Love Dot

In a global sustainable fashion market projected to reach $15 billion by 2030, Nneka Carrie Ude is redefining the intersection of African craftsmanship and contemporary design through ethical manufacturing and cultural storytelling. As the founder and Creative Director of LOVE DOT, a made-in-Africa apparel and jewelry brand, Nneka has masterfully woven together her dual heritage – born to a Black American mother and a Nigerian father – to create a fashion house that celebrates the intersection of tradition and modernity.


Launched in 2019, LOVE DOT represents more than just a fashion brand; it's Nneka's vision of cultural reconnection through textiles. The company partners with Ghanaian-owned manufacturers to produce handmade batik fabrics in small batches, ensuring each piece tells a unique story. Under Nneka's direction, LOVE DOT has evolved into a platform that challenges conventional perceptions of African fashion while championing sustainable production practices and ethical sourcing.


Drawing from over two decades of experience in consumer strategy and marketing, Nneka brings a unique perspective to fashion entrepreneurship. Her approach extends beyond design, incorporating a business model that empowers emerging African designers and small businesses across Southern and Western Africa through intentional collaboration. The brand's collaborations go deeper than aesthetics – they serve as vehicles for knowledge transfer, teaching local partners about Western market dynamics and modern marketing techniques.


A Chicago native and graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Nneka currently serves as VP, Strategy Director for Starcom, where she leads audience insights and data strategy for global brands. This corporate expertise informs her approach to LOVE DOT, where she's built a brand that produces limited-edition capsule collections, each celebrating the beauty of traditional African textiles while embracing contemporary silhouettes.


Nneka's commitment to community development extends beyond fashion. She has served on the board of the Nautilus School, is an active member of the Cook County Council on Digital Equity, and teaches Gender & Marketing as an Adjunct Instructor at Loyola University Chicago. Her work has earned recognition including the Chicago Advertising Federation's Rising Star Award and selection for the prestigious Adweek Executive Mentee program.


Through LOVE DOT, Nneka is not just creating fashion – she's crafting a narrative that connects the African diaspora through bold designs that honor tradition while embracing innovation and individuality. Each piece in her collections serves as a testament to her belief that fashion can be both a celebration of heritage and a bridge to the future.