At 31, Victoria Afonne, the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of VHKY’s Shop, is building a confidence movement for women in Nigeria and beyond through her fashion brand.
Originating in Abuja, VHKY has become a popular brand specialising in women’s shapewear and pantyhose, boasting a thriving online community of over 300,000 followers. Afonne leverages her platform to promote body positivity, self-love, and style—core values of her brand.
Victoria’s journey into fashion was deeply personal. “I used to be very insecure because my features weren’t fully developed,” she recalled. “I hid behind baggy clothes because I didn’t like how I looked.” Things changed when she began working out. As her body transformed, her confidence grew, and she noticed how much impact the right outfit could have on a woman’s mood.
That realisation led to the birth of VHKY in 2017. She began selling fashion items such as clothes, shoes, and bags, but noticed that waist trainers sold faster than anything else.“My first sale was a waist trainer to a customer in Suleja,” she said with a smile. “It sold so easily that I knew I had found something special.” From that single waist trainer, Victoria began to focus on shapewear — products designed to help women feel “confident, classy, comfortable, and seen.”
Over time, her customers began to request other products like hip and butt shapers, fajas, and enhancers. This pushed her to focus fully on shapewear and later expand into pantyhose. “A customer once asked if I had pantyhose to go with her dress, and that was how the idea started,” she said. “It perfectly fits our vision of a full, head-to-toe makeover.”
What sets VHKY apart, according to Victoria, is simple: they listen. “We receive feedback through chats, phone calls, and even social media tags,” she explained. “Some customers send pictures or videos trying on their orders. That’s how our community keeps growing.”
VHKY’s popular pantyhose line was born from that feedback loop. Every new batch of stock is tested for quality before being released. “If there’s a problem with the sample, we send it back immediately,” she said.
Even the brand’s packaging tells a story. Each product is wrapped with a note that reads, ‘This package is from your secret admirer.’ It’s a playful touch that makes customers smile and feel appreciated.
“Our communication style is warm and relatable — like chatting with a friend,” Victoria said. “We want every woman to feel seen and valued.”
Like many small businesses in Nigeria, Victoria faced her share of challenges — from website issues to international shipping. But passion kept her going. “During low moments, I wasn’t discouraged; I was pushed to innovate,” she said. Today, VHKY ships to customers in Canada, the USA, and the UK, and is working to expand across Africa.
Her family has also played a major role. “My sister was my first customer,” she said fondly. “She even bought our first mannequin. My family has been my biggest support system.”
Behind VHKY is a small but dedicated team — local delivery agents, suppliers, designers, and creative partners — all helping to bring Victoria’s vision to life.
While 80% of VHKY’s production still happens overseas, Victoria is determined to bring more of it home. “We’ve started exploring local production because it’ll help us meet demand faster and create more jobs for women,” she explained. “We’re studying textile markets in Lagos, Aba, and Abuja to make sure we can maintain our quality.”
Her dream is to prove that Nigerian-made fashion can compete globally. “We have the talent and creativity; we just need better structure and support,” she said.
From its sleek logo to its playful packaging, everything about VHKY reflects confidence and simplicity. “We want women to feel bold, beautiful, and proud of their bodies,” Victoria said. “Our customers include women from all walks of life — from governors’ wives to Nollywood actresses, and even professionals in aviation and law. That trust means a lot.”
The brand’s social media pages are filled with vibrant images of real women, smiling and confident. “Nothing speaks louder than real women glowing in confidence,” she added.
Beyond fashion, Victoria is also mindful of sustainability. “We prefer timeless staples over fast fashion,” she said. “We’re also improving our packaging to make it more eco-friendly.” In the next five to ten years, she envisions VHKY with physical stores in major cities, a strong team of creative minds, and full local production.
“I’m inspired by Kim Kardashian’s Skims,” she admitted. “If she could turn shapewear into a global empowerment brand, I believe we can do the same from Africa.”
The brand is also working on a maternity line designed to help pregnant women feel comfortable and confident.
Victoria’s early years in business were tough. “For the first three years, we weren’t making a profit,” she recalled. “But during the COVID-19 lockdown, things changed. People became more body-conscious, and our sales took off.”
Looking back, she is grateful for those slow beginnings. “If I could go back, I’d tell myself that slow seasons don’t mean failure. They’re part of the foundation,” she said.
Her advice to young entrepreneurs is to start small, stay consistent, and believe in themselves. “You don’t need to have everything figured out,” she said. “Just start with what you love and keep growing.”
As VHKY continues to grow, Victoria remains grounded. “We want to build a big warehouse someday and employ more women,” she shared. “But for me, success is making one customer happy at a time. Every satisfied woman represents what VHKY stands for.”
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