When Ubok Ameh relocated from Lagos to Enugu to start a new family, she had no idea that the quiet decision would shape the future of a thriving, purpose-driven brand. Like many women in transition, she faced a wave of uncertainty. Jobs were scarce, and she didn’t want to become a burden. Instead of settling into despair, she turned her isolation into curiosity and went searching for opportunities.
One day, she stumbled on an article that would change her life. It revealed that Nigeria imports over 3 million bags each year—a staggering figure that affects the country’s GDP and increases dependency on foreign goods. That statistic struck a chord. With only her drive and a smartphone, Ubok began digging into the bag-making world.
She enrolled in online courses, watched endless YouTube videos, and began practicing. Her first bags were for herself. Then people around her began to notice. Compliments turned into orders, and orders sparked the birth of a dream. But Ubok wasn’t only thinking about sales. She remembered her time working on a project with prison inmates and how deeply the lack of opportunities had affected them. She looked around her community in Enugu and saw many idle young people, drifting without direction.
With a heart full of purpose and hands ready to work, she launched Uban Leathered—a brand rooted in passion and designed for impact. What started as a necessity grew into a movement. Uban Leathered didn’t just make beautiful, high-quality bags. It stood as a beacon of empowerment. Ubok began training others. She set up the Bag Making Academy to help young people learn a skill that could put food on their tables and dignity in their lives. She later expanded to create the Bag Makers Hub, providing production support to bag makers across the region.
Her journey took a powerful turn when she discovered Shecluded. “I want to express my profound gratitude to the Shecluded family,” Ubok said with a bright smile. “They created a platform where I could network with forward-driven women—women who don’t just want to run businesses but build sustainable brands that will outlive them.” Ubok learned how to weave sustainability into her business practices through their programs. She stopped thinking in terms of short-term gains and began planning for lasting impact.
Then came the grant. As a Shecluded community member from the last incubator program, she gained access to mentorship that complemented the support network she had already built. At the time, she was diligently saving every naira to purchase an industrial bag-making machine to increase Uban Leathered’s production capacity. The grant helped bridge the gap, bringing her vision within reach. With this machine, she can now produce at scale, meet rising demand, and create even more job opportunities.
Ubok’s journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Madam Ifeoma, a standout mentor in the Shecluded circle. “She helped me reshape my thought process and completely revamp my pricing strategy,” Ubok shared. “Now I don’t just make bags—I run a business that values both people and profit.”
From a lonely relocation to building a brand that speaks for women, youth, and national pride, Ubok Ameh has proven that purpose can be sewn into every stitch. And as Uban Leathered grows, it’s not just bags they’re producing—it’s hope, dignity, and a legacy.
Follow her journey on Instagram: @uban_leathered
