My name is Abisola (Ah-Bee-Saw-Lah) Ikegwuonu (ee-k-gwo-noo), the blogger and stylist behind A Thread of Style. You can call me Abi. I am a child of God. Nigerian. Wife. And mother to three amazing children.
Blogging is an extension of my personal styling business. It is a fun space for me to share my personal style and fashion finds, and hopefully inspire you to dress your best too. I am totally enamored with style and beautiful things and secretly desired to show the world my fun, fearless, fabulous, fashionable side. I was never the “pretty girl” growing up, but I loved fashion and have always had an incredible sense of style. My tale is one of a girl who grew up to be a swan–fabulous and fierce!
I have often daydreamed about becoming a renowned stylist and having my very own clothing line. I visualize my line being carried by fashion forward retailers, like Target, at affordable price points. Every woman deserves to look and feel her best. A girl can dream, right?
Though there are already thousands of bloggers out there, I started my style blog because I know that I have a lot to offer. No matter how many there are, I also know there’s still room for me to make my mark. So, here we are.
I remember as a child watching my mum get ready for outings and events. She picked out her clothing with such purpose, care and precision. I remember the same being true of my dad as well. Style is in my blood!
Let’s fast forward to my teen years. I mentioned that I was never considered one of the pretty or popular girls. As a result, I resolved to excel in my studies. I remember desiring to fit in like most teenagers do, but I also remember the words of my dad, “You set the trend for others to follow.” I did not fully take in the impact of his instruction then, but I filed it away in my mental Rolodex for future reference.
As a young lady in university, I continued down the road I was most comfortable with–keeping my head in my books and excelling at my studies, while secretly coveting and daydreaming about a life in the style industry. I watched the brave souls on Project Runway and gave the TV screen my two cents as Clinton Kelly and Stacy London gave their clients a new lease in life on What Not To Wear.
I went on to graduate summa cum laude, furthered my studies, got my first job in corporate America, and did most of the things everyone expected me to do.
One day, as a young married couple and parents, my husband and I hit a very rough patch. Life, as we knew it, changed. In the midst of it, we grew in faith and deepened our relationship with God. It was in the middle of our trial that A Thread of Style was conceived, though unbeknownst to me at the time.
It was seven years later before A Thread of Style was materialized. I had had a tough day at my 9-5 job as an HR business partner in which I had to deliver a painful message to a number of employees. As I listened to their stories and empathized with their situations, I could not help but imagine how I would respond if I were on the other side of the table. It was in that very moment that I made the decision to stop daydreaming and start doing. It was in that moment I decided to begin my journey as an entrepreneur.
It has been about 180 days filled with exhilaration, frustration, excitement, fear, intimidation, hope and everything in between. I have learned loads, including the fact that this is not high school or college, and I am not the smartest in the room. And that is ok! In those times when I think I am in way over my head or I cannot go any further, I remember Philippians 4:13 and my dad’s words.
I am a full-time wife, mum, HR business partner–and now a blossoming entrepreneur.
I have a long road ahead of me, and I am extremely excited at the thought of what lies ahead. I hope you’ll follow along on my journey.
Here I go! #Iamavisionary.
