For Chioma, the journey to founding Cee Cee’s Closet NYC was deeply personal—rooted in heritage, discovery, and resilience. It all began in 2015 when a long-overdue trip to Nigeria unexpectedly sparked a vision that would transform into a thriving business.
“I hadn’t been to Nigeria in over ten years,” Ngwudo recalls. “I was just a young kid, working, going to college, and honestly, traveling as a family of five wasn’t financially feasible.” However, when her grandfather passed away, the family made the trip for his celebration of life, and that journey became a turning point.
Returning to Nigeria opened Ngwudo’s eyes to the richness of her culture in ways she had never fully realized. “I didn’t know how much I had internalized negative narratives about Africa until I saw it for myself,” she reflects.
Walking through local markets, she was struck by the high-quality craftsmanship, the vibrant celebration of culture, and the undeniable beauty of the people and their artistry. Inspired by this experience, she felt a deep urge to share that story with the world.
That inspiration led to Cee Cee’s Closet, initially launched as a bag company. “We started with handmade bags sourced from craft markets in Lagos, created by talented artisans,” Ngwudo explains.
However, the business quickly evolved when her sister embarked on a natural hair journey. Already sourcing fabrics for bags, the duo saw an opportunity to introduce headwraps, which soon became their signature product.
“Our headwraps went viral multiple times, and people started recognizing us as the go-to place for them,” Ngwudo shares. Riding that wave of momentum, Cee Cee’s Closet expanded into clothing, and business was thriving—until 2020 changed everything.
The pandemic hit just as the company prepared to ship out its next inventory order. “As a small business based in New York, we didn’t have the space to hold a lot of stock. We typically planned our inventory to last two to three months, then replenished quarterly,” she explains.
But as the world shut down, international shipping became impossible. “They basically said, ‘What ports? We can’t even spell port,’” she laughs, recalling the surreal moment of realizing their inventory pipeline had stalled entirely.
With inventory running dangerously low, Ngwudo and her team had to pivot—fast. A previous holiday season had introduced a line of handwoven baskets that hadn’t performed as well as expected, so they repurposed them into gift sets, pairing them with body care items and African exfoliating nets sourced from their last trip to Nigeria.
And then, something unexpected happened.
As the #SupportBlackOwnedBusinesses movement gained momentum in 2020, Cee Cee’s Closet went viral again—but this time, it wasn’t just for headwraps and clothing. “We had low inventory of the products we were known for, and suddenly, we had thousands of new customers visiting our website and social media,” Ngwudo recalls. Seeing an opportunity, they leaned heavily into body care, a category they had initially treated as an add-on.
The results were staggering. A viral video featuring African exfoliating nets garnered over a million views, leading to instant sell-outs. “People trusted our quality because we had built that reputation with our clothing and headwraps. So when we introduced body care, they were willing to try it—and they loved it,” she says. The body oils sold out just as quickly, and what began as a temporary pivot soon became a core part of the business.
Today, body care is one of Cee Cee’s Closet’s fastest-growing categories, proving that what once seemed like a devastating challenge turned into a blessing in disguise. Ngwudo reflects on that pivotal moment with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. “I’m a Taurus—I don’t cry easily,” she admits. “But that night, when I went to bed, I was like, ‘I don’t know how God is going to get me through this.’”
Yet, through every challenge, the brand has continued to evolve, staying true to its mission while expanding its offerings. “The name Cee Cee’s Closet turned out to be perfect,” she muses.
“A closet isn’t just for clothes—it holds everything you treasure. And today, our closet includes self-care, beauty, and culture.”
More than a business, Cee Cee’s Closet is a movement—one that celebrates African heritage, empowers artisans, and redefines what’s possible for Black women in entrepreneurship.
What are you most proud of achieving with Cee Cee’s Closet?
For Chioma, measuring success goes beyond revenue milestones, but reaching over a million dollars in annual revenue as a Black-owned, bootstrapped business is an achievement she doesn’t take lightly. “I know how tough it is for Black businesses to reach that mark,” says Ngwudo. “And with the current landscape, it’s become even tougher.”
This milestone is even more meaningful because Cee Cee’s Closet achieved it without outside investment. “We bootstrapped our way here,” she emphasizes. “This pitch competition with Black Girl Ventures was actually our first real funding win outside of grants we received in 2020. That alone is something to be incredibly proud of.” Ngwudo credits the brand’s growth and resilience to sheer determination, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to learning.
