Whenever you see Jane, you see a smile so warm it could melt even the toughest of hearts. Jane, extremely sweet and industrious is a Fashion Entrepreneur and stylist who has eaten from a silver spoon, played in the grass and is now lifted by grace sharing her light by using her gifts positively, in the lives of the people around her.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Jane is referred to as “the stylist behind some of Nigeria’s hottest celebrities” by CNN and “the most experienced and respected stylists and fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria” by Nigerian lifestyle blog Bella Naija. With a well-known passion for riding (bikes), Jane loves to travel or swim in her spare time and she is currently at work on her first book (auto biography) due for release late 2016.
Life does throw you a few balls; it’s every person’s choice to juggle them. – Jane Michael Ekanem
Who is Jane Michael?
Jane Michael is a fashion entrepreneur, who has been in the fashion industry for over 8 yrs. I partner with Jekwu the stylist, who handles styling the male clients. I am also a biker chick; I love a good bike ride.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
As much as I feel like I haven’t achieved much, I would say my most successful achievement yet came was when I was interviewed for CNN on African Voices because it gave me global/international awareness and it also enforced the drive to do and achieve more.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
That would be when I ran after a client while screaming her name, just to get there and it wasn’t the person I was calling after. Oops!
When did you fall in love with fashion & style? How did it happen?
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| Styled by Jane Michael Ekanem |
The love for fashion and style for me has been inborn, I would say from a tender age. My siblings would remind me how growing up I would refuse to wear an outfit if the bag didn’t match or complement.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear has always been trying something new, being on the other side of my comfort zone. This fear on another hand has paid off because it has helped me understand my dreams are bigger than myself and pushed me to work harder.
What inspires you?
God, Life and the things around me; I could find inspiration in pretty much every element in existence.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?
My advice to women who want a career in my industry is for them to believe in themselves, be themselves and be patient; be especially patient.
What life experience has strengthened you the most? 
I cannot really qualify which of my experiences have strengthened me the most; but I can categorically tell you that they have taught me life lessons in different ways and dimensions. I had a major health crisis at some point in my life, a ruptured ovarian cyst, and I can tell you that was no walk in the park. I was at work the day when the initial symptoms began and I hurried to the hospital but no proper diagnosis was given. I thought I was good really because, I was given some drugs to deal with the pain and yes the pains subsided so I traveled to Abuja. I was preparing to style a client in Abuja when excruciating pains and fever struck. I was rushed to the hospital and i was bleeding internally so I had to go in for an emergency surgery. Fortunately my friend, Ogo Abuah, had gone to Abuja with me to assist with the job, so she took care of me till my sister flew in. The city bikers in Abuja made me feel so comfortable and at home; they kept coming in droves, sending money and gifts. These kinds of situations help you put things in perspective. Life does throw you a few balls; it’s every person’s choice to juggle them.
If you could have dinner with any two women (living or not), who would they be?
Kelly Rowland, I have always loved her plus some people say we look alike. Also, I’ve always wanted to style her. Oprah Winfrey, so I can get a chance to ask of her success story.
If you could go back in time what would you change?
The Price of commodities, we all know the economic situation of the country.
If you could only subscribe to three (3) magazines what would they be?
Mania, Complete Fashion and Today’s Woman.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I really would want to be remembered for greatness, my humanity and how I treat people. I would like to be remembered for love.
Site: www.JaneMichaelEkanem.com
Instagram: @Janemichaelekanem