John Uche Jesus is hardworking, smart and a versatile business Man, he speaks to Elorasblog in this in interview.

Please introduce yourself and tell us more about your background?

I am John Uche Jesus, creative director Diamond Ark Lifestyle. Am a product of Prestigious Jd Institute of Fashion Technology New Delhi India. The first African designer in India fashion industry. I made the list of five young designers that redefined fashion industry in India in 2016. A Faculty member Asia Academy of Film & Television, Life member International Film & Television Research Centre Noida India, Life member World Peace Development & Research Foundation. Recipient of Universal Humanity award, Best African Entrepreneur award 2013.

I also received the Nigeria Best Red carpet Menswear award 2018.

You’re an Entrepreneur, what does your business *entail?*

I am a designer and also a fashion entrepreneur who is so passionate about fashion. For me fashion is art.

What inspired you to start up your business?

*The passion to build a brand, become a fashion icon, create wealth and leave a legacy in the world inspired me to start up my own brand.* *It’s not all about making money but about doing something I love, and have so much passion for. Fashion is fun, though very challenging*

Why did you name your business Diamond Ark Lifestyle?

This should be more like an inspiration, Noah’s ark didn’t just save lives, it gave d world a new beginning just like Diamond Ark is a new beginning in fashion lifestyle for stylishly men👇*
The biblical Noah built an Ark that saved lives while mine is a fashion Ark to create new fashion lifestyle for stylish men and quality conscious men.

*What is ur brand known for?*
Diamond Ark Lifestyle brand is known for outstanding creativity in western suits and shirts, indo western suits and recently, Nigeria ethnic wears.
Slim fit tailoring, classic detailing and superb finishing, quality and distinctive use of luxury & colorful fabrics, intricate embroideries and gloriously rich Indian, African and western aesthetic are the trademarks of the brand. It is the best destination for quality wedding suits and occasion wears.
Diamond Ark Lifestyle does not wish to preach or dictate rather believes that the clothes creates the dialogue. It is a brand for quality conscious men who represents modern day fashionistas with mentality of fighting for what they believe in, a sentiment which is relevant to both Africa and the world. The brand Silhouettes and colors do not speak gender, but a take from every gender to create your dream, dramatic and heroic re-appropriation of male presence through female form always takes the centre stage of my design philosophy. Feminine/mascline, hard/soft, defend/protect is the orientation for Diamond Ark Lifestyle. Diamond Ark Lifestyle was the official menswear brand partner of Mr. India Global from 2013 to 2017. The brand has also designed costumes for Bollywood and Nollywood films. The brand is currently recreating strong presence in Nigeria fashion industry.

How were you able to raise fund to start up your business?

It was not easy, though I didn’t expect it to be easy. Before my graduation from Jd Institute of Fashion Technology in *2011, I had* started making cloths for close friends and church members from my sitting room in New Delhi India. I couldn’t afford to rent a space for studio so I turned my living room into a studio until 2012 when an American journalist published about my work in mint newspaper, the publication opened door for other India national newspapers. My clientele base increased and more money to rent a space for studio was available at the time. My studio received good attention from potential clients and my journey into fashion world became clearer and more encouraging.

What major challenges have you encountered in your business?

Financial challenge, identity challenge as an African struggling to penetrate glamorous Indian fashion industry. Recreating myself and my brand in Nigeria fashion industry is the latest challenge. Leaving a comfort zone (India ) and starting afresh as upcoming designer again.

What platform do use to advertise your business?

Social media, electronic media and online media are my favourite platforms. I am grateful to India national newspapers, Nigeria embassy in New Delhi, Indian embassy Abuja for telling my success story to the world. My gratitude to my brand ambassador Freddie Leonard who interprets my designs with so much passion. I thank other celebrities who believes in us like Tobi Bakare, Faze, Flavour, Sam Sunny, Chigozie Atuanya, Uche Ogbodo, Tubaba, Brodashaggi and so on.

You’re the boss, how does it feel working for yourself?
Lovely, it’s not an easy task, it’s a journey of a million miles. No going back.

Will you say it’s been financially rewarding?
Of course, fashion is a lucrative business.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
In 5 years in Nigeria fashion industry I see Diamond Ark Lifestyle becoming a household name, a lifestyle for quality conscience men. I see Diamond Ark Lifestyle surpassing our 6years record in India. This is Africa where I have unlimited access to the market.