However, what Ngwudo is most proud of isn’t just the numbers—it’s Cee Cee’s Closet's impact on its customers. Over the years, she has received countless messages from people who have experienced a profound shift in confidence through the brand’s headwraps, clothing, and body care products. One moment that stands out was when a customer approached her, tears in her eyes, and shared a deeply personal story.
“She told me that, because of where she lived, she didn’t feel safe being Black,” Ngwudo recalls. “But through our brand and content, she found her voice. She found a way to express herself in a way that felt safe and empowering.” Even now, retelling the story, she feels the emotion well up.
“It’s easy to underestimate just how much businesses, brands, and the messages they share can shape people’s lives. But hearing stories like that makes me more determined than ever to keep going.”
To Ngwudo, Cee Cee’s Closet is more than just fashion or body care—it’s about self-care, self-expression, and self-worth. “It’s not just about what you wear or the products you use,” she explains. “It’s about how you feel about yourself, how you carry yourself, how you connect with others.
When you take care of yourself—whether through a headwrap, a beautiful piece of clothing, or nourishing body care—you’re affirming your own value.”
At its core, Cee Cee’s Closet is about helping people show up in the world as their most confident, authentic selves—and for Chioma Ngwudo, there’s no greater achievement than that.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken thus far?
For Ngwudo, one of her biggest risks in her entrepreneurial journey was securing an office space in New York—a bold move considering the city’s notoriously high rent. “One thing about that rent—it’s due on the first, no matter what,” Ngwudo quips. Cee Cee’s Closet had grown significantly, and investing in dedicated space was a pivotal decision but came with undeniable financial pressure.
Despite the risk, Ngwudo believes that if you’re going to bet on anything, you have to bet on yourself. “As an entrepreneur, there’s so much in this world that I can’t control,” she explains.
“But what I can control is the effort I put in, the people I get us in front of, and how I respond to challenges. I have control over my actions, my resilience, and my ability to stay proactive.”
That mindset—focusing on what’s within her control—has shaped how Ngwudo navigates business ownership's uncertainties. “There are endless variables. Society today is like one giant overstimulation machine,” she says. “But I’ve learned that if I focus on what I can control and keep pushing forward, God willing, it will all work out. And if it doesn’t, at least I know I gave it everything I had.”
Taking risks is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship, but for Ngwudo, the key is trusting herself, staying adaptable, and continuously moving forward—no matter what challenges arise.
Can you describe a significant setback you faced in building your business and how you overcame it?
Every entrepreneur faces obstacles, but for Chioma, two significant moments in Cee Cee’s Closet’s journey put her problem-solving skills to the ultimate test.
The biggest setback, which genuinely made her question whether the company could survive, happened in 2020 when the pandemic disrupted inventory shipments. “That was terrifying,” Ngwudo recalls. “Because if I don’t have anything to sell, I still have bills to pay—and one thing I learned as an adult is that bills don’t stop just because you’re out of money.” The business faced an uncertain future with supply chains stalling and stock running low.
The solution? Trusting the community they had built. Ngwudo and her team pivoted quickly, focusing on new products they could source domestically while still aligning with their mission.
“We believed our customers would follow us as we figured out what products to offer that could still meet their needs—because they were filling needs we had as well.” That trust and adaptability helped Cee Cee’s Closet not only survive but expand into body care, a category that would later become one of the brand’s biggest successes.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. Another unexpected crisis arose just months before the pandemic, during Ghana’s Year of Return in 2019. Ngwudo and her sister had traveled to source high-quality fabrics, knowing that many premium textiles sold in Nigeria actually originated from Ghana. “We went a little crazy,” she laughs. “We really maxed out the budget, buying nearly 600 pounds of fabric because we were so excited about what we could create.”
The plan was to ship the fabrics to Nigeria through a local contact—someone who assured them she would handle the logistics and split the shipping cost. But just one day after shipping the materials to her, Ngwudo received an unexpected call.
“She goes, ‘Why is all this stuff showing up at my office?’” Ngwudo recalls, still in disbelief. “I’m like, ‘What do you mean? We literally just talked about this!’ And she was completely acting like she had no idea what we were talking about.”
With 600 pounds of fabric stranded in Ghana, Ngwudo and her sister had 48 hours to find a way to move everything to Nigeria—or risk losing thousands of dollars. “I’m a small business,” she emphasizes. “I don’t have thousands of dollars to just set on fire.”
