There are entrepreneurs who simply build businesses, and then there are those who build systems designed to create lasting impact. Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene has spent more than fifteen years doing exactly that.
As the Founder and Group Managing Director of GMYT Group Ltd., she has expanded her work across education, fashion, media, real estate, and enterprise development, creating platforms that focus on empowerment, sustainability, and generational value. From training thousands of women and young people through GMYT Fashion Academy to building influential platforms like the GAH Awards and Business Summit, her work reflects a commitment to creating opportunities that extend far beyond herself.
In this conversation, Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene speaks about entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, and the importance of building institutions that can outlive personality and prestige.
You’ve built a multi sector enterprise across education, fashion, media, and even real estate. What first sparked your entrepreneurial journey, and how did it evolve into GMYT Group Ltd.?
“My entrepreneurial journey began with a simple desire: to create solutions where I saw gaps. I started from the fashion industry, but I quickly realised that true impact could not remain in one lane. Education was needed. Media visibility was needed. Housing solutions were needed. Strategic platforms were needed.
That mindset gave birth to what is now GMYT Group Ltd., an ecosystem designed to empower people, build sustainable businesses, and create generational value across multiple sectors.”
Through GMYT Fashion Academy, you’ve empowered over 12,000 women and youth. What gaps did you see in the system that pushed you to create this platform?
“I saw talent everywhere, but structure was missing. Many gifted individuals had passion but lacked access to quality training, business knowledge, mentorship, and a clear pathway to profitability.
I built GMYT Fashion Academy to bridge that gap. We do not just teach sewing. We teach business, branding, systems, confidence, and leadership. That is why many of our graduates become employers, not job seekers.”
Beyond skill acquisition, what do you believe is the real value of fashion education in economic development?
“Fashion education is economic empowerment. It transforms creativity into commerce. It creates jobs, builds SMEs, strengthens local manufacturing, and keeps wealth circulating within communities.
When structured properly, fashion can reduce unemployment, increase exports, and raise confident entrepreneurs who build brands that compete globally. Fashion is not just style. It is industry.”
What inspired the creation of the GAH Awards and Business Summit and GAH Elite Club?
“I wanted to build a platform where excellence is seen, celebrated, and connected to opportunity. Too many remarkable people were doing impactful work quietly.
That inspired GAH Awards and Business Summit and GAH Elite Club. One celebrates achievement, while the other creates access, collaboration, and legacy relationships. Both were built to elevate Africa’s narrative.”
Every little girl grows up imagining who she wants to become. In becoming the woman you are today, what choices or moments do you think honoured that little girl the most?
“Choosing courage over comfort honoured her. Starting when resources were limited honoured her. Refusing to shrink in rooms that were not built for me honoured her.
Most importantly, using my success to open doors for others honoured her. Little girls dream of becoming somebody. Mature women understand that the greater assignment is helping others become somebody too.”
Your books, including Ungrateful Souls and The One Year Fashion Designer. What inspired you to start writing?
“Writing became necessary because experience must be documented. Lessons paid for with sacrifice should not be wasted.
My books were inspired by pain, growth, resilience, systems, and the desire to teach beyond the classroom. Through writing, I can mentor people I may never physically meet. That is powerful legacy work.”
What is the long term vision for GMYT Group and its role in shaping Africa’s future?
“My long term vision is to build institutions that outlive personalities. I see GMYT Group Ltd. becoming a continental force in education, enterprise development, media influence, women’s empowerment, and strategic investment.
Africa’s future will not be shaped by talk alone. It will be shaped by systems, innovation, and courageous builders. I intend for GMYT to remain one of those builders.”
What advice would you give to young women and entrepreneurs who want to build their own institutions and empire?
“Start before you feel ready. Build competence before chasing applause. Protect your name. Learn finance. Learn negotiation. Learn structure.
And most importantly, build something bigger than ego. Empires built only on vanity collapse. Institutions built on value endure.”
If you could redefine one narrative about African entrepreneurship, what would it be?
“I would redefine the idea that African entrepreneurs survive only by hustle.
Many African entrepreneurs are world class strategists operating under difficult systems. We are innovative, resilient, intelligent builders creating value despite structural limitations. Africa is not short of talent. It is rich with untapped enterprise power.”
Are there specific routines or habits that help you stay centred and productive on a daily basis?
“Yes. Prayer keeps me centred. Planning keeps me effective. Learning keeps me sharp. Discipline keeps me moving.
I also protect my mornings, review priorities, and remain intentional about energy. Productivity is not doing everything. It is doing the right things consistently.”
What role does your support community, family, mentors, or peers play in supporting your overall well being?
“No great leader thrives in isolation. Support communities provide perspective, encouragement, accountability, and emotional grounding.
Mentors can shorten your learning curve. Genuine peers can sharpen your thinking. Trusted people can remind you who you are when pressure tries to distort your focus.”
For young women chasing big ambitions, what is one wellness practice you believe is non negotiable?
“Inner peace.
Whether through prayer, reflection, boundaries, rest, or mental reset, protecting your peace is non negotiable. Ambition without wellness becomes burnout. Success is meaningful only when you are healthy enough to enjoy it.”
Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene’s journey reflects what it means to build with intention. Beyond the titles, businesses, and accolades is a woman focused on creating opportunities, empowering communities, and building institutions designed to last far beyond her own lifetime.
Written by Aliyah Olowolayemo
