Meet Anyafulugochukwu Chukwurah, the inspiring Gen Z entrepreneur who’s proving that age is just a number when it comes to business success.
With entrepreneurial roots nurtured by strong female role models in her family, Anyafulugochukwu has transformed her passion for fashion into a thriving business while balancing the demands of being an international student.
In our latest interview, she shares her remarkable journey of building her fashion brand Anya, her strategies for balancing academics with entrepreneurship, and her vision for empowering other teenage girls to pursue their dreams.
Read the full interview below and discover how this young trailblazer is reshaping the narrative around youth entrepreneurship while creating opportunities for the next generation.
What inspired you to start your business, and how do you balance school with running your company?
I was inspired by my mom, who runs her own business, and by the legacy of strong female entrepreneurs in my family. Watching my mom showed me that with determination, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Even as a child, I tried starting businesses, like making loom bands and employing my cousins to help. Launching Anya took courage, time, and careful planning, especially with school in the picture. I had to prioritize—whether that meant skipping a day at the mall or waiting to watch the latest show. It’s all about deciding if your dreams are worth the sacrifices, and for me, they absolutely are.
Young women often struggle with confidence in pursuing their dreams—how has your early start in entrepreneurship helped shape your view of what teenagers, especially girls, can achieve?
I’ve struggled with confidence, too. I worried—would my business work? What if people didn’t like my designs? But every day, I chose to silence that doubt. Even as someone who’s grown up seeing women in leadership roles, I faced challenges. Overcoming those has shown me that our capabilities are limitless. Nobody can decide your potential but you. I hope that by pursuing my dream, I’ve inspired another girl to believe in her own.
Could you share how you developed these skills at such a young age, and what advice would you give to other young fashion enthusiasts?
I’ve had a lot of practice being an entrepreneur, but I’ve also sought opportunities to grow. Attending summer programs like the African Leadership Academy and interning with fashion entrepreneurs taught me invaluable lessons. I believe leadership starts with being willing to learn and serve. Experience goes to those who seek it, so my advice to young fashion enthusiasts is to keep learning, stay curious, and always take the opportunities to grow your skills.
Being a Gen Z entrepreneur gives you a unique perspective on fashion trends—how do you use social media and digital platforms to connect with your audience and grow your business?
Social media is a huge part of my business. I get inspiration for designs and marketing strategies while also using platform analytics to better understand my customers. This insight helps me create clothes people want and content that resonates with them, boosting sales. Social media has also allowed me to connect with other young girls starting their businesses, giving me the chance to share advice and encouragement.
How do you use your platform to encourage other young women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams?
I actively connect with young girls, sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned. Whether it’s through social media, events, or one-on-one conversations, I want to show them that it’s possible to follow their dreams, no matter how big they seem. Representation matters, and if my story inspires even one girl, then it’s worth it.
What’s been your biggest obstacle so far, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing school and running a business, especially as an international student, has been my biggest challenge. Being an entrepreneur requires a hands-on approach, which can be tough when you’re on another continent. I’ve tackled this by scheduling regular meetings with my staff for updates and brainstorming, and by keeping my business a priority. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself why I started Anya and the impact I want it to have.
In the future, I hope to host masterclasses where I can have in-depth discussions with young girls about entrepreneurship and fashion. Through my hard work and dedication, I want to show them that success is attainable with focus and perseverance. My goal is to not just inspire but to create tangible opportunities for girls to pursue their dreams.