With no clear solution, the sisters began calling every contact they could think of, researching transport options, and troubleshooting on the spot. They eventually found a bus service that transported goods from Ghana to Nigeria, but even then, moving the fabric to the bus station was a logistical nightmare.
“Ghana and Nigeria taxis are tiny,” she explains. “There was no way we could fit all that fabric in one car. We had to book three or four separate Ubers just to get it to our hotel first, then transport it again to the bus station.”
Ultimately, they made it work, but the experience was a lesson in preparedness, documentation, and quick thinking. “If my sister hadn’t been there for that conversation, that woman would have had me questioning my own memory,” Ngwudo laughs. “Lesson learned: if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen. Get screenshots, voice notes, receipts—whatever you need to have proof.”
Beyond documentation, Ngwudo emphasizes one more truth about entrepreneurship: sometimes, things go wrong for no reason at all. “It won’t always be your fault, but you still have to deal with it,” she says. “That’s the game—you have to be ready to respond, think fast, and figure it out.”
For Cee Cee’s Closet, resilience and problem-solving under pressure have been just as critical as creativity and passion. And as Ngwudo has repeatedly proven, she finds a way forward when obstacles arise.
What is the most critical lesson you've learned as an entrepreneur?
Business success isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s about being prepared for opportunities before they arrive. Chioma has learned that firsthand. The most valuable lesson she’s learned—and continues to learn—is that opportunity is simply where preparation meets luck.
“That statement is one of the truest things I’ve ever come across,” she says. “Staying ready so that when luck finds you—when that unexpected interaction happens when that moment that could change everything presents itself—that’s what separates a brand that scales to seven figures from one that doesn’t.”
For Cee Cee’s Closet, that mindset has been a game-changer. Ngwudo believes entrepreneurs must always think ahead—not just about where they are now, but about where they want to go. “You have to ask yourself, How does this work if I get bigger? What systems do I need to put in place now so I can handle growth when it comes?” she explains. “Because when that influx happens, if you’re not prepared, you’ll miss the opportunity entirely.”
But preparation isn’t just about logistics—it’s also about mindset. Ngwudo has seen firsthand how many entrepreneurs play small, limiting themselves because they believe that’s all they deserve. “You have to believe that scaling is possible,” she says. “You have to get your mind around the idea that maybe God has something bigger for me—and then move accordingly.”
For Ngwudo, embracing that mindset has allowed Cee Cee’s Closet to grow, adapt, and stay ready for every opportunity. As she continues to scale, she remains committed to thinking bigger, preparing smarter, and making space for every possibility.
Can you describe what preparing for the pitch competition and crowdfunding campaign process was like?
Pitching a business in a competitive environment is no small feat, but for Chioma, the experience was both a challenge and a transformative lesson in community engagement.
Having only participated in one other pitch competition before, which she didn’t win, Ngwudo was eager to refine her approach. The support from Black Girl Ventures made a significant difference. “I really appreciated the pitch practices and the formula they provided for a great pitch,” she says. “I needed all the help I could get and was so grateful for it.”
Beyond the technical aspects of pitching, the crowdfunding element of the competition pushed her out of her comfort zone. Cee Cee’s Closet had always been a brand she poured her heart into, but asking others for support—especially in a public way—was something new. “I’ve always been someone who does things on my own,” she explains. “If 80% of the work needs to be done, I’ll do 100% just to make sure it happens.”
The competition required her to actively involve her community and talk about her business differently—not just about the brand itself, but about her aspirations for its future.
“I’ve gotten comfortable talking about my business, but not necessarily about myself and what I want for my business,” Ngwudo reflects. “The pitch competition was an opportunity to bring that to the forefront—to tell my family, friends, and customers exactly what we’re trying to build and why it matters.”
That level of transparency and connection proved invaluable. Not only did it strengthen the bond with her community, but it also helped Cee Cee’s Closet garner overwhelming support.
“Putting myself out there in that way was uncomfortable at first,” she admits. “But in the end, it made all the difference.”
For Ngwudo, the experience was a powerful reminder: entrepreneurship isn’t just about working hard behind the scenes—it’s about bringing people along for the journey.
What was the crowdfunding campaign experience like for you?
Crowdfunding wasn’t just about raising money—it was about engaging her community and rallying support in a way she had never done before.
