Grace Akiode, hailing from East London, United Kingdom, was a just a little girl when her sketchbook became her sanctuary where she could escape into a world of fabric, form, and endless possibilities. A London-born creative with an innate passion for design, Grace had a vision even before she understood the scope of her dreams.
“I always knew I wanted to be a fashion designer,” she says, and from the moment she started sketching dresses at the age of 10, she was already on a path of self-discovery that would soon lead her to the global stage.
But her journey was far from straightforward. Like many creatives, she faced rejection, uncertainty, and challenges that almost made her doubt her own potential. Yet, it was through these very obstacles that Grace found her voice, not just as a designer but as an advocate for women’s confidence and self-expression. Today, she is making waves in the fashion industry with her brand, Confidence by Grace, a name that carries both personal significance and a powerful mission.
Early Inspirations
Born in East London, to Nigerian parents, Grace’s exposure to creativity began early, though it was clear that her artistic drive was something uniquely her own. “Creativity has always been at the heart of who I am,” she reflects. “I was always more creative than academic. I gravitated toward anything that allowed me to express myself freely.”
At 10, Grace began sketching dresses, not as an aspiring designer but as a young girl fascinated by how fabric could transform into something beautiful. “I’d find myself doodling designs in my maths book during lessons,” she admits, a small chuckle escaping her lips as she recalls the distraction. “It was just something I loved to do.”
Despite the early interest, her formal journey into fashion began in high school when she decided to take GCSE textiles. “That’s when I discovered draping, something that would later define my creative identity.” But it wasn’t smooth sailing. The final exam, a 10-hour project, ended in failure. “Everyone else passed, so it hit me hard,” Grace recalls.
“I lost my confidence in my creative ability. It felt like a door had slammed shut on my dreams. I needed that qualification to move forward, and for the first time, I questioned whether I was truly good enough to be a designer.”
This setback, while crushing, was only a temporary roadblock. “It taught me resilience,” Grace says, “that failure doesn’t define you; it’s how you rise from it that matters.”
Building Confidence Through Challenges
Rather than letting that failure stop her, Grace pushed forward, enrolling in college where she studied for an extended diploma in fashion. College was where she began to truly find her creative identity. “Being surrounded by other creatives pushed me. Everyone had their own voice, their own perspective, and I realized I had one too,” she says with a thoughtful smile.
Though not all the pieces of the puzzle were in place, Grace graduated from college with a distinction, proving to herself that her dreams weren’t just fantasies. They were achievable. “I finished college with a distinction, which secured my place at university to study fashion design, something that once felt impossible!”
Her time at the University for the Creative Arts, where she graduated in 2024, was the next pivotal step. It was there that she honed her skills and solidified her vision for what fashion could offer: empowerment. It was also the place where her first breakthrough happened.
A Fashion Debut: London Fashion Week
In September 2024, at just 21 years old, Grace debuted her collection at London Fashion Week. The experience was a whirlwind of emotions. “It was incredibly busy, with over 3,000 guests,” she says, her voice laced with excitement. “I didn’t anticipate how many people would be there, but despite the pressure, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.”
For Grace, walking into that chaotic, crowded venue was a full-circle moment. “It was a moment that reminded me of how far I’ve come,” she reflects. “I’ve gone from doubting myself to showing my work on a global stage. It was surreal.”
That debut was not just a milestone for her career, it was the beginning of a deeper commitment to her purpose as a designer: creating pieces that empower women to embrace their individuality with confidence.
Confidence by Grace
The name Confidence by Grace speaks volumes about the designer’s journey. It wasn’t just a random choice, it was a reflection of her personal transformation. Grace recalls the defining moment that led to the brand’s creation: her prom. “I had my natural hair, no nails done, and I wore a jumpsuit while everyone else wore dresses,” she says, a fond memory filling her eyes. “Yet, that was the moment I felt the most beautiful as my authentic self. That experience shaped everything.”
“It was the first time I truly felt confident in who I was, and what made it even more special was that I felt that in something I designed. That’s how I came up with Confidence by Grace-because I know firsthand how transformative confidence can be,” reflected Grace.
For Grace, fashion is not just about looking good-it’s about feeling good. “I want every woman who wears my designs to experience that same feeling, to be confidently authentic, embrace who she is as she is,” she says. And so, Confidence by Grace was born, a brand that empowers women to express their true selves through fashion.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Designers
Grace’s journey has been full of valuable lessons, many of which she now shares with aspiring designers who are looking to follow in her footsteps. “No experience is wasted! Everything has a place, and there’s always a lesson to be learned,” she advises. “Be good at what you do and let your work speak for itself.”
Building a solid, authentic community is something Grace emphasizes strongly. “Community is everything. Surround yourself with people who believe in the same values and vision,” she says. “It’s important to stay consistent and always remain teachable-never stop learning. Be a lifelong student of your craft.”
But perhaps the most powerful advice she gives is to trust yourself. “Decide what you are truly here for! Have a genuine desire to contribute to people’s happiness through fashion,” she urges. “Create your own opportunities. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission.”
Embracing the Future
Looking ahead, Grace is determined to continue creating designs that inspire confidence and empower women. “I want to create pieces that help women embrace who they are, with complete confidence,” she says. “That’s my mission moving forward: designing with purpose and impact.”
Grace’s journey, from early failure to global recognition, serves as a powerful reminder that success is not a straight line. It is shaped by passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision. As she continues to build her brand and her influence in the fashion world, one thing is certain: Grace Akiode is here to stay.
Through it all, Grace has learned that the key to success lies in resilience, purpose, and authenticity. “Embrace who you are as you are,” she says, a sentiment that resonates not only in her work but in her own life. With her eyes firmly on the future, Grace is not just a designer; she is a force for change in the fashion industry, one confident, authentic woman at a time.
