By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
CEO of Gabby’s Shoe Making.
Imagine stepping into the dynamic world of shoe making,
where creativity meets craftsmanship, and every stitch tells a story. This is
the journey of Opara Ujunwa Anthonet, a passionate shoe maker from Imo State,
who defied the odds to pursue her dream of creating beautiful footwear under
her own brand, Gabby’s Shoe
Making.
‘My name is Opara Ujunwa Anthonet,’ she introduces
herself with pride. ‘I studied English Language and Literature at Alvan Ikoku
College of Education, but my true passion lies in creativity, especially in
shoe making.’
From a young age, Ujunwa was drawn to the arts. Visual
arts were her first love, as she admired the ability to create something
beautiful and meaningful with her hands. Although she wasn’t able to formally
study visual arts, she found a way to channel her artistic instincts into
another form of creative expression—shoe making. ‘I’ve always loved
creativity,’ she explains. ‘That’s why I entered shoe making. It has been my
dream, and I’m passionate about it.’
Shoe making, for Ujunwa, became a way to blend her love
for visual art with the practical skills of craftsmanship. ‘Designing a shoe is
like creating a piece of art,’ she says. ‘Each pair of shoes is a medium
through which I can express my creativity, just like in visual art.’
Her journey into the world of shoes began on October 27,
2023, when she started learning the craft professionally. ‘I joined Maly Shoe
Making, and two months later, I was already creating my own shoes,’ Ujunwa recalls
with a smile. ‘It wasn’t easy, but I loved every moment of it. I was determined
to succeed.’
Ujunwa’s determination set her apart from her peers.
While many of her senior colleagues at Maly Shoe Making were still struggling
to grasp the intricacies of the trade, she had already started making shoes
independently. ‘The problem is, we aren’t taught as well as we should be,’ she
says candidly. ‘Most of the secrets are hidden from us. So, I had to give
myself extra lessons and practice. I couldn’t wait for someone to teach me
everything—I might never have the opportunity.’
This extra effort paid off. Ujunwa began attracting
customers, and her small shoe-making business started to grow. ‘I thank God for
my customers. It hasn’t been easy, but the passion I have for shoe making keeps
me going,’ she shares. ‘And I’m grateful to my dad, Opara Milletus Ejike, also
known as Adidas, for supporting me. He bought me every material I needed to get
started.’
Her skills developed so quickly that almost all the
slippers worn by her family members were made by her. From her parents to her
siblings and other relatives, Ujunwa’s creations have become a household
staple, demonstrating not only her talent but also how swiftly she mastered the
craft.
But Ujunwa’s dreams don’t stop there. ‘I want to have a
very big shoe-making company, one that will reach across Nigeria and even the
world,’ she says, her eyes lighting up with ambition. ‘I’m also thinking of
having my own workshop, where my students will wear uniforms, and everything
will be organised.’
She envisions a well-structured workshop, divided into
sections to help students learn at their own pace. ‘First, you’ll need to be
good at drawing before you can enter the first section,’ she explains. ‘If
you’re perfect in drawing, you’ll move on to the next level, where you’ll start
cutting patterns. I believe dividing students into sections will prevent them
from getting lost in the process.’
Despite the challenges she’s faced, including the lack of
proper instruction at her current training centre, Ujunwa remains undeterred. ‘Since
I’m not learning as much as I should from where I am, I joined online classes
to learn more,’ she says. ‘It’s helped me a lot to distinguish between different
types of footwear and shoes.’
Her journey isn’t just about making shoes; it’s about a
deep-rooted love for learning and self-improvement. Ujunwa recalls how she
taught herself to sew, another skill that has proven invaluable in her
shoe-making journey. ‘I remember when my father bought me a sewing machine,’
she says, smiling at the memory. ‘It was just lying there in my room, unused.
One day, I told myself I had to learn how to sew.’
That determination led her to a night of relentless
practice. ‘I woke up in the middle of the night and started using the machine.
My family couldn’t sleep because of the noise, but I didn’t give up. By
morning, I had managed to sew a straight line. It was just a straight line, but
I was so happy,’ she says, laughing. ‘I even showed it to my mum!’
That straight line was just the beginning. It’s that same
persistence that drives Ujunwa today, whether she’s sketching new designs,
crafting shoes, or learning new techniques. ‘I wish I had contracts to make
many pairs of shoes,’ she says, her voice filled with hope. ‘I would love
that.’
For Ujunwa, the process of making shoes is as much about
art as it is about technique. ‘Before you can make a shoe, you must learn how
to draw,’ she emphasises. ‘Making footwear is more about drawing. If you don’t
know how to draw, it would be hard to succeed.’
This love for drawing has also made her a mentor to her
peers. ‘Sometimes, I tell my senior colleagues to go home and practice
drawing,’ she shares. ‘When they’re done, they bring it to me for correction.’
Ujunwa’s passion for shoe making is so intense that it
sometimes consumes her entire day. ‘Sometimes, if I’m working on my shoes, I
won’t eat until I finish,’ she admits. ‘I might start early in the morning and
not eat until four in the afternoon. That’s how much I love what I do.’
Her journey is one of passion, perseverance, and an
unyielding commitment to her craft. As she continues to create beautiful shoes
under the Gabby’s Shoe
Making brand, complete with her own logo, and build her reputation,
Ujunwa’s story serves as an inspiration to anyone with a dream—especially those
who dare to pursue it with all their heart.
For custom-made footwear and more information, contact Opara Ujunwa Anthonet of Gabby’s Shoe Making via:
WhatsApp: 08107131579
Email: gabbyshoemaking@gmail.com
Follow Gabby’s Shoe Making on social media:
Instagram: Gabby’s Shoe Making
Facebook: Gabby’s Shoe Making
Twitter: Gabby’s Shoe Making
TikTok:
Gabby’s Shoe Making
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafBcOoDZ4LZIdJzNM3s
Join her WhatsApp channel for the latest updates,
exclusive offers, and a closer look at her creative process. It’s the perfect
way to stay connected with Ujunwa’s growing brand and witness her journey as
she turns her shoe-making dreams into reality.
Step
Up Your Style with Gabby’s Shoe Making – Custom Footwear Crafted Just for You!
Crafted
with Passion by Gabby’s Shoe Making
Opara Ujunwa Anthonet, CEO of Gabby’s Shoe Making
You deserve footwear that combines style and comfort, and Gabby’s Shoe Making delivers just that. Each pair of shoes is crafted with creativity and precision to ensure you step out with confidence.
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🖐 Handcrafted with Passion
Browse through Gabby’s latest collection and find your
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out!
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