From the beginning, Chioma intentionally launched a behind-the-scenes series on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, documenting her journey as she prepared for the pitch competition. “I wanted people to know what was happening and exactly how they could support me,” she explains.
Beyond social media, Ngwudo leveraged every possible channel to reach her audience. Cee Cee’s Closet tapped into its email list, ensuring that loyal customers had the opportunity to contribute. But she didn’t stop there—personal outreach played a considerable role. “I was in it to win it, baby,” she laughs. “I wasn’t shy about texting friends and family. If you say you love me, I’m gonna need a dollar amount to prove it. And when supporting only costs five dollars? Come on now!”
The response was overwhelming. Ngwudo was deeply moved by the outpouring of encouragement from loved ones—many of whom had never had the chance to contribute to her business before. “We’ve bootstrapped Cee Cee’s Closet ourselves for so long, without financial help from family or friends,” she shares.
“So to see them genuinely want to support us was incredible.” Some relatives even went the extra mile, determined to contribute despite not being tech-savvy. “I had aunties and uncles saying, ‘I can’t work this technology thing, but here’s a check, here’s a Zelle,” she recalls.
What stood out the most was the power of simply asking. “We often worry about whether people will support us,” she says. “But there are always people who will say yes. Sure, some will say no, and that’s fine. But you might be surprised how many people truly want to see you win.”
By bringing her audience along for the journey before the pitch, Ngwudo ensured she wasn’t just asking for support when the moment arrived—she had already built excitement and momentum. “I knew this was happening, and I was tapped in from the start,” she says. “Giving people a behind-the-scenes look made all the difference.”
Through this experience, Ngwudo learned an invaluable lesson: People want to support you—but first, you have to give them the opportunity.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give entrepreneurs preparing for a pitch competition?
Stepping onto a stage to pitch your business can feel nerve-wracking, but Chioma Ngwudo has learned that much of the fear is self-imposed. “The number one thing I would tell anyone preparing for a pitch competition is this: the crowd is more for you than you think,” she says. “No one comes to watch hoping to see you fail.”
For Ngwudo, the audience was one of her biggest worries. “I was terrified they’d be like Girl, get off the stage!” she laughs. Having dealt with a longtime fear of public speaking, she still pushes through it every time. “People always tell me I sound so confident on stage, but if you could feel how much my hands were trembling—the heat radiating from my body—you’d know otherwise.”
Her second key piece of advice? Practice. “At the end of the day, when you’re pitching, you’re talking about something you know better than anyone else in the room,” she explains. “The only person who might know as much as you is your co-founder, if you have one. That means if you mess up, no one else is going to notice—unless you make it obvious.”
Ngwudo believes that the art is in the recovery. “If you fumble a word or lose your place, just keep going. No one is keeping track of your mistakes unless you announce them,” she advises.
Most importantly, she encourages entrepreneurs to treat every pitch as a learning experience. “If one competition doesn’t go the way you hoped, it doesn’t mean you should never pitch again,” she says. “Instead of seeing it as failure, ask yourself, What do I want to improve for next time?”
Her final takeaway? The crowd is rooting for you; every pitch is a chance to improve. So go for it.
Where did Cee Cee’s Closet allocate the funds?
When deciding where to allocate the funds from the Black Girl Ventures pitch competition, Chioma knew exactly where to invest—Cee Cee’s Closet’s beauty line.
“We had so many customers asking us to launch a body wash, and we had already started developing one,” she explains. “But we needed a bit more funding to actually bring it to market.”
With the additional resources, they officially launched the body wash in December—an exciting milestone for the brand. “People have been loving it,” Ngwudo says. “The reviews have been incredible, and it’s amazing to see our customers finally get to experience their very own Cee Cee’s Closet Body Wash.”
The new product line features three signature scents, each designed to create a unique sensory experience:
Coco Moringa – The brand’s most popular, viral scent, described as a sultry blend of sweet and spicy notes.
Bubbly Bliss – A vibrant, effervescent wake-up scent infused with pink lychee, grapefruit, tiger lily, and bellini, giving off luxury spa vibes.
Pink Amber Vanilla – The ultimate feminine fragrance featuring pink amber, vanilla, jasmine, and orchid—Ngwudo’s personal favorite.
But it’s not just about amazing scents—each formula is hyaluronic acid-infused, blending potent African botanicals with science-backed ingredients to deliver deep hydration, especially for dry skin.
