Leaving a steady job in the corporate world to chase a creative passion is not an easy decision. For many professionals, the idea of walking away from a monthly paycheck, a defined career ladder, and the security that comes with it feels almost impossible. But there is also another side to this story, a deep restlessness that comes when you know you are meant to create something of your own.

For years, countless Nigerians have found themselves at this crossroads. Some choose to stay put in their offices, shelving their passions as “side hustles,” while others, like Lucci Anyim, choose the tougher but ultimately more fulfilling path: betting on their own creativity. 

Lucci’s journey is proof that Nigerians are not only resilient but also innately creative. From fashion to tech to art, Nigerians have always had a way of turning ideas into thriving ventures, even when the odds seem stacked against them. So there is every possibility that the shoe or bag you are admiring is from a creative Nigerian who went into crafting their passion.

For Lucci, that spark came through leatherwork. What began as a fascination for beautifully crafted leather pieces soon grew into a calling she could not ignore. Her brand, J28 Leathers, has become a reflection of her courage, her faith, and her commitment to building something that carries both personal meaning and cultural pride.

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Her entrepreneurial journey was not a straight line. There were leaps of faith, unexpected setbacks, moments of doubt, and even a temporary retreat back into the corporate world. 

Yet, each step shaped her perspective and gave her the grit needed to stand firm in her craft today. In a world where many chase quick wins, Lucci’s story is about patience, passion, and the power of starting again and making Naija proud.

In this conversation with Meiza Nigeria, she opens up about where it all began, how she turned passion into a business, and why leather continues to be the canvas where her creativity finds its voice.

Let us start from the beginning. How did your journey into leatherwork begin?

It started as a love for leather bags. I’ve always admired well-crafted leather pieces, and I used to spend hours checking out designs online. One day, I thought, “Why not try making something myself?” That curiosity grew quickly into a passion. I enrolled in many training programs, and from there, J28 Leathers was born.

You had a career in the corporate world before this. What made you take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship?

Honestly, it wasn’t easy. I had worked hard to build a career, and leaving that security behind was scary. But at some point, I realised I wasn’t fulfilled. My mind kept going back to leatherwork. It felt like something I was called to do. So, I decided to take that leap of faith, and it has been both challenging and rewarding.

That nagging feeling, I understand. What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started?

A lot. First was access to quality materials. Good leather isn’t cheap, and finding reliable suppliers was tough. Then there was the market itself, convincing people to see the value in handmade products and pay fairly for them. 

And of course, balancing the financial uncertainty of running a young business. There were moments I even had to step back and return to corporate work for stability, but I always found myself coming back to J28 Leathers.

That must have taken a lot of resilience. What kept you going?

Faith, first of all. I believe strongly that this is a gift God placed in me, and that conviction keeps me going. Also, the joy I feel when I complete a piece and see someone wear it with pride, that’s priceless. It reminds me of why I started.

What makes J28 Leathers stand out from other brands?

Quality and originality. Every piece is made with care, from the stitching to the finishing. I also draw inspiration from everyday Nigerian life, the colours, the textures, the energy around me. So, each product has its own story and identity, and each product is bespoke, handmade.

Where do you see J28 Leathers in the next few years?

I see it growing into a household name, not just in Nigeria but beyond. I want J28 Leathers to showcase the creativity and excellence of Nigerian craftsmanship on the global stage. 

Closing Thoughts

Lucci’s journey is a reminder that chasing passion isn’t always glamorous; it often comes with detours, hard decisions, and quiet seasons of doubt. Yet, it’s also proof that fulfilment often lies outside the safe paths we’re used to. Her story shows us that creativity and resilience can walk hand in hand, even in a world where quick success stories dominate the spotlight.

In her hands, leather isn’t just a material; it is a canvas for storytelling, a way of weaving culture, faith, and artistry into something people can carry with them every day.

For anyone standing at the crossroads of security and passion, Lucci’s story is both an encouragement and a challenge: sometimes the leap of faith is the very thing that helps you land on solid ground.

Meiza Nigeria