From law to fashion: a bold career shift

Back in Nigeria, Boye “Bibi” Asenuga had followed a traditional path, earning a law degree and preparing for a career in the legal field. Yet, even as she studied case law and courtroom procedures, a different dream quietly persisted — one stitched together with fabric, colour, and creativity. Fashion had always been a part of her life, a passion nurtured through childhood sketches and late-night sewing sessions. But in a society where professional success was often measured by titles and degrees, fashion remained a hobby, not a viable career.

That changed when she moved to the United States. The relocation offered more than just a change in scenery; it presented an opportunity to redefine her identity and pursue the creative path she had long imagined. With the support of her husband and a newfound sense of freedom, Asenuga made the courageous decision to leave law behind and enrol in fashion design courses in Boston.

“It was a leap of faith,” she recalls. “I had no formal background in fashion, just a deep love for it. But I knew I had to give it a real chance.”

Her legal training, however, wasn’t left entirely behind. The discipline, attention to detail, and analytical thinking she developed as a law student became unexpected assets in her new field. Whether drafting patterns or managing the business side of her brand, Asenuga found that her previous education gave her a unique edge in the fashion world.

As she immersed herself in design, she began to build a portfolio that reflected both her Nigerian heritage and her new experiences in America. Her work blended bold prints with modern silhouettes, creating pieces that told a story of cultural fusion and personal transformation.

“Fashion became my voice,”

she says. “It allowed me to express who I am — not just where I come from, but where I’m going.”

What began as a personal reinvention soon evolved into a professional mission. Asenuga launched her own label, determined to create clothing that empowered women and celebrated diversity. Her designs, often inspired by African textiles and contemporary trends, began to attract attention at local fashion shows and community events across Massachusetts.

For Asenuga, the shift from law to fashion wasn’t just a career change — it was a declaration of purpose. In choosing creativity over convention, she carved out a space where her passion could thrive, and where her story could inspire others to follow their own unconventional paths.

A snowy welcome to Massachusetts

Asenuga’s first winter in Massachusetts was nothing short of a cultural shock. Coming from the warm, tropical climate of Nigeria, she had never experienced snow before. The morning she set out for her fashion design class in Boston, the streets of Peabody were blanketed in white, and the air was thick with icy wind. She bundled herself in layers, unsure if she was dressed appropriately, and stepped cautiously onto the slippery pavement.

“I remember thinking, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’” she laughs. “I had never seen snow in real life, let alone tried to walk through it to catch a train.”

The journey to class that day was slow and nerve-wracking. She clutched her sketchbook tightly, trying to keep it dry as snowflakes swirled around her. Navigating the unfamiliar public transport system in freezing temperatures added another layer of challenge. But despite the discomfort and confusion, she pressed on — driven by the excitement of finally pursuing her dream.

That first snowstorm became a defining memory, not just because of the weather, but because of what it represented: resilience, adaptation, and the beginning of a new chapter. It was a moment that tested her resolve and reminded her that growth often comes through discomfort.

“I could have turned back that day,”

she says. “But I didn’t. I kept going, and that made all the difference.”

Over time, she learned to embrace the seasons — layering up in stylish coats, mastering the art of winter boots, and even finding inspiration in the stark beauty of snow-covered streets. The cold no longer felt foreign; it became part of her story, a symbol of the journey she had undertaken.

For many immigrants, the first winter in a new country can be daunting. But for Asenuga, it became a rite of passage — a reminder that even in the most unfamiliar conditions, determination and passion can light the way forward.

Pursuing passion in a new land

Settling into life in Peabody, Asenuga found herself navigating more than just the weather. The cultural shift was immense — from the rhythm of daily life to the nuances of communication and community. But amid the unfamiliarity, she discovered a vibrant network of creatives and entrepreneurs who welcomed her with open arms. Local art collectives, small business workshops, and multicultural events became spaces where she could connect, learn, and grow.

She threw herself into her studies, often staying up late to perfect her designs or research fabric sourcing. The fashion design program in Boston challenged her in new ways, pushing her to think not only about aesthetics but also about sustainability, market trends, and brand identity. Her instructors quickly recognised her unique perspective, encouraging her to incorporate her Nigerian roots into her work.

“I realised that my background wasn’t something to hide — it was my strength,”

she explains. “The colours, the textures, the stories from home — they all had a place in my designs.”

