Maureen Obaweya is the founder and creative director of Morin.O Designs, a Nigerian luxury leather brand that combines skilled craftsmanship with African culture. While her career began in pharmacy, her passion for creativity led her to establish the brand in 2013. The brand creates premium leather accessories, including handbags and wallets, using high-quality materials sourced from Nigeria, Italy, and India. It reflects African artistry while appealing to a global audience.
Sustainability and ethical practices are central to the brand’s ethos. Morin.O Designs prioritises responsible sourcing and timeless designs, creating pieces that endure in style and quality. A team of skilled artisans, many of whom are trained in-house, craft these products with exceptional attention to detail. Their diverse backgrounds add a unique perspective to each item, showcasing African heritage in every creation.
Obaweya’s foray into leather craftsmanship began after participating in a training program for women entrepreneurs in 2010. Sponsored by Vital Voices and Exxon Mobil Foundation, the program exposed her to talented women across Africa who were excelling in their crafts. Inspired by their work and eager to express her creativity, she chose leather as her medium to celebrate African culture and innovation.
The brand has carved a niche by offering bespoke and limited-edition products tailored to individual tastes. It appeals to clients who value elegance and craftsmanship. By combining artistry with customer satisfaction, Morin.O Designs has gained recognition as a leader in luxury leather goods, delivering a personalised yet sophisticated shopping experience.
The businesswoman’s artistic journey dates back to 1992 when she co-founded Mauba Enterprises, a company specialising in art décor and gift items. In 1995, she launched Lifestrokes Gallery to promote Nigerian and African arts and crafts. These ventures deepened her connection to the creative industry and laid the groundwork for her transition to leather design. While focusing on the leather brand, she continues supporting Lifestrokes Gallery, ensuring both businesses thrive and reach broader audiences.
Over the years, the brand has achieved significant milestones. It opened its first store in Lagos in 2015, followed by a second outlet in Kano. It has also gained international acclaim, with Maureen Obaweya showcasing her products at trade shows like PROJECT and MAGIC in Las Vegas. Recognition has followed, including awards like the Ace Awards Craftsperson of the Year in 2018 and nominations for Handbag Designer of the Year by Fashions Finest Africa.
Maureen Obaweya aims to position her brand as a global leader in leather manufacturing. She plans to scale production, diversify product lines, and establish more retail outlets in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. She hopes to amplify African craftsmanship on the world stage by doing so.
Through Morin.O Designs, Obaweya has demonstrated how passion and creativity can drive meaningful impact. Her work celebrates African heritage and uplifts communities through sustainable practices. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brand continues to set a high standard in luxury leather goods.
