Building ADANNA, A Fashion House That Dares People to Be Seen

 My name is Adanna Ukabi, and for the past few years, I’ve been building ADANNA, a fashion brand rooted in bold self-expression, architectural craftsmanship, and the belief that every person deserves to take up space unapologetically.

 I graduated with an architecture degree and left the traditional path to pursue my true calling: creating statement fashion that empowers people to feel seen. I design every piece with intention and every design reflects the same message: you are allowed to be unforgettable. But with every plan comes hiccups, and building this is eating a lot of my cashflow and saved-up capital. This is slowing down ADANNA’s next chapter. I recently moved back to Nigeria to officially launch my studio and produce internationally for the US and UK. I have a team of creatives who believe in this mission, but I haven’t been able to fully provide what they deserve or acquire the equipment and materials needed to get ADANNA off the ground.

 ADANNA’s studio will be more than a workspace, it will be a catalyst for local change. The funds raised will allow me to hire and train young creatives from the community, many of whom have limited access to employment or skill-building opportunities. By equipping them with stable work, craftsmanship training, and a supportive creative environment, we’re not only building fashion, we’re building futures. Your support helps create jobs, uplift families, and spark a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community.

I’m raising funds to jumpstart the studio, support my team, and bring ADANNA’s first major collections to life. Your support will help cover studio setup, production tools, skilled labor, materials, and operational essentials so I can continue designing and delivering the kind of work that inspires confidence, community, and culture.

 I’m not asking for charity, I’m asking for a chance to build something meaningful. Something that will employ young creatives, empower women, and show people around the world what it looks like to commit to your dreams even when the odds feel overwhelming.

 Here’s a breakdown of what I’m doing with the money:
• Studio completion: $120,000
• Equipment & machinery: $45,000
• Tailoring & production setup: $30,000
• Power & generator backup: $15,000
• Furniture + workstations: $18,000
• Security + fencing + gate: $20,000
• Solar installation: $22,000
• Marketing & brand launch: $15,000
• Staff salaries for a year: $15,000

 If you choose to support ADANNA’s journey, whether through donating or sharing, you’re helping a young black woman build a brand that stands for resilience, artistry, and fearless expression.

 Thank you for believing in what I’m building. Thank you for giving me a chance to keep going. And thank you for seeing me.

— Adanna Ukabi, Founder of ADANNA