Before VicciMahi, I was Victory Umahi, a naive young lady born in the SouthEast region of Nigeria. As with the rich cultures of every tribe, the age-long Ibo apprenticeship system is a practice that provides an opportunity for young people to learn any trade of their choice, under the tutelage of someone who is already established in such trade. In my case, I was interested in learning Fashion design.
My mom took me to the first woman I ever worked with, Ugolebe Nnanna of Yugee Splendor Extra, a renowned Fashion designer in the South East. She taught me how to take measurements, how to cut and sew clothes, and the business side of Fashion. By going through this rite of passage, I built a solid foundation in the making of apparels, and garments for women, however this new found love was short lived as I had to continue with my university education at the time. . As I graduated from a higher institution, I decided to pursue a career in fashion. I enrolled in a 3 months upgrade course in the renowned Zaris Fashion and Style Academy. During this period with Zaris, I learnt the basics of Fashion illustration and pattern drafting. By the end of the 3 months, I was able to complete my Fashion project for the session, and got my certificate.After Zaris, I decided to start my own Fashion brand, and in July 2019, the brand Vicci Mahi was born. The brand name pronounced “Vichi Mahi” was derived from my name, Umahi Chinyere Victory. Vic from Victory, Ci from Chinyere, then Mahi from Umahi.
In the same year, I participated in the global GTB Fashion weekend #sketch2fame. I also got my first hand opportunity to put myself out there and build my network with fellow designers, models and career leaders in the African Fashion space. Barely a year after I started my brand, we made it to the top 100 Emerging SMEs in Nigeria. @connectnigeria. I also started a transformation series, where I basically repurpose clothes that are no longer flattering or less functional into something stylish and 100% functional. Released my first collection in the year 2020, before covid struck. Mid 2021, I took up a Fashion illustration challenge, where I challenged myself to illustrate for a period of 100 days. I did this in order to widen my horizon, and to become better at my craft. So yeah, I double as a Fashion illustrator.
Fashion is an artistic and creative outlet for me. It's enjoyable, resourceful, and lucrative. Being in the Fashion industry is challenging, given that it pushes me and makes me go beyond what I think I can do. From inception to production (planning, sketching, fabric selection, cutting of fabric, stitching, packaging, delivery). Each process comes with it's own challenge but I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. I don't think there's a better feeling than being able to make your own outfits and that of others. There's just something flattering about turning a flat piece of fabric into something wearable and what people love
I relax by spending quality time with family, reading good books, going on fun trips, seeing nice movies, listening to really good music, working out, and shopping. I recently started a coding challenge, where I consistently code for a period of 100 days. Yeah, I decided to try something different and more challenging this year, because I believe that the future of fashion design is technology, i.e. Fashion Technology.
I may not be perfect, however, I am a product of my experiences. I strive to make myself, family, and people who look up to me proud. Which is why I am pursuing my dreams with passion, perseverance, smart work, discipline, and a smile on my face.