I'm Dr. Stellarita Awelle Nwachukwu Asogwa
“For me, the most important thing in life is to leave something beautiful behind, something that finds its way into the lives of strangers and impacts them for the positive forever.”
About Me
Dr. Hc. Stellarita Asogwa
Dr. hc StellaRita Awelle Asogwa is a multifaceted entrepreneur from Nkwerre LGA, Imo State, Nigeria, with significant contributions to the beauty, fashion, and food industries. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University and an MBA from the Business School Netherlands. Additionally, she earned an honorary Ph.D. from Janus University, California, and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from Pan African University, enhancing her business acumen.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with a door-to-door mobile cosmetic business, which led to the establishment of LaRita Beauty Spa in 2009. She later ventured into the food industry by co-founding Marcopolo Chinese Restaurant in Abuja, which evolved into Marcoriano Chinese Restaurant, now boasting two branches. In 2012, she launched Zarita Kouture, a clothing brand that blends African prints with Western fabrics, and in 2015, she founded Zarita Fashion Academy to offer certified training in fashion design.
In 2021, Dr. hc StellaRita founded the StellaRita Awelle Humanitarian Foundation, focusing on charity, entrepreneurship, and nation-building for widows, orphans, the less privileged, and youths. Her fashion brand has participated in numerous prestigious fashion shows globally, and she continues to inspire through her dedication to mentorship and positive societal impact.
A Serial Entrepreneur
StellaRita is an entrepreneur of diverse interest.
I’m a designer, an illustrator, a presentation wizard, a storyteller, a teacher, and a lifetime student. I’m an optimist. I’m an environmentalist. I am those things, and I’m also much more. I have resolved to be passionate, have a positive mindset, build on myself and be a mentor in society as I continue in my entrepreneurship journey.
Zarita Kouture
Founded in 2012, Zarita Kouture specializes in ready-to-wear and custom-made fashion pieces for men, women, and children, and has participated in numerous local and international fashion shows.
Marcoriano Chinese Restaurant
Marcoriano Chinese Restaurant in Abuja offers a variety of delicious Chinese dishes, known for its innovative cuisine and outstanding chefs, making it a popular dining spot in the city.
Stellarita Awelle Humanitarian Foundation
This foundation is dedicated to nation-building through charity, focusing on empowering disadvantaged women, children, and youths in Nigeria and Africa with various innovative projects and programs.
Zarita Fashion and Arts Fusion
Zarita Fashion and Arts Fusion is a showcase and empowerment of African fashion and art creatives. Register and show your creative prowess.
Zarita Kouture
Founded in 2012, Zarita Kouture specializes in ready-to-wear and custom-made fashion pieces for men, women, and children, and has participated in numerous local and international fashion shows.
Marcoriano Chinese Restaurant
Marcoriano Chinese Restaurant in Abuja offers a variety of delicious Chinese dishes, known for its innovative cuisine and outstanding chefs, making it a popular dining spot in the city.
Stellarita Awelle Humanitarian Foundation
This foundation is dedicated to nation-building through charity, focusing on empowering disadvantaged women, children, and youths in Nigeria and Africa with various innovative projects and programs.
Zarita Fashion and Arts Fusion
Zarita Fashion and Arts Fusion is a showcase and empowerment of African fashion and art creatives. Register and show your creative prowess.
Outside of Zarita Kouture...
and Marcoriano Chinese restaurant, I have a passion to put a smile on the face of humanity
Passion for Humanity
My Achievements
- Corporate women of excellence award for business personality of the year (2011)
- Global leader of integrity merit award for courage in character, patriotism & humanitarian leadership (2012)
- Conferred fellow in the institute of brand management of nigeria (fib m), 2012.
- Gold leadership award in corporate management & governance, nov, 2012.
- Named as one of the “50 most excelling abu graduates” by the vanguard and the guardian newspapers (may 2012)
- Premium designer award by mr ideal nigeria, 2013
- Female designer of the yer award by ambassador for peace, 2013
- Named as one of the “20 most outstanding woman in nigeria” by the leadership newspaper (july 2012)
- Honorary doctorate degree in organisational leadership from prowess university delaware in 2022
- Leadtimes africa leadership prize for transparency & accountability in service, 2022
- Fellowship induction as fellow chartered institute of arts management and professionals fciap, USA
- The parliament diary public service awards for woman of the year
- The amazon’s 10 distinguished women of excellence in nigeria
- Fast rising female designer of the year award by you magazine 2014
- Noble magazine high profile legacy award, 2019
- Achievers category s.h.e award uae 2021
- Colours of nigeria fashion promoter of the year award by the ministry of industry, trade and investment
- Leadtimes magazine business woman of the year award, 2021
- Award fellow of the international institute of strategies development fiisd 2021
- Member african business executives network (abenet)
- Member creative entrepreneurs association of nigeria
- Named as one of the “distinguished women of substance in nigeria” by the guardian newspaper (june 2012)
- Stellarita has been honoured with chapter 13 of the book titled “growing up africa” by gift chidima nnamoko which is a book showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of a few select entrepreneurs in africa.
- Honorary doctorate from the university of delaware, usa
- The lead times africa leadership prize for innovation and quality service delivery in business and professionalism (2022)
- The african regional journal “100 inspiring individuals in africa- 2022 edition