Monalisa Abimbola Azeh’s journey from law to footwear design is a tale of passion, necessity, and innovation. Her venture, Mona Matthews, was born out of a personal quest for stylish yet comfortable shoes—a quest that ultimately reshaped her career and the Nigerian footwear industry. An active sportswoman in her earlier years, Monalisa played hockey and represented her institutions in various competitions. She also nurtured a passion for filmmaking and movie production. However, it was her frustration with the lack of well-fitting shoes that led her down a different path.
Monalisa comes from a family of six and pursued a law degree at the University of Lagos. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and enjoyed a successful legal career for over 15 years, working with the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank and the firm Adebo-Kiencke & Co. Despite her professional success, Monalisa struggled to find comfortable shoes due to her wide feet and bunion. This struggle often forced her to cut social events short due to pain, sometimes even requiring paracetamol before attending. In 1999, while still practicing law, Monalisa began designing her own shoes. She found a leather market that provided all the materials needed to make shoes and bags. This personal project evolved into a business in December 2001, officially launching as Mona Matthews in January 2002. The brand name pays tribute to her first name and her late father’s name, Matthew.
Initially, Mona Matthews focused on large sizes due to Monalisa’s personal experience. The brand quickly expanded to cater to a wider audience, becoming a family one-stop shop for footwear solutions. The offerings include low-heeled dress shoes for older women, solid leather school shoes, and high-quality men’s footwear. Monalisa designs her shoes with Nigerians in mind, drawing inspiration from the country’s unique style and vibrant culture. To further her entrepreneurial skills, Monalisa attended the Fate Foundation’s Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program and obtained a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Lagos Business School as a Goldman Sachs Scholar. These experiences have been instrumental in her success.
Mona Matthews has significantly impacted the local economy by providing jobs for shoemakers, bag makers, and other service providers. The brand also helps conserve foreign exchange, as satisfied customers no longer need to rely on imported shoes. Monalisa, originally from Ekiti State, is happily married to Mr. Charles Azeh from Delta State.
