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 ventured into women’s clothing sales and traveled to Europe to select clothing to display at her boutique in Lekki. After a stint with sales of women’s clothes at her boutique, she 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. Upon her arrival in Nigeria in 2019, she set up Hilltin Fashion Design and Arts, LTD.

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 presently a member of the Executive Council of the AWE Alumnae Association where she serves as an Ex-Officio. She is also an alumna of the International Visitors Leadership Program IVLP, a U.S based leadership program. Imuetinyan is also a sub-group leader of the Garments, Textiles and Accessories Group of the Borderless Trade Network.

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. 

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, 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 within the home as well as their environment. These materials were upcycled by the children to create various art forms and innovations.

The major goal of this project was to discover and develop creativity as well as create awareness for Environmental Sustainability in the Iyara Community of Warri, Delta State. Due to poor education in this community, there is a strong need to teach members of the community about the importance of environmental sustainability. These projects trained children in the community to upcycle reusable waste products from the environment and transform them into pieces of art for commercial purposes and to beautify the environment. Being committed to environmental sustainability helps reduce the carbon footprint and the amount of toxins released into the environment, making it safer for the people. Now that these children are trained to focus on sustainability, they will grow and live in a healthier environment. 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 was a participant in the IVLP Project: Promoting Economic Trade and Growth in the Fashion Industry, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360.

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

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