“We love combining the best ingredients from the continent with advanced skincare technology,” Ngwudo shares. “It’s all about giving our customers the best of both worlds—natural luxury with real results.”
Support for women of color entrepreneurs can be limited. Can you share an experience where this was a significant hurdle?
Opportunities for women of color entrepreneurs are often fewer and farther between, something Chioma has experienced firsthand. “It’s not just about how many opportunities you get,” she explains. “It’s also the type of opportunities available to you.”
One of her biggest challenges has been gaining access to major retailers. “There were times when we had conversations with retailers who weren’t willing to work with us as a smaller brand,” she shares. “Rather than seeing potential and helping us grow into their space, the door was simply closed.” Moments like that were frustrating—not just because they impacted Cee Cee’s Closet’s growth but also because they reflected a larger pattern of barriers for Black-owned businesses.
However, Ngwudo believes in focusing on what she can control. “When you’re not getting the opportunities you deserve as a woman of color entrepreneur, the first thing you need to do is acknowledge the hurt,” she says. “Because it is painful. It does suck.” But after processing that frustration, she advises shifting focus to what is working.
“We’ve chosen to double down on our customers—on the people who see us, support us, and value what we bring to the table,” she explains. “And that’s what has helped us continue to grow, even when we’ve seen businesses that started around the same time as us struggle to survive.”
Ngwudo understands how easy it is to focus on setbacks and inequities—especially when she sees other businesses with less effort, weaker products, and fewer community ties securing opportunities that remain out of reach for Black women founders. “It’s tough to watch,” she admits. “But at the end of the day, I truly believe what is meant for you will never pass you by.”
That doesn’t mean the playing field is fair or the barriers aren’t real. “You can acknowledge that there are fewer opportunities just because of who you are, what you look like, and the resources you have access to at that moment,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean there aren’t incredible opportunities out there—ones that are meant for you.”
For Ngwudo, the key is choosing where to place her energy—on the community, customers, and spaces that recognize her value—rather than on the ones that don’t.
What is an entrepreneur's most essential skill or quality for business success?
In Chioma’s experience, the most critical skill an entrepreneur can have is curiosity—being a lifelong learner. “Business is constantly evolving,” she explains. “Just in the 10 years that I’ve been in business, the way I make money from social media has completely changed.”
Ngwudo has witnessed the golden age of Instagram firsthand, watching it transform from a powerful organic growth tool to a pay-to-play platform. “I was there when Instagram was at its peak,” she recalls. “And I’ve seen the same ebbs and flows with TikTok and YouTube—everything shifts, and if you’re not willing to adapt, you’ll get left behind.”
Even as the founder of a multi-million-dollar business, she knows firsthand how external changes can shake your foundation. “There are moments—so many moments—where things shift completely out of your control, and you feel like, You know what? I’m done,” she admits. “And that’s why adaptability is key.”
For Ngwudo, successful entrepreneurs stay open to learning, embrace change, and seize new opportunities as they arise. “You have to be willing to evolve,” she says. Because the moment you stop learning, your business stops growing.”
How do you define success for yourself and your business?
The definition of success has evolved. In the early days of Cee Cee’s Closet, Chioma measured it strictly by revenue milestones. “I wanted to grow, I wanted to hit those numbers, and I wanted those markers of success for myself,” she explains.
But as the business has matured—and as she’s gotten older (and more tired, as she puts it with a laugh)—her perspective has shifted. “Now, success isn’t just about building a thriving business,” she says. “It’s about building one that also works well for me and the life I want to live.”
Ngwudo acknowledges that she operated as a 24/7 entrepreneur for years, fully immersed in the grind. “And to be fair, it paid off—it made a difference,” she admits. “But there are parts of my personal life that I wish I had given more attention to.”
Today, success means balance—having a business that grows sustainably while allowing her also to pursue personal opportunities and reclaim time for herself. “At this stage, it’s about creating a business that supports both financial success and a fulfilling life,” she says. “Because if your business thrives but you have no time to enjoy your life, is that really success?”
What excites you most about the future of Cee Cee’s Closet?
The future of Cee Cee’s Closet is full of possibility and innovation, and Chioma is most excited about what the brand can build with continued funding and resources. “We’ve already created something incredible, but with more investment, we can take it even further and give our customers so much more,” she shares.
For Ngwudo, the Cee Cee’s Closet community is at the heart of everything. “Our customers are amazing, and they deserve everything,” she says. Their support fuels the brand’s growth, and she’s passionate about delivering more value, creativity, and game-changing products.
