SHARON OJONG

Sharon entered the world in the picturesque city of Calabar in southern Nigeria where she embarked on her academic journey at the University of Calabar and earned her first degree in Policy and Administration, alongside a diploma in Public Administration.

Sharon’s creative spirit bloomed from a young age, as she reveled in activities like playing dress-up, modeling, and crafting imaginary fashion narratives. Even before understanding the role of a stylist, she found joy in dressing her friends.

While in university, she dabbled in modeling and beauty pageantry, but it was her participation in the Kokomansion reality show that catapulted her into Nigeria’s entertainment scene. Following this breakthrough, she joined Beth Model Agency and ventured into acting, making appearances in Mnet’s “Tinsel” and Emem Isong’s “Nollywood Hustlers.”

Sharon’s voyage into the world of fashion commenced as a humble fashion intern at FAB Magazine. Her journey took her from personal style blogging to the position of Assistant Fashion Editor at TW Magazine. Later, she embraced a pivotal role as an Associate Producer and Production Stylist for Spice TV, Africa’s premier fashion and lifestyle channel.

During her tenure at Spice TV, Sharon assumed responsibility for overseeing three primetime TV shows and curating presenters’ wardrobes. She also represented the company at renowned fashion weeks across the globe, including New York Fashion Week, Kampala Fashion Week, Lagos Fashion Week, Ghana Fashion and Design Week, and Addis Ababa Fashion Week.

Parallel to her role at Spice TV, Sharon took on roles as the Editor of Glam Africa Magazine UK and Brand Manager at the fashion retail store Elanred. She also ventured into creative consultancy with her brand, DEEVAS, catering to individual clients.

In 2017, driven by her unwavering passion for the business of fashion and content production, Sharon made a bold career move. This transformative journey culminated in the realization of her childhood dream: the launch of her clothing brand, REKANA DOT CO LTD.

Since its inception in March 2018, Rekana has been a torchbearer for sustainability and individuality, adorning some of Africa’s most esteemed celebrities, including Chimamanda Adichie, Omawunmi, Simi, Waje, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Idia Aisien, and influential fashion icons both in and out of Nigeria.

In 2022, Rekana unveiled its fifth collection, “Children of God,” accompanied by a captivating short film. Sharon took on the roles of Executive Producer, Costume Designer, and Production Designer for this project, which garnered acclaim at esteemed international film festivals.

The debut of the “Children of God” collection at New York Fashion Week in September 2023 earned Sharon widespread recognition from fashion enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike. This collection, blending eco-friendly hand-dyed fabrics with powerful storytelling, struck a chord with a global audience.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sharon has remained deeply committed to nurturing young creatives. She mentors emerging talents, shares her insights at events across Nigeria, judges cultural awards, and offers invaluable learning resources through her YouTube channel.

Sharon’s “SO series” is her mission to empower and inspire aspiring creatives in Nigeria’s dynamic creative sector, providing a window into the intricate world of the fashion business, featuring conversations with African fashion trailblazers, and offering practical guidance, skills, and resources.

Sharon’s styling prowess has graced the likes of Rita Dominic, Tiwa Savage, Dbanj, Mo Abudu, Ramsey Noah, and many more luminaries. Her venture, XOSO Creative Studio, has left an indelible mark in the fields of costume design and content production, collaborating with esteemed brands such as Guinness Nigeria, MTN, Kuda Bank, Nigerian Idol, Music Meets Runway, Finisher Active, Hell Ride Movie, and the Nneka the Pretty Serpent Film Remake.

Sharon’s artistic journey is characterized by over a decade of experience and expertise across diverse disciplines. Rooted in passion and boundless creativity, she now holds certification as a UI/UX Designer, aspiring to craft products that inspire users to think, feel, and act profoundly.