Dr. Hc StellaRita Awelle Nwachukwu Asogwa’s story exemplifies perseverance, ambition, and entrepreneurial drive. Raised in a structured and dynamic environment, she turned obstacles into stepping stones for growth. From a childhood marked by frequent relocations to navigating the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape, she has established an inspiring legacy. Her professional journey spans multiple sectors, including fashion, food, and beauty, solidifying her reputation as a true serial entrepreneur.
Beyond her business ventures, Dr. StellaRita is a devoted mother, an innovative leader, and a source of motivation for young women striving to make their mark. Her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities and her ability to adapt in challenging times have shaped her path. Whether overcoming personal hardships, adjusting to economic downturns, or pioneering solutions during a global crisis, she continues to lead with passion and determination.
Path to Success
Dr. StellaRita, the second of five siblings, was born to a military officer father and a teacher mother. Her early years were characterized by frequent relocations across Nigeria due to her father’s profession, particularly in the northern region. Eventually, her family settled in Lagos, where she completed her secondary education. However, life presented an unforeseen challenge when her father suffered a stroke in the 1990s, abruptly ending his military career. This difficult period instilled resilience and a strong will to succeed in Dr. StellaRita.
Her academic journey led her to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she earned a Second Class Upper degree in Economics. Following her graduation, she completed her National Youth Service in Asaba, Delta State. Shortly after, she got married and started a family. However, her aspirations extended beyond domestic responsibilities—she sought professional fulfillment. Despite facing setbacks, such as being rejected for corporate roles due to pregnancy and missing out on a civil service position, she transformed challenges into opportunities by stepping into the entrepreneurial world.
She began her business journey by selling Mary Kay cosmetics, which enabled her to build connections with corporate professionals. Eventually, she expanded her offerings to include women’s clothing and jewelry. To refine her expertise, she enrolled in The Beauty Academy in London for training in spa and salon management, later establishing Laritas Beauty Spa in Abuja.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Dr. StellaRita further diversified her business portfolio when she and her then-husband launched a franchise Chinese restaurant, successfully managing it for three years. After the franchise agreement ended, she took full ownership of the restaurant and has independently operated it for over 12 years.
Running a restaurant in Nigeria came with its fair share of challenges, particularly during governmental transitions and economic fluctuations. Inflation and high operational costs occasionally forced her to scale down. The most significant challenge arose when she had to close her main branch due to rising rental costs, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she quickly adapted by focusing on a smaller location and integrating online food delivery services, ensuring the business remained operational.
Apart from the restaurant, she established Zarita Kouture, a fashion brand that later evolved into an academy. Over time, she transitioned from a traditional retail model to an appointment-only and online-based structure, reducing costs while maintaining quality services.
Balancing Business and Family
For Dr. StellaRita, family has always been a priority. She was actively involved in her children’s daily lives, personally handling school runs and ensuring she remained present in their upbringing. Despite managing a demanding business schedule, she made time for their assignments and rest periods, effectively balancing work and family responsibilities.
Although this dedication often meant sacrificing a vibrant social life, she found solace in traveling. As her children grew and pursued higher education, she gradually expanded her social interactions and traveled with friends. She also devoted more time to her passion project, Zarita Fashion and Arts Fusion, under the StellaRita Awelle Humanitarian Foundation.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Dr. StellaRita is recognized as a multifaceted entrepreneur, successfully establishing businesses in various industries such as food, fashion, and beauty. Recently, she expanded into the arts sector. Her motivation stems from a desire to contribute to economic growth and generate employment opportunities.
For her, business is not merely about financial success but about making an impact. She values the relationships built through her ventures, many of which have evolved into lifelong friendships. Entrepreneurship also presents continuous opportunities for collaboration and innovation, which she actively embraces.
Commitment to Positive Change
Dr. StellaRita’s driving force is the pursuit of excellence and the aspiration to inspire others. She aims to serve as a role model for young women, proving that success is attainable with hard work and vision. Her mission is to be a source of encouragement and a globally recognized leader in her field.
She firmly believes in purposeful living and leading by example for both her children and the younger generation. Her philosophy is straightforward: Dream big and work relentlessly to turn aspirations into reality.
Adapting to the COVID-19 Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to Dr. StellaRita’s businesses. Despite the financial strain, she continued to support her employees by providing partial salaries during the lockdown.
With the decline in fashion sales due to event cancellations, she quickly pivoted by producing reusable face masks, which were in high demand. This shift helped sustain her business through the crisis.
Her restaurant also faced hardships, as dine-in services came to a halt. Understanding the shift in consumer behavior, she enhanced her website to facilitate online orders and deliveries. This strategic move not only kept her business afloat during the pandemic but also established a long-term revenue stream through digital food sales.
Strengths and Growth Areas
One of Dr. StellaRita’s greatest strengths is her unwavering belief that anything is possible. She maintains an attitude of resilience, fostering a culture of innovation and perseverance among her team. She firmly believes that if an idea can be envisioned, it can be realized.
However, she acknowledges that procrastination is a challenge she actively works to overcome. To counter this, she relies on accountability partners who help keep her on track. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to surround themselves with a supportive network that pushes them toward their goals.
Recognition and Achievements
Dr. StellaRita’s contributions to entrepreneurship and societal development have earned her numerous accolades. She has been recognized for her excellence in business, advocacy for women’s empowerment, and ability to persevere through challenges. Her enterprises continue to flourish, and her humanitarian work has positively impacted many lives.
Dedicated to continuous growth and innovation, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams boldly and create meaningful change in their industries.
Advice for Emerging Leaders
Dr. StellaRita advises aspiring leaders to understand their leadership style and develop it intentionally. She believes that the very desire to lead signifies an innate leadership ability that should be refined. Leadership comes with challenges, but a strong leader recognizes the importance of building a capable team to support them.
She underscores the need for active listening and empathy. Leadership is not merely about giving directives; it involves understanding and inspiring those being led. A great leader listens attentively and values diverse perspectives.
Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of mentorship. Learning from experienced leaders provides invaluable insights and accelerates personal and professional growth. She also advocates for continuous learning through leadership courses and professional development programs to enhance effectiveness.
Mantra for Success
For Dr. StellaRita, success is deeply tied to resilience. Her message to those striving for growth is to embrace challenges as stepping stones and remain committed to their goals. She believes success is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination.
She encourages individuals to celebrate every milestone, as each achievement marks progress toward greater success. By adopting a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement, one can confidently navigate the path of personal and professional development.
With gratitude for her journey and an eagerness for the future, Dr. StellaRita remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact, touching lives, and fostering progress in her community and beyond.
