Amy (Zaineb) Akudo Ihenacho was born in Sydney, Australia to a Nigerian father and Australian mother. In 2017, she relocated to Lagos, Nigeria to explore the intersection of craftsmanship, design, and community inclusion.

With a background in youth work, women’s empowerment, business development, sustainability, and community building, Akudo has consistently used entrepreneurship as a tool to create meaningful change. In 2018, she founded Shekudo, an ethical footwear and accessories label that champions local artisanship and underutilized resources. The brand has gained international recognition, featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Financial Times, and ELLE US/UK, and even worn by Beyoncé.

Building on her mission to amplify women’s voices and shift the narrative around “Made in Nigeria,” Akudo launched The Gather Market in 2020 — a women-led market platform celebrating African-made products and female entrepreneurship. This blossomed into the Gather Club, a supportive business community offering resources, access, and visibility to women across different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

In 2024, she expanded the vision further with the launch of The Gather House — a multi-purpose concept space combining a café, store, event venue, and creative hub. It serves as a physical home for the movement she started, rooted in intention, collaboration, and radical support for women in business.

Today, Akudo continues to redefine what community-centered business can look like across the African continent — using her work to empower, connect, and uplift women through design, retail, and shared experiences.