Mum made sure we combined schoolling and skill acquisition from primary to university –Oghene, GMYT Group CEO

.Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene is a powerhouse entrepreneur and educationist with a strong passion for fashion. As the Chief Executive of GMYT Group Limited, a renowned fashion institute, she has built a remarkable legacy of entrepreneurship. Her journey began early, thanks to the nurturing influence of her late mother, who instilled in her the drive to become a successful businesswoman. With a background in modeling for Orange Drugs Limited, Oghene’s multifaceted career has proven that hard work, focus, and grace can turn dreams into reality.

“Success doesn’t come by cutting corners. You must serve, learn, and grow under the mentorship of others. Experience is invaluable, and it’s through collaboration and humility that you’ll reach your goals. Trust the process, and remember that you can’t buy experience—you have to earn it.” – Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene”

Dr princess oghene

When asked about her path to becoming a model for Orange Drugs Limited, Dr. Oghene shares her unconventional story. Instead of being scouted, she worked hard from a young age, becoming a millionaire by 18 or 19. She sold jewelry and other products from the back of her car at her mother’s workplace, the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). This entrepreneurial spirit led her to open her first boutique as she was finishing her degree at Lagos State University. Her interest in business deepened when she accompanied friends to an interview with Orange Drugs. Though she had no intention of modeling, a chance encounter with the Chairman, Sir Tony Ezenna, led to her becoming their model. Despite initial tension with friends who weren’t selected, she embraced the opportunity, participating in photoshoots year after year until she shifted her focus to her other passions in 2015.

Dr. Oghene’s academic journey was equally diverse. She earned her first degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, followed by programs at prestigious institutions such as the Lagos Business School, London College of Fashion, Harvard Business School, and Business School Netherlands. She stresses the importance of education, saying that the knowledge she gained from these institutions has shaped her ability to run her businesses successfully. She often finds herself mentoring young people who once dismissed formal education, showing them how integral it is to long-term success.

Her fashion business, GMYT, is not only an acronym derived from her prophetic name, “God’s Might,” but a testament to her belief in grace, hard work, and passion. Raised by a mother who was a seamstress, Dr. Oghene always had a deep connection to fashion. She explains that while others may view business opportunities as mere ventures, for her, each is an opportunity to turn challenges into success stories. She attributes the sustainable nature of her businesses to structured processes, something she felt was lacking in the fashion industry, which is why she decided to shift from being a fashion designer to teaching fashion. She now equips future fashion leaders with the knowledge they need to succeed.

Throughout her career, Dr. Oghene faced numerous challenges, from unreliable tailors to the complexities of client relationships. However, she turned these struggles into opportunities for growth and improvement. For example, after facing issues with accommodation for students coming from far distances, she created a solution that benefited both her business and her students. Her determination and strategic thinking led to the creation of GMYT Academy, where she focuses on teaching students not just about fashion design, but the structures, processes, and sustainability needed for long-term success.

Beyond her role as an educator and entrepreneur, Dr. Oghene is a published author and philanthropist. She has written several fashion books and donated industrial machines to support aspiring designers. Her commitment to giving back is evident in her actions, from providing scholarships to helping individuals build careers in fashion. She’s also an advocate for the smart-go-method, a comprehensive checklist and reporting system she designed to help businesses and artisans stay organized and efficient.

When asked about the title “Dr.,” Dr. Oghene clarifies that she was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Business Administration in recognition of her accomplishments and contributions to the business community.

As for her royal title, “Princess” was given to her at birth as part of her traditional names, symbolizing her heritage and destiny. She embraces this title, seeing it as a reflection of the unique purpose she’s been given in life.

Looking to the future, Dr. Oghene is not just focused on her own business ventures. She has also initiated the GAHAWARDs, a platform for recognizing excellence in business, and plans to expand it through the GAH Business Summit. She is even contemplating a shift into politics, recognizing that her experience and capacity could make a significant impact in public service.

For aspiring fashion educationists, Dr. Oghene offers this empowering advice: “Success doesn’t come by cutting corners. You must serve, learn, and grow under the mentorship of others. Experience is invaluable, and it’s through collaboration and humility that you’ll reach your goals. Trust the process, and remember that you can’t buy experience—you have to earn it.”