Asenuga began experimenting with Ankara prints, hand-dyed fabrics, and traditional embroidery techniques, blending them with contemporary cuts and minimalist tailoring. Her pieces stood out — not just for their beauty, but for the narrative they carried. Each garment became a bridge between continents, a celebration of identity and innovation.

Outside the classroom, she started showcasing her work at local pop-up markets and cultural festivals. These events offered more than exposure; they provided feedback, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Customers were drawn to her authenticity, often sharing their own stories of migration and transformation. In these exchanges, Asenuga found a deeper purpose for her craft — to create clothing that resonated with people’s journeys.

“It wasn’t just about fashion anymore,” she says. “It was about connection — about helping people feel seen and celebrated.”

With each collection, her confidence grew. She began to dream bigger, envisioning a brand that could reach beyond Massachusetts and speak to a global audience. But even as her ambitions expanded, she remained grounded in the values that had brought her this far: authenticity, resilience, and a deep love for storytelling through design.

Her studio in Peabody became a creative sanctuary — a place where sketches turned into samples, and ideas took shape on mannequins. Surrounded by bolts of fabric, mood boards, and the hum of a sewing machine, Asenuga found joy in the process. Every stitch was a step forward, a testament to the courage it took to start over and the passion that kept her going.

From law to fashion: a bold career shift

Trading the courtroom for the cutting table, Boye “Bibi” Asenuga’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. After earning her law degree in Nigeria, she made the audacious decision to pivot from legal practice to pursue her true calling — fashion design. It wasn’t just a career change; it was a complete reimagining of her identity, driven by creativity and courage.

Her transition began in Boston, where she enrolled in a fashion design class shortly after arriving in the U.S. The timing was poetic — a snowstorm blanketed the city as she made her way to class, a stark contrast to the warm climate she’d left behind. But for Asenuga, the chill in the air only sharpened her focus. She was no longer navigating legal codes; she was sketching silhouettes, sourcing fabrics, and learning the technical finesse of garment construction.

“I knew I had to follow my passion,” she’s said of the shift. “Fashion had always been in me — it just needed the right moment to come alive.”

Her legal background, far from being left behind, became an unexpected asset. The discipline, attention to detail, and strategic thinking she honed in law school translated seamlessly into her design process. Each collection she creates is not only aesthetically refined but also thoughtfully structured — a blend of artistic vision and analytical precision.

For Australian women watching the global fashion scene, Asenuga’s story is a reminder that style is not just about what you wear — it’s about the bold choices you make. Her leap from law to fashion is a testament to the power of following your instincts, even when the path is unconventional.

Embracing change in a new country

Settling in Peabody, Massachusetts, Bibi found herself immersed in a world that was both unfamiliar and full of possibility. The cultural shift from Nigeria to the U.S. was profound — from climate to cadence — but it was within this contrast that her creative instincts began to flourish. The quiet suburban streets, the seasonal shifts, and the diversity of Boston’s fashion scene offered her a fresh canvas to explore her identity as a designer.

Adapting to a new country meant more than just learning to layer for the snow. It meant building a network from scratch, understanding a new market, and redefining her aesthetic to resonate with a broader, more global audience. She began attending local fashion events, connecting with mentors, and immersing herself in the nuances of American style — all while staying true to her Nigerian roots.

Her designs began to reflect this duality — bold prints and structured tailoring, a nod to her heritage, fused with minimalist silhouettes and contemporary cuts that spoke to her new environment. It’s a blend that resonates with women who, like her, straddle multiple worlds and want their wardrobe to reflect that complexity.

“I wanted to create pieces that felt like home, no matter where you are,” she shared. “Clothing that tells a story — of strength, of transition, of beauty in change.”

For Australian fashion lovers, her journey is deeply relatable. Whether it’s moving cities, changing careers, or simply evolving your personal style, embracing change is part of the modern woman’s narrative. Bibi’s story reminds us that fashion isn’t static — it’s a living, breathing expression of who we are becoming.

• She draws inspiration from both African textiles and New England architecture.
• Her collections often feature hand-dyed fabrics and sustainable materials.
• She’s passionate about empowering women through design, especially those navigating life transitions.

In a world where reinvention is the new norm, Bibi Asenuga’s journey from Lagos to Peabody is a powerful example of how fashion can be both a personal and cultural bridge — one stitch at a time.