Victoria Oladipo Oluwaseun, Founder and CEO of Calebella Designs and Fashion Institute, is transforming fashion education in Nigeria, empowering young women with skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit. With over 11 years of experience and 58 graduates, Calebella has become a leading fashion design and entrepreneurship institution. Through collaborations with the Federal and Ogun State governments, Calebella is expanding its reach, inspiring a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs.
Oladipo’s journey into fashion education began unexpectedly. After studying Environmental Management and Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, she turned to fashion design to supplement her income. What started as a side passion quickly evolved into a full-fledged career when she discovered her true calling in teaching.
Teaching fashion design has always been my passion. I love inspiring people, especially women and children, and motivating them.-Victoria Oladipo Oluwaseun, Founder and CEO of Calebella Designs and Fashion Institute.
Calebella offers a comprehensive training program, providing students with nine months of hands-on education in basic and advanced fashion skills alongside entrepreneurial knowledge. The curriculum includes assessments, projects, and a graduation ceremony within 12 months, allowing students to gain confidence and independence. The institute strongly emphasizes entrepreneurship, encouraging students to start their ventures while still in training.
“Most of our students are women, and we motivate them to launch their businesses,” Oladipo shares.
Its entrepreneurial support extends to branding, marketing, and social media guidance, ensuring students are equipped for success. Alumni success stories like Laritche Designs, Yeti Couture, and Lush Wardrobe speak volumes about the institute’s impact.
Under Oladipo’s expert guidance, I mastered fashion illustration, design, branding, and more. In just three months, I was cutting and sewing independently—a skill I couldn’t achieve at two previous institutions.-Elujoba Grace Temitope, a graduate of Calebella.
The institute’s impact has expanded through collaborations with the Federal Government’s ITF SUPA (Industrial Training Fund Skill Up Artisans) project and the Ogun State Government’s OSF (Ogun Skills Fund) project. These partnerships have allowed Calebella to train more students and deepen its reach across Nigeria.
Over the years, Calebella has earned numerous awards for its dedication to fashion education, including the 2019 Ogun State Fashion Designer of the Year, the 2022 Outstanding Designer of the Year, and the upcoming 2024 Ogun State Best Fashion School of the Year.
Despite the challenges of accommodating students with different learning speeds, Oladipo ensures that every student receives the needed attention. She acknowledges that not all students learn at the same pace, emphasizing her brand’s commitment to providing extra support for slower learners. Oladipo envisions Calebella branches in every Nigerian state and dreams of establishing a Calebella University of Fashion.
Stay diligent and hardworking. Fashion design is not for the lazy, she advises
Victoria Oladipo’s story is proof of the transformative power of fashion education. Her dedication to empowering women through practical training and entrepreneurial support has earned her recognition and inspired hundreds of young women to pursue their dreams in fashion.
