Jennifer Oamhen Thomas is a driven damsel with gifted hands In the competitive world of accessory and handbag design, one Nigerian woman is making people pay attention to her and take notice, with her unique take on beautiful, bespoke, handcrafted pieces that celebrate the art of artistry combined with a unique African touch.

 The creative queen is talent personified and her great eye for design, blended with the deployment of African textiles has allowed her to create handbags and accessories that have an irresistible visual appeal and charm. She  belongs to the crop of young Nigerian women profiting from their passion and inspiring other women to do so. The creative entrepreneur is the founder of Jenlo, a bag making outfit for women who want to make unforgettable statements. Jenlo is a design and manufacturing company which produces a beautiful range of handcrafted handbags. Her passion for making bags was awakened after she started seeing herself in a dream when a man clad in white outfit instructed her to acquire bag making skills. She ignored the dreams initially, till it became persistent.

The  Zoology graduate of Ambrose Alli University then decided to acquire the skill. Today, her beautifully made bags are being bought by women of substance and elegance. Driven by a desire to be unique, the Edo State born entrepreneur’s handcrafted bags are a symbol of attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship that leave you bedazzled. Jennifer  is confident that her bags will do well in the face of stiff competition. When Jennifer Oamhen Thomas is not making bags, you would find her surfing the internet, playing her favorite game, or reading.

Did your childhood Influence you in anyway?

Growing up as a child, I wanted to be a medical doctor. We all know how the Nigerian educational system ends up changing someone’s original destiny so I ended up  studying  Zoology. My childhood never prepared me for what I am doing now because I never saw myself being a bag designer in the future, but it is what it is.

What Inspired you to start Jenlo Bags?

All I can say is: God has been my source of inspiration, but at a time I wanted to have a standard brand so I got thinking of a unique, simple and classy name that can easily be registered in the lips and hearts of people. After much deliberation and prayers, Jenlo was birthed. JEN-means Jennifer(my first name)which means clear vision or pure vision, L- signifies Longevity which means both our products and our brand can stand the test of time, O- from Oamhen (my maiden name)which means my house is good. So, putting all together birthed JENLO.

Kindly tell us the women who Inspire you and why?

 I admire Prudent Gabriel of Prudential Fashion Academy, I am inspired by her passion towards what she does for her brand. I am inspired by the Minister of Women Affairs, Her Excellency Dame Pauline Tallen OFR, KSG. I so much admire her passion for humanity. Mercy Johnson Okojie,  inspires me alot and I so much admire how she made combining family, work and career look so easy.

How has the journey been since you started?

The journey has been smooth and rough, sweet and bitter at times, I feel like quitting but each time I remember the reason I started; I discover giving up is not an option. I will keep pushing and breaking boundaries till I get to the top where I belong.

Jenlo is gradually gaining momentum, how do you feel?

I feel happy and excited but considering the vision I have towards my brand, I feel the momentum on social media is just starting. I have a long way to go, but the journey looks good so far. Most of my customers are people who live abroad, and they found out about my designs on social media.

Where do you see Jenlo in 5 years?

5 years from now, Jenlo will be among the top 5 when mentioning bag making brands worldwide. 5 years from now, Jenlo will be a brand to reckon with. I have faith in myself, my creativity, designs and passion. I will keep working towards my goal.

What are some of the challenges you encounter in your line of work?

Getting the right machines and tools are my major challenges. I hope a time will come when I will have all the machines and tools I need to excel in my craft. Having such machines and tools will fast track my work and make it a lot easier.

 What do you enjoy most about your job?

 I love creativity, I love the fact that people find me amazing because I am a professional bag designer, and my designs are unique and represent class. Most of my customers tell me my bags can compete with foreign brands.

What is your Advice to young women who intend to go into your line line of business

Face your fears, Life itself is a risk, so in this journey called life; it’s risky not to take any risk. You have to start from somewhere, like every great designer out there. For you to succeed in this craft, you have to first conquer fear.

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