Matthew Eluwande, a UK-based Nigerian fashion designer, has opened up about his incredible journey—from losing his father as a child in Nigeria to winning international awards in the fashion capital of France. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and the unshakable belief in one’s dreams, even when the world says otherwise.

Born in Bristol, UK, Eluwande’s early life took a sharp turn when his parents returned to Nigeria just four months after his birth. “I didn’t have any memory of this country,” he shared in a candid interview with TransferGo Africa.

Tragedy struck when he was only seven years old. “While in Nigeria, I lost my dad. And things changed very quickly. Immediately after my dad died, my mum lost everything,” he recalled.

After years in Nigeria, Eluwande returned to the UK—only to face a new set of challenges. Despite having experience running a business and designing hats in Nigeria, he was met with discouragement and stereotypes about his options as a Black man in Britain.

“I remember a friend telling me there are certain jobs people like us do here—you either become a nurse, care assistant, or cleaner,” he said. “People told me, ‘Don’t go into fashion, nobody will employ you.’ One lady even said, ‘Don’t start your business here; nobody will buy from you,’ and when I asked why, she pointed to my skin.”

But Eluwande refused to let those voices define his path. “I don’t just feel that because I have arrived in the UK, I have to kill my dreams, my aspiration, bury my talent—no!” he declared. “It’s beautiful to know that if you don’t give up on yourself, God won’t give up on you.”

Driven by faith and relentless hard work, he often worked 24-hour shifts to fulfill orders. His breakthrough came in the south of France at the prestigious Hat Festival in Caussade.

“In the second year, I developed my own design and submitted it,” he said. “On the night of the competition, one of the models walked back onto the stage wearing my hat. I thought, what is going on? Then they announced I had received the highest score.”

The accolades didn’t stop there. “Then another model came out wearing a second hat of mine—they called me again. I had also won the Hat Magazine Prize. Oh my God, it was one of the most beautiful nights of my life.”

Now celebrated across Europe for his bold, stylish, and culturally infused designs, Eluwande's story is a powerful reminder that talent, faith, and determination can overcome any obstacle—even when the odds are stacked against you.