A significant driving force behind that innovation is her sister’s creativity. “She has so many brilliant ideas that we can’t wait to bring to life,” Ngwudo says. “We just need the funding to make it happen!”
Looking ahead, she’s eager to continue disrupting both body care and fashion, introducing products that are not only high-quality but also fresh, bold, and reflective of the brand’s unique vision. “I can’t wait to see how we shake things up—in body care, in fashion, and in the industry as a whole,” she says.
For Ngwudo and her sister, the best is yet to come.
What's it like having a co-founder?
Having a co-founder isn’t just about business—it’s about family. “I was really lucky to be born with an incredible big sister,” she says. “I’m so thankful that God saw fit to make me her little sister.”
Running Cee Cee’s Closet together has been a blessing, but like any partnership, it comes with different perspectives and disagreements. “We don’t agree on everything—we’re two different people,” Ngwudo acknowledges. “But at the end of the day, it’s amazing to have someone you trust, someone you know is capable and who truly cares to work through things with.”
One of the greatest benefits of having a co-founder is the ability to bounce ideas off someone who deeply understands the business. “When you’re running a business alone, it’s easy to get stuck in your own thoughts, working in isolation,” she explains. “You can spiral into indecision or overthinking because there’s no one else to challenge your ideas or help refine them.”
Having her sister as a co-founder has also given her built-in accountability. “When you have someone else who’s equally invested, you can’t just put things off indefinitely,” she says. “If I have to tell my sister I didn’t get something done, I better have a real reason why. It makes sure I stay on top of things, too.”
Having a co-founder who is also family means sharing not just the work but also the vision, passion, and responsibility—and that makes all the difference.
Looking ahead three years, what would you consider a successful outcome for your business?
Looking ahead, Chioma has a bold and exciting vision for Cee Cee’s Closet, including major expansion, greater accessibility, and a powerhouse team to help drive the brand forward.
At the top of her list? Securing a $2 million investment. “That’s priority number one,” she says. “With that funding, everything else would fall into place.”
One of her biggest dreams is to open a Cee Cee’s Closet flagship store in New York—a space where customers can come to get wrapped, shop stunning clothing, and leave smelling dang good with their favorite Cee Cee’s Closet body care. “I want it to be a thriving destination—a place where our community can fully experience the brand,” she shares.
Beyond a flagship location, Ngwudo envisions Cee Cee’s Closet in major retailers—but only the ones that genuinely align with the brand. “I want us to be in the right retailers—the ones that want us,” she emphasizes. “I know our customers would love to see us in places like Sephora and Ulta, so making Cee Cee’s more accessible is a big goal.”
Another significant milestone for her three-year vision is building a larger executive team. “I want to expand our leadership so I can delegate more and focus on higher-level strategy,” she explains. “Having that support system in place would allow me to fully leverage my skills in new ways across the business.”
Ultimately, Ngwudo’s vision is clear: Cee Cee’s Closet will grow in scale, impact, accessibility, and presence while remaining true to the community it was built for.
What do you envision for the future of Black and Brown women entrepreneurs and small business owners?
According to Chioma, the future of Black and Brown women entrepreneurs is one of continued impact, innovation, and resilience. “We know that as Black and Brown female entrepreneurs, our work extends far beyond just our businesses,” she says. “We create huge community impact—whether through who we hire, the markets we innovate in, or the unique solutions we bring to the table.”
Ngwudo believes that Black and Brown women have always been creators, problem solvers, and visionaries, making a way out of no way. “Because of that, we’re going to keep seeing incredible, much-needed products coming from us,” she explains. “The creativity, the innovation—it’s not slowing down.”
However, sustaining and scaling those businesses will require new ways of accessing support and funding. “Figuring out how to get the resources we need to grow is going to require dynamic solutions,” she says. “And a big part of that will be investing in each other as a community—because we need to support each other.”
But external support isn’t enough—Ngwudo also emphasizes the importance of self-investment. “We need to make sure that Black and Brown women entrepreneurs have the space to invest in themselves, to feel supported, to feel valued, and to know that their contributions are deeply appreciated and needed,” she says.
For Ngwudo, the future isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating ecosystems that uplift, sustain, and celebrate Black and Brown women in business.
Running a business can be demanding. How do you prioritize self-care and maintain work-life balance?
