From Nigeria to Toronto: The Birth of Zoba Martin

"I just handed in my resignation. I didn't know how it was going to happen, but I knew we were going to do it. I had savings from my previous job, and I just went with that motivation.”

Chizoba's love for fashion began in Nigeria, where she witnessed her aunt create a stunning wedding dress from scratch. This early exposure planted the seed for what would later become her passion and career.

Despite her passion for fashion, Chizoba didn't immediately dive into full-time entrepreneurship after graduating. She worked at an insurance company for two years, balancing her day job with her growing interest in fashion design. It wasn't until January 2019 that she took the leap and resigned from her job to focus entirely on Zoba Martin. "I just handed in my resignation. I didn't know how it was going to happen, but I knew we were going to do it. I had savings from my previous job, and I just went with that motivation."

Finding Her Niche in Bridal Wear

Chizoba's journey into bridal wear began while working at a bridal store in Toronto. Surrounded by beautiful gowns, she found inspiration and an opportunity to showcase her skills: "I asked a friend if I could make her wedding dress. She entirely trusted me based on my experience working in a bridal store. That was my very first wedding dress, and she loved it so much that she paid for a vacation for me!"This experience opened doors for Chizoba in the bridal design world, attracting clients from as far as Calgary for her unique creations.

Her breakthrough moment came with a viral tissue paper dress created for breast cancer awareness. The dress, which took two and a half to three months to complete, caught the attention of social media and catapulted Chizoba's brand into the spotlight. "I woke up and saw the likes were over 100. I opened my phone and realized Shade Room had posted it. Everybody saw it, and I got messages from people wanting me to make stuff for them. More people learned about my brand, and it was really nice."

Navigating the Pandemic

"The pandemic taught me ways to pivot. If something isn't working, what else can you do? I started donating masks, teaching people how to sew, and making dresses for smaller weddings."

Like many businesses, Zoba Martin faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Chizoba's ability to pivot and adapt helped her navigate this difficult period: "The pandemic taught me ways to pivot. If something isn't working, what else can you do? I started donating masks, teaching people how to sew, and making dresses for smaller weddings."

Today, Chizoba continues to grow her brand, balancing her thriving bridal wear business with other exciting projects. She's worked on costumes for Drake's music videos and even appeared on Dragon's Den, showcasing the versatility and appeal of her designs. When asked about her favourite part of being a fashion designer in Toronto, Chizoba's answer is refreshingly simple: "I'm just happy to be here, doing this. Every morning when I wake up, I'm like, I'm glad I'm here."

Chizoba Martin's journey with Z Martin is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the ability to adapt. From her early days in Nigeria to becoming a recognized name in Toronto's fashion scene, Chizoba's story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams, one stitch at a time.