Sisters Edinyanga Uko and Itoro Okopide are carving a distinct niche in the luxury landscape, proving that true opulence is deeply intertwined with heritage and intentional living. