Today we’d like to introduce you to Nneka Okeke
Hi Nneka, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As I grew up, I cultivated a deep appreciation for African fashion, particularly traditional jewelry such as waist beads and anklets, along with traditional prints. Every two years, I’d visit Nigeria to connect with my extended family and learn about my heritage. In 2017, I grew closer to one of my cousins, Chinedu ‘Funking’ Amasiaku, who left an incredible mark on my heart. We collaborated to bring exquisite handmade Nigerian waist beads and anklets to my Alma Mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the Chicago community. At UIUC, I promoted and sold these pieces primarily through social media, particularly Snapchat. The response was incredible, with many students sharing the news.
Tragically, Chinedu passed away from a heart attack in Lagos on October 26, 2020, at the age of 27. A day before his passing, I reaffirmed my commitment to supporting his business endeavors.
Chinedu was selfless, kind-hearted, and had a captivating spirit. His nickname ‘Funking’ reflected his ability to make everyone laugh and smile. He was truly one of a kind individual! His entrepreneurial drive inspired me to never give up on my goals. Despite Nigeria’s limited job opportunities, he thrived in various businesses and organizations including the Dynamic Minds League Free Health Fair.
Chinedu’s passing deeply affected me. During the COVID lockdown, I often found myself gazing at my whiteboard where I had written, “RIP Funking—I will keep our promise.” I felt God urging me to continue the waist bead business, but I was still grieving Funking’s loss. Fear crept in as I questioned my ability to start this venture, especially while adjusting to graduate school during the lockdown.
Three years later, I found the courage to start BeadedbyNne! I’m collaborating with Chinedu’s sister, Chiamaka Amasiaku, who will assist me with inventory in Nigeria.
In honor of his memory, we are dedicated to preserving his dynamic legacy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of launching BeadedbyNne has certainly had its ups and downs. After Funking’s passing, I struggled with self-doubt to run the business. I often found myself caught in a mental battle, making excuses that kept me from pursuing my dreams.
It wasn’t until I earned my Masters in Public Health in May 2023 and spent over a year searching for a public health job that I finally began to develop a business plan. I wrote down my goals and mission for BeadedbyNne, and I often wish I had started sooner instead of using my time in school as an excuse.
If I could share one piece of advice with aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be this: take the leap. Don’t let fear or insecurities stand in your way, especially if you have a unique story to share. You have the potential to build a successful business, and it doesn’t need to be perfect from the start. Remember, every day is an opportunity to move closer to your dreams—don’t let another day go by without taking action.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about BeadednyNne?
At BeadedbyNne, we draw inspiration from the rich heritage of African culture, specifically focusing on empowering women through our unique handcrafted collections. We are dedicated to creating elegant waist beads, anklets, and handbags, with each piece thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of beauty and femininity.
In Nigerian culture, waist beads reflect a woman’s journey, symbolizing her growth, celebration of femininity, and inner beauty as she transitions through womanhood. Anklets are a representation of beauty, femininity, and social status, often enhancing a woman’s elegance and charm. Purses signify women’s empowerment, embodying their independence and confidence as they navigate the world.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and creativity. Each piece is made with colorful beads sourced directly from Nigeria, showcasing the diverse richness of African design. We take pride in celebrating the unique stories of every woman, offering products that resonate with personal journeys and cultural heritage.
We are proud of our ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary designs, making our pieces not just accessories, but statements of identity and empowerment. One bead at a time, we aim to inspire confidence and celebrate their individuality through our collections.
BeadedbyNne has not launched yet, but we are set to debut in 2025. In the meantime, you can follow us on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love about Los Angeles, California is the vibrant culture, diverse population, and iconic entertainment industry. LA is a thriving city of creativity and innovation, bringing together artists, musicians, actors, and filmmakers from around the world. When I’m in LA, I love exploring the neighborhoods and taking in the art murals to discover the stories behind each one. And can we talk about the weather? The beautiful, sunny days and mild temperatures enhance the overall experience of the city. Los Angeles is one-of-a-kind, offering the best of everything. Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the mountains for a hike, you’ll find it all right there.
One of the least things I like about Los Angeles, California is the homelessness crisis which has become increasingly visible and urgent for more comprehensive solutions in recent years. Due to the high cost of living, especially housing prices, tent encampments and individuals struggling on the streets have become a familiar sight throughout the city. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities, I believe a comprehensive strategy can be developed to tackle the root causes of homelessness and create lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beadedbynne?igsh=amw3d2c3dzEzNHJ3&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@beadedbynne?_t=8q1cWDIPqVL&_r=1
Image Credits
Andrew Bonsu, Arinze Okeke & Onyeka Amasiaku
