Startup Story
Vivian Ozoemena is the owner and ceo of LaBelle Sporties in Nigeria. She is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for sports, hence the name. The business renders services in the designing, production, and selling of sportswear. Since its inception in 2021, the company has employed two staff members who have grown with the company. LaBelle Sporties seeks to empower more people, especially women, from all across Africa through employment in the next few years to be their own bosses and enjoy the journey.
LoA chatted to founder Vivian Ozoemena this month to learn what it takes to build a successful sportswear brand in Africa.
What does your company do?
LaBelle Sporties is a start-up company dealing in the designing, production, and sale of sporting outfits ranging from jerseys to sweatshirts, tracksuits, sport caps, casual sporty dresses, backpacks, and more.
“Every business is special but mine is unique because as a team, we always leave our clients asking for more, and guess what, we always give more.”
What inspired you to start your company?
My love for sports gave me this inspiration. I love clothes and a little touch of mixture brings excitement to me so I thought I should bring this blend into the sporting industry and turn things up. Indeed, it was a welcomed idea that has taken me far.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Every business is special but mine is unique because as a team, we always leave our clients asking for more, and guess what, we always give more. Our designs are top notch and ‘one of a kind’ to suit every customer's fashion needs. We do not disappoint. We are literally at every customer's beck and call. In fact, we have been nicknamed by most clients, "Pick and Go". Lol!
Tell us a little about your team
My team is made up of great minds. One from Pakistan who is the designer, and the other two consisting of a marketer and a business partner who have been my backbone since inception. I can say that they are God sent and I couldn't have made it this far without them.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was born into a family of entrepreneurs. My father was a successful big businessman dealing in the FMCG business sector and my mother was a businesswoman dealing in the sale of imported female shoes at the time. Growing up, I helped with sales once in a while and developed good sales and marketing skills which earned me my first job as a Sales Executive in a FMCG company after graduation. This experience began my entrepreneurial journey. Though I failed a lot of times transitioning from one business venture to another, I never gave up on my vision.
“Our designs are top notch and ‘one of a kind’ to suit every customer's fashion needs. We do not disappoint.”
“I hope to set up more locations in the future. I want to cover more African countries and empower more women to make their sales and profit through product distribution.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I hope to set up more locations in the future. I want to cover more African countries and empower more women to make their sales and profit through product distribution.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The good remarks I get from my clients is everything. Service is business and business is service. I always tell myself that GREAT service is Legendary.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Start from somewhere and do not be ashamed to grow slowly. Never be ashamed of your process because slow and steady wins the race.
Contact or follow LaBelle Sporties
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL labellesporties@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
If you have a passion for something in life, it is a great starting point for a business, and in the case of Vivian Ozoemena, her passion for sports led her to starting a niche sportswear business. Today, she has a big vision for the growth of her business and brand, and she is building her customer base and her team to help her get there. This is definitely a brand to watch in the future! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa