Imuetinyan Rebecca Chukwu is an award winning fashion designer and a self-taught visual artist. She holds a degree in urban and regional planning from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Imuetinyan traveled to Europe to select clothing to display at her boutique in Lekki, but became dissatisfied with selling other brands not representing the true African woman’s classy and elegant style. This led her to take a course in fashion design at the prestigious International Fashion Academy Paris, France and upon her arrival in Nigeria in 2019, she set up Hilltin Fashion Design and Arts, LTD. Under Imuetinyan’s leadership, Hilltin has become an international brand. In 2021, Hilltin exhibited for the very first time on international grounds at the 2nd edition of the Intra African Trade Fair which took place in Durban, South Africa. 

Imuetinyan was among the 120 female entrepreneurs selected from Nigeria for the 2020 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs AWE, a U.S government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world. She is a member of the Executive Council of the AWE Alumnae Association. Imuetinyan is also a sub-group leader of the Garments, Textiles and Accessories Group of the Borderless Trade Network.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Visual Arts - Creative Development and Environmental Sustainability for Young Children

This project fostered creativity and innovation in underprivileged children between the ages of 8-12 in the Iyara Community of Warri, Delta State with respect to visual arts and environmental sustainability. Fifty children were provided with the necessary materials to carry out their respective art projects, in areas ranging from bag making, hand sewing, bead making, creative wall art, painting, and creative garden design. They were also engaged in after school activities 3-4 times each week that required them to find reusable materials to be upcycled to create various art forms and innovations. The project taught the children to be very mindful of their environment at an early age, so they grow with the habit of maintaining and preserving their environment.

"This project has taught me that there are endless possibilities to the creative ability I have within me that I never knew existed prior to this project..." - Student Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Imuetinyan participated in the IVLP Project: Promoting Economic Trade and Growth in the Fashion Industry, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360 in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City, Global Ties Alabama, Global Ties Akron and World Affairs Council - Seattle.

Imuetinyan's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "My IVLP experience was very insightful and impactful. Meeting with top fashion designers and learning from their successes and growth gave me refined vision for my design and business."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Huntsville, AL; Washington, DC; New York City, NY; Akron, OH; Seattle, WA

Country: Nigeria

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main Page