Dr.Hc StellaRita Awelle Nwachukwu Asogwa’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Born into a disciplined and dynamic environment, she transformed every challenge into an opportunity for growth. From a childhood marked by frequent relocations to navigating the corporate and entrepreneurial world, she has built a legacy that inspires many. Her career spans various industries, including fashion, food, and beauty, making her a true serial entrepreneur.
Beyond her business, Dr. StellaRita is a devoted mother, a visionary leader, and a beacon of hope for young women striving to make a mark in the world. Her relentless drive to create opportunities and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances have defined her path. Whether overcoming personal setbacks, navigating economic downturns, or innovating during a pandemic, she continues to lead with purpose and passion.
Journey Towards the Goal
Dr. StellaRita was born as the second of five children to a military father and a teacher mother. Due to her father’s profession, her early years were marked by frequent relocations across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. Eventually, her family settled in Lagos State, where she completed her secondary education. However, life took an unexpected turn when her father suffered a stroke in the 1990s, abruptly ending his promising military career. This challenging period shaped Dr. StellaRita’s resilience and determination to succeed.
Her academic journey led her to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she graduated with a Second Class Upper degree in Economics. Following her studies, she completed her National Youth Service in Asaba, Delta State. Shortly afterward, she got married and became a mother. However, her ambitions extended beyond homemaking—she yearned for professional fulfillment. Despite facing rejection due to pregnancy in the corporate sector and later being overlooked for a civil service job, she turned adversity into opportunity by venturing into entrepreneurship.
Her first business endeavor was selling Mary Kay cosmetics, which allowed her to connect with corporate professionals. She later expanded into selling women’s clothing and jewelry. To further refine her skills, she attended The Beauty Academy in London for spa and salon training, eventually establishing Laritas Beauty Spa in Abuja.
About Your Business or Profession
Dr. StellaRita’s entrepreneurial journey continued when she and her then-husband opened a franchise Chinese restaurant, which they managed successfully for three years. After the franchise contract ended, she took full ownership of the business and has been running it independently for over 12 years.
Operating a restaurant in Nigeria posed several challenges, particularly during changes in government and periods of economic instability. Inflation and high operational costs forced her to downsize at times. The most significant setback came when she could no longer afford the rent for her main branch, leading to its closure just before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she adapted by focusing on a smaller outlet and integrating online food delivery services, ensuring business continuity.
In addition to the restaurant, she launched Zarita Kouture, a fashion brand that later evolved into an academy. Over the years, she transitioned from brick-and-mortar operations to an appointment-only and online model, significantly reducing overhead costs while maintaining service quality.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Balancing business with family life has always been a priority for Dr. StellaRita. She was intentional about her role as a mother, ensuring that she personally handled her children’s school runs and daily routines. Despite a demanding work schedule, she made time for her children’s assignments and afternoon naps, using the quiet periods to complete work-related tasks.
While this commitment meant sacrificing a vibrant social life, she found solace in travel, which allowed her to unwind. As her children grew older and enrolled in university, she found more time for herself, expanding her social interactions and traveling with friends. She also dedicated time to her passion project, the Zarita Fashion and Arts Fusion, under the StellaRita Awelle Humanitarian Foundation.
Entrepreneurial Drive
Dr. StellaRita is widely recognized as a serial entrepreneur, having successfully ventured into multiple industries, including food, fashion, and beauty. Most recently, she expanded into the arts sector. Her passion for business stems from a desire to contribute to economic growth and provide employment opportunities.
Running businesses is not just about profit for her—it’s about creating impact. She values the relationships she builds through her ventures, some of which have turned into lifelong friendships. Entrepreneurship also presents opportunities for collaboration and innovation, which she continually embraces.
Passion for Impact
Dr. StellaRita is driven by the pursuit of excellence and the desire to make a positive impact. She strives to be an inspiration to younger women, demonstrating that success is achievable with dedication and vision. Her passion lies in being a role model, an influential figure, and a woman of global recognition.
She believes in living purposefully and setting an example for her children and the next generation. Her philosophy is simple: Dream big and work relentlessly to turn those dreams into reality.
Impact of COVID-19 on Business
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant disruptions to Dr. StellaRita’s businesses. During the lockdown, she continued to pay her employees partial salaries out of compassion, despite the financial strain.
The pandemic led to a decline in fashion sales, as social events were canceled. However, she quickly adapted by producing reusable face masks, which were in high demand. This shift generated some revenue and kept her business afloat.
Her restaurant faced even greater challenges, with in-person dining coming to a halt. Recognizing the shift in consumer behavior, she leveraged technology to enhance her website for online orders and deliveries. This move not only sustained her business during the crisis but also paved the way for long-term revenue growth in online food sales.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dr. StellaRita’s greatest strength is her unwavering belief that nothing is impossible. She refuses to accept limitations, and her leadership fosters a culture of innovation and determination among her team. She believes that if a thought can be conceived, it can be achieved. This mindset has been instrumental in her success.
However, she acknowledges that procrastination is a personal weakness. To combat this, she relies on accountability partners who keep her on track. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to surround themselves with supportive individuals who push them toward their goals.
Achievements and Recognition
Dr. StellaRita’s contributions to business and society have earned her numerous accolades. She has been recognized for her excellence in entrepreneurship, her impact on women’s empowerment, and her resilience in the face of adversity. Her businesses continue to thrive, and her humanitarian initiatives have positively affected many lives.
She remains committed to growth, innovation, and making a difference. As she continues her journey, she hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams fearlessly and create lasting impact in their chosen fields.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Dr. StellaRita advises aspiring leaders to first understand their leadership style and nurture it. She believes that the very desire to lead is indicative of an innate leadership quality, one that should be honed and refined. Leadership is not without its challenges, as guiding and managing people often comes with its own complexities. However, a strong leader understands the importance of building and relying on a competent team, as teamwork makes leadership more effective and rewarding.
She emphasizes the necessity of possessing a listening ear and a high level of empathy. Leadership is not just about giving orders; it is about understanding, motivating, and inspiring those being led. The ability to listen and genuinely consider the perspectives of team members is a hallmark of great leadership.
Additionally, Dr. StellaRita highlights the importance of mentorship. Having a mentor who is an experienced leader in the same field provides invaluable guidance and insight. Learning from the successes and mistakes of others accelerates personal and professional growth. Beyond mentorship, she advocates for continuous learning through leadership courses and professional development programs. Enhancing leadership skills through structured learning helps aspiring leaders stay relevant and effective in their roles.
Mantra for Growth, Development, and Success
Success, according to Dr. StellaRita, is deeply rooted in resilience. Her message to individuals seeking growth and development is to cultivate resilience, embrace challenges as opportunities, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of their goals. She believes that success is not a destination but a continuous journey of progress and elevation.
She encourages individuals to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, as each milestone represents a step closer to greater accomplishments. By maintaining a mindset of learning and self-improvement, one can navigate the dynamic landscape of personal and professional growth with confidence and purpose.
Additional Thoughts and Reflections
Reflecting on her personal journey, Dr. StellaRita acknowledges the highs and lows that have shaped her path. She views her life experiences as stepping stones that have led her to her current position. Expressing gratitude for her journey, she attributes her progress to divine grace and personal perseverance.
Her recently released book, Shaken, Stirred, But Not Deterred Vol. 3, features a chapter titled The Rising Phoenix—a title she believes encapsulates her own story. Like the mythical phoenix, she has risen from challenges and setbacks, continuously striving towards her peak. Though she acknowledges that she has not yet reached her ultimate goal, she finds joy and fulfillment in the progress she has made.
With enthusiasm for the future, Dr. StellaRita remains committed to making an impact. She aims to touch lives, create value, and contribute meaningfully to her immediate community and the world at large. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a vision-driven life.
