
Our Brand Story
My journey into fashion was anything but conventional. I began my career as an executive pharmacist, yet I was always deeply drawn to both science and the arts. That passion led me, in 1992, to co-found an art décor and gifts company with my husband, where I immersed myself in curating and promoting indigenous Nigerian crafts. My very first exhibition in 1994 was a resounding success, affirming that my path belonged in the creative world.
From there, I founded Lifestrokes Gallery in 1995, carrying Nigerian and African art across borders—from Cairo to Miami—sharing our culture with the world. Over the years, that experience shaped my vision and ignited a desire to create something more personal, something wearable, that still celebrated the artistry of Africa.
In 2013, I launched Morin.O Designs in my Lagos atelier: a brand dedicated to reimagining traditional craftsmanship through contemporary leather accessories. The recognition that followed, from features in HuffPost to awards and international showcases, has been humbling—but more than accolades, what drives me is the chance to tell our stories through design.
Every collection we create at Morin.O carries with it the spirit of heritage, innovation, and the resilience of African creativity. My mission has always been to honor where we come from while crafting pieces that stand confidently on the global stage
FEATURED MEDIA APPEARANCES
1. CNN MARKETPLACE AFRICA
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/world/video/marketplace-africa-nigeria-leather-industry-luxury-goods-spc
2. DIASPORA CENTRAL SPOTLIGHT FEAT. MORIN O. HOUSTON
PRESS MENTIONS
- LEATHER BUSINESS WILL LIFT YOUTHS OUT OF POVERTY – ENTREPRENEUR
https://leadership.ng/leather-business-will-lift-youths-out-of-poverty-entrepreneur/
November 2022 PULSE.NG: Nigerian Luxury bag brand launches in LA
April 2016
http://pulse.ng/fashion/morin-o-nigerian-luxury-bag-brand-launches-in-la-id4687151.htmlGENEVIEVE MAGAZINE: Nigerian Luxury Leather Bag Designer Morin. O. Launches At Now Showroom L.A
February 2016
http://genevieveng.com/nigerian-luxury-leather-bag-designer-morin-o-launches-at-now-showroom-l-a/MADAME SOLANGE
February 2016
http://madamesolange.com/?s=morin+oTHE HUFFINGTON POST: Nigerian Entrepreneur Maureen Obaweya Brands Her Luxury Designs With Developing World Market Flavors
April 2015
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-wisenthal/nigerian-entrepreneur-mau_b_6708928.htmlBUSINESS DAY - Launch of our Pelts of Distinction Collection
July 2014
http://www.businessdayonline.com/2014/07/maureen-obaweya-creating-exceptional-leather-accessories-for-nigerian-and-global-markets
Other Mentions
https://www.zumi.ng/fashion/zumi-x-catwalk-with-kaylah-8-nigerian-bag-brands-were-loving-right-now/
https://leadership.ng/2018/05/26/leather-perfect-canvass-for-my-personal-creativity-morin-obaweyam/
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/insights/forging-fashion-ties-with-nigeria/
https://newtelegraphonline.com/2017/12/leather-bags-henna-patterns/
https://www.pressreader.com/nigeria/thisday/20180525/281878709041337
http://www.nan.ng/entertainment/nantv-enews-summary-march-3-2018/
http://africafashionweeknigeria.com/portfolio_page/morin-o-2/
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/04/06/afrebay-parades-exotic-brands/?nonamp=1
http://digest.bellafricana.com/official-top-3-nominees-list-ace-awards-2018/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-wisenthal/nigerian-entrepreneur-mau_b_6708928.html
http://www.afrikanmbiu.com/fashion-finest-africa-2018-best-runway-looks/
https://occhimagazine.com/meet-nigerian-fashion-designer-maureen-obaweya/
https://www.pressreader.com/nigeria/sunday-trust/20170108/282084866485485
https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/11/morin-o-floral-fusion-collection/
https://exquisitemag.com/more-on-em/editorials/em-entrepreneur-is-morin-obaweye-of-morin-o/
https://www.eurweb.com/2018/05/tayo-fatunla-morin-o-a-leathery-business-looking-inside-out/
https://www.connectnigeria.com/view_details/morino-119706.html
https://ydagency.com/2017/11/14/floral-fusion-collection-by-morin-o-private-viewing-this-weekend/
https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/11/morin-o-floral-fusion-collection/
http://completefashion.org/morin-o-floral-fusion-collection/
https://www.gistreel.thats.im/2017/12/05/morin-o-floral-fusion-collection/
http://www.kimberlynec.com/leather-perfect-canvass-for-my-personal-creativity-morin-obaweyam/
http://jaiyeorie.blogspot.com.ng/2017/11/betty-irabor-at-launch-of-morin-o.html
https://bokissonthrone.blogspot.com/2017/12/joke-silva-jumoke-adenowom-betty-irabor.html
https://ydagency.com/2017/11/30/pictures-from-the-morin-o-floral-fusion-collection-launch/
http://eventnownow.com/city/lagos/event/morin-os-floral-fusion-launch/
http://onobello.com/africa-fashion-week-nigeria-2015-day-1-morin-o/
http://eventful.com/lagos/events/sip-and-shop-morino-/E0-001-111258344-