nods her head in agreement, Sidney says, “There should never be any dictation, always a discussion. We talk about everything and share everything, even my pension. After all she is a smart woma. If she can take care of me, our kids and the home, surely she is capable of looking after a business.”

Whether or not you agree with the Ufelis, one thing they cannot be criticised against is their passion for life. They clearly love their jobs, their children and most especially each other. They have spent majority of their careers enriching other people’s lives from governors to the youth, all of whom have benefited from the Spi:k Rait Saund Rait program. They are actively improving the education standard of our community, a little step at a time.

Final four

1) What legacy you would like to leave behind?

We have trained hundreds of people and even have a program called ‘Train the Trainer’. Let others spread our legacy by continuing to inform and educate others of what they have learnt from Spi:k Rait Saund Rait.

2) Do you judge others by higher or lower standards than you use to judge yourselves?

The same; we expect you to be as good as we are if not better.

3) Who is the one (non-family member) who has done the most to make you who you are today?

Lots of people have been instrumental in our lives. Above them all has to be God. By his grace and mercy, we have gotten this far in life, and for that we are ever thankful.

4) Is free time or downtime a waste of time? Do you make this time count?

In our free time in between lectures we try to go for quiet lunches. Or at times we take the children to the Eko Hotel for the weekend for a much-needed getaway.