“Don’t go into fashion, nobody is going to employ or buy from you because you’re a black man”
Matthew Oluwamuyiwa Eluwande’s statement in a video I stumbled upon on TransferGo Africa’s Instagram page is more than just words, it’s what’s been perceived as the norm, home and abroad. His journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passion against all odds.
For many immigrants, the journey to success is filled with roadblocks, uncertainty, doubt, and the constant pressure to abandon dreams for survival. Yet, some refuse to let go of their aspirations, pushing through challenges to carve out a place for themselves. Matthew Eluwande, an award-winning hat maker based in the UK, is one of them. His story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of refusing to conform.
The Pressure to Abandon a Dream
Born in the UK but raised in Nigeria, Matthew’s life took a turn after the passing of his father. His mother struggled to keep the family afloat, and he eventually had to return to the UK 17 years ago.
Armed with a passion for fashion and experience in business, Matthew hoped to establish himself in the industry. However, like many immigrants, he was met with discouragement. Friends advised him to abandon his dream for something “more practical.”
“Matthew, don’t go into fashion. Nobody’s going to employ you because you’re a black man,” they told him.
For many, these words might have been enough to deter them. But for Matthew, they only strengthened his resolve.
Choosing Passion Over Fear
Instead of following the well-worn path of sacrificing passion for stability, Matthew chose to fight for his dream with a determined belief in a God that rewards those who do not give up. He started his hat-making business from the ground up, often working 24-hour shifts to meet deadlines and keep his vision alive.
His breakthrough came in his second year when he attended a hat festival in France. That night, to his surprise, he won two prestigious awards. By the next morning, an elated Matthew was flooded with sales till he sold out and even got autograph requests like a celebrity, proof that talent will break barriers.
“It was one of the most beautiful nights of my life,” he recalls.
More Than a Career: A Tribute to His Roots
“I used to stand by my mum when she was using the sewing machine. There was something about the mechanism that really fascinated me.”
For Matthew, his craft is more than just a business, it’s a tribute to his late mother, who owned a very successful fashion business in Nigeria. She lost everything and a bit of herself after his father died, turning to odd jobs as a means to provide for him and his sister. Now, as a successful hat-maker, he carries on her legacy, proving that immigrants can not only survive but thrive.
Even as he builds his brand in the UK, Matthew stays connected to home. Before his mother passed, and even now, he sends money back to Nigeria to support his younger sister, using TransferGo Africa to ensure his family’s sacrifices were not in vain.
Dreams Beyond Borders
Matthew Eluwande’s journey is one of many, proving that immigrant success stories are not just about survival, they are about excellence. In a world that often tells them to settle, immigrants like Matthew choose to rise, pushing beyond limitations to turn dreams into reality.
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