Hi there, welcome to my online home. I am Ms. Uduak an attorney, speaker, visionary and game-changer. I help creatives and entrepreneurs increase reach and revenue, all while reducing or avoiding risks. I am also a speaker, journalist, and recognized thought leader, and trailblazer for my work on Africa’s emerging global fashion and entertainment markets, and the niche practice of fashion law in the United States.
As an attorney, I am the founder of FASHIONENTLAW, a California law firm providing legal services to creatives, and brand owners. I am also the pioneer of the first Fashion Law seminars in Northern California, and routinely provide legal commentary on the intersection of pop culture and the law to news organizations and a contributor to several books on legal topics distributed internationally.
As a speaker, I have spoken at diverse organizations including SXSW, Levi’s, The Wharton School of Business, NAWBO, and The Fashion Law Institute.
As a journalist, I have interviewed some of the world’s most prominent names and authored globally syndicated articles in national and international magazines and newspapers.
I am also the publisher of Ladybrille, a pioneer digital magazine celebrating brilliant women in business and leadership and African fashion. I am also the publisher of ‘Africa Music Law,’ a music business and entertainment law website and podcast show empowering the creative industry at large.
For my work in the field of law, fashion, entertainment, and media, I have earned numerous nominations and recognitions including an award from the American University Washington College of Law for my “legal impact in the field of intellectual property in Africa.”
MY WHY
I was born in the United States but raised as a child in Nigeria, West Africa. While I have fond memories of my childhood in Nigeria, I also believed that it was a crime to be born or raised as a girl in that society. Truthfully, boys had all the fun and superpowers while girls were and continue to be marginalized, their voices stifled and violent acts committed against their persons.
If I had any doubts about the marginalization of girls and women, my personal experience with childhood assault cemented the deal. I buried the trauma and later channeled that energy towards advocacy work and a career as a lawyer, journalist and, writer that permitted me to lend my voice to the voiceless and to unequivocally refuse to be silenced where my views or positions varied from the majority. However, it was not until certain life events in my 20s triggered the traumatic experience forcing me to unwillingly deal with overwhelming fear, shame, guilt, stigma, and the reality that excellence in my career goals/achievements had no bearing on the void/wound left by the childhood trauma. Through what became a decade-long journey of finding and healing self, I discovered that it was only in embracing the fear that I could fully step into my greatness and live my best life.
Now, I help others, through my speaking and consulting services, who at similar crossroads as I was, get the breakthrough they need to live fearless, powerful, passionate, authentic, and richly rewarding lives.
~Ms. Uduak