Johnpaul Kelechi, a 30-year-old mechanical engineering graduate from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, has built a thriving shoemaking business, Kelz Wear, after transforming his NYSC allowance into startup capital.
Based in Ekiti State, Kelechi launched his brand in 2018, driven by a passion for craftsmanship. He initially created slippers but later expanded into various footwear designs, with Kelz Wear now serving customers in Nigeria and internationally, including in Canada and the UK.
Despite challenges such as limited capital, unreliable electricity, and the high cost of raw materials, Kelechi used his ₦19,800 monthly NYSC allowance to purchase materials and tools.
Over the years, his brand has grown, producing up to 80 pairs of shoes per order. He has trained over 20 people, promoting shoemaking as a viable career despite societal perceptions.
Although Kelechi hasn’t secured external loans for the business, he reinvests profits to expand operations, producing footwear ranging from ₦7,000 for women’s shoes to ₦30,000 for men’s shoes.
His dedication to quality and consistency has helped Kelz Wear thrive, despite economic fluctuations.
Kelechi’s vision is to establish Kelz Wear as a leading global footwear brand, and his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start small, think big, and stay consistent.
He advocates for entrepreneurship as a means to financial independence, countering negative stereotypes of Nigerian products and proving that local craftsmanship can rival international standards.
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