Running a business can be all-consuming, and for Chioma, learning to prioritize rest was a lesson that came the hard way. “One of the biggest takeaways from 2020 was realizing that sometimes, you need to slow down and take a break,” she reflects.
She worked nonstop during the surge in Cee Cee’s Closet’s body care business, followed by the holiday season rush when ports reopened. “At one point, I realized I could work 24/7 if I wanted to,” she admits. “But just because I could didn’t mean I should—because I burned myself out completely.”
That experience taught her that rest isn’t just essential for mental health—it’s necessary for the business's health. “When you’re overworked, stressed, and exhausted, creativity suffers,” Ngwudo explains. “Some of my best ideas come in moments of rest when I’m relaxed and giving my mind space to wander.”
Her Go-To Self-Care Practices
Self-care isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about sustaining herself as an entrepreneur. Here’s how she keeps balance:
Daily Walks – “Walking is a game-changer for me. Sometimes, I listen to a podcast and other times, I just take in the city. Brooklyn has so much energy. It gives me time to think, reflect, and sometimes just do nothing and decompress.”
Tea & Hydration Goals – “I know drinking more tea is good for me—I’m trying to be better about it!” she laughs.
Long Showers & Bubble Baths – “I know they say you shouldn’t take super long showers, but listen—a long shower makes me happy,” she says unapologetically. “It’s my reset.” And when she really wants to decompress, nothing beats a bubble bath, a book, and a space that smells amazing.
For Ngwudo, maintaining a work-life balance isn’t about strict routines—it’s about giving herself permission to pause, recharge, and create a joyful space. “At the end of the day, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business,” she says.
What is your favorite quote or mantra that guides you as an entrepreneur?
One quote has been a game-changer in her entrepreneurial journey:
“Done is better than perfect.”
“I don’t even remember who said it,” she admits. “But I live by it.”
Before starting Cee Cee’s Closet, Ngwudo never considered herself a Type A personality—but entrepreneurship quickly revealed just how particular she could be. “I didn’t realize how specific I was about how I wanted things done until I became a business owner,” she laughs.
But she also learned that chasing perfection can be paralyzing. “If you’re waiting for something to be perfect, you’ll never launch, never take action—because there’s always room for improvement.”
Now, she focuses on getting things done first, knowing there’s always an opportunity to refine, improve, and evolve. “The goal is progress, not perfection,” she says. “Because growth happens in the doing.”
Are there any particular books or podcasts that have significantly influenced your entrepreneurial journey or life?
Podcast: Reid Hoffman’s Rapid Response, Masters of Scale, Myleik Teele, and Side Hustle Pro.
Book: The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest
What is a must-have tool or app that has streamlined your business operations?
Canva, Repurpose.io, Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini.
What is one indulgence you can't resist?
Stew, rice and plants, some “dodo.”
What are the next steps for Cee Cee’s Closet?
The next chapter of Cee Cee’s Closet is about expansion and accessibility, and Chioma is going all in.
Her top priority is securing a $2 million investment to take the business to the next level. “We’re pushing forward with our raise,” she says confidently. “We’re bringing investors on board and making sure we have the resources to scale Cee Cee’s Closet in a big way.”
Once the funding is secured, the focus will shift to building a strong retail presence, ensuring customers can shop the brand wherever they are. “We want to make Cee Cee’s Closet more accessible so that no matter where our customers are, they can experience our products with ease,” Ngwudo shares.
With major growth plans ahead, she’s determined to push forward, secure the right partnerships, and make Cee Cee’s Closet a household name.
Any last words…?
If there’s one message Chioma wants to leave aspiring entrepreneurs with, it’s this:
“The worst thing you can do for yourself is to not try.”
Starting a business, launching a new idea, or putting yourself out there can feel intimidating, but fear of failure should never stop you from taking action. “Go out there and try,” Chioma encourages. “And if it doesn’t work out? It doesn’t work out.”
Ngwudo often hears hesitation from people afraid of failing publicly, especially regarding social media. “We post a lot, and that’s helped us grow our audience,” she explains. “But people always ask, ‘What if nobody sees it?’ And I tell them—then nobody saw it! Post it again! Keep going!”
She says failure is rarely as loud or public as people fear. “Most things fail quietly,” she points out. “So you might as well try and see what happens.”
For Ngwudo, the biggest risk isn’t failure—it’s never taking the chance in the first place. Keep in touch with Cee Cee's Closet NYC through their Instagram and make purchase their products on their website.
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