Anita Ozioma Nwafor hails from Umuahia, Nigeria, and was born into a polygamous family. Her mother, the second wife, had eight children, making Anita the youngest. Her father’s first wife had seven kids, making Anita the overall youngest of 15 children. Born on December 21, 1986, at Ikeja Teaching Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, Anita holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from the University of Port Harcourt.
Anita featured in a few movies in Nigeria before relocating to New York City. Initially visiting for a vacation in 2017, she ended up staying, thanks to her uncle’s support and a life-changing encounter. She moved to New Jersey after getting married and started her DIY social media pages in 2022. This side passion rapidly gained popularity, transforming into a successful interior design business, Nitta’s Home & Style, managing over 15 teams at her leadership.
Anita now resides in Texas, where her business has flourished. As an immigrant, she navigated numerous challenges but emerged stronger, shaping her journey into a tale of resilience and success.
Interview:
- Can you tell us about your journey from Nigeria to the United States and how it shaped your career path?
My coming to the United States in 2017 was just for vacation, to shop and hang out with my uncle Emmy Godwins. I intended to go back to Nigeria; however, things took a different turn. While enjoying my vacation, I met someone who convinced me to stay. I was skeptical at first, but I’m glad I did. My uncle played a major part in my stay. Having lost my dad two months into this world, I’ve been blessed to have a few father figures, and my uncle is one of them. He influenced my decision-making positively, from getting my first job to getting married to my amazing husband and becoming a boss of my own. His guidance and support molded my growth to who I am today, and I am so grateful to have him as my father and mentor.
- How did your background in theater arts influence your approach to interior design and DIY projects?
As an actor, being creative is your greatest strength. It’s not just about reading a script but how you creatively interpret that script through your actions, line delivery, and body language. These are major factors that make up a great actor, and I am one. I have always had an eye for creative talents, which I got from my mom. All I did was channel those creative skills into a less saturated market, giving it everything I could. My work started spreading and speaking for itself. In just two years into the home design industry, I have truly grown, evolved, branded, and made a huge mark in the lives of millions of people. That is so fulfilling. I have always wanted to be known for something special, and now Nitta’s Home & Style is a legacy the world can never forget.
- As an immigrant in the United States, you face so many challenges. How did you overcome them?
Accommodation is a significant challenge, but having someone willing to help, like I did, lessens the burden. Finding a job as an immigrant was tough because, with my visa type B1B2, I was not allowed to work. Thankfully, I had my uncle and other relatives supporting me until I met my now-husband Chidozie Nwafor, who legalized my status as a United States resident after we got married.
- What inspired you to start your DIY social media pages, and how did it evolve into a successful business?
Actually, depression birthed my DIY social media pages. I had a miscarriage in 2022 that deeply affected me. My husband and best friend, Juliet Adoghe, were very supportive. Juliet suggested I open an Instagram page to post my creations, which helped take my mind off things. Seeing everyone’s concern motivated me to start the page, and the rest is history. I have an e-book coming soon detailing my journey and how I built a brand and legacy in just two years. Hopefully, my story will inspire others.
- Can you share some key milestones or turning points that significantly boosted your career in interior design?
My career as a home designer came unexpectedly. Creating beautiful things in my home was just a side passion. After moving to Texas, my projects gained attention, leading to high demand for my services. The demand made it impossible to merge interior designing with my regular job, so I focused solely on designing. This shift was my breakthrough.
- How do you balance the creative and business aspects of running Nitta’s Home & Style?
My creativity is inborn, inherited from my mom. I taught myself to constantly evolve and learn new trends. Running my business helps expand my skills. With different home designs, I stay on top of trends, learning new ideas every day, which has helped my business grow exponentially.
- What are some unique design principles or philosophies that you incorporate into your projects?
I’m constantly researching new ideas and incorporating them into my home, which extends to my business. My home is literally my showroom. Clients often want similar designs in their homes. I pride myself on having wild creative abilities, often suggesting improvements to clients’ ideas, which they love.
- How do you manage a team of over 15 staff members, and what is your leadership style?
Home designing involves various skills. I design homes but rely on my team for other aspects. When I get a contract, I map out my ideas, then get my team together to implement them. I am a team player, carefully selecting like-minded professionals to bring my designs to life.
- What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those facing challenges similar to yours?
Draw a physical map of your business’s future before starting. Place it in a visible area to remind yourself of your vision during challenges. Running a business is never easy, but always revisit your vision and keep moving forward. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. Keep moving.
- What are your future plans for Nitta’s Home & Style, and how do you envision the growth of your business in the coming years?
I have two plans: to build the world’s largest showroom to showcase my projects and host events, and to have my own TV show demonstrating my process of flipping houses. I have this vision mapped out at the entrance of my home as a constant reminder of the future of Nitta’s Home & Style. I will make it happen by God’s infinite grace. Amen.
Anita Ozioma Nwafor’s journey from a vacationer to a successful interior designer is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of support. Her story is an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and a vision, one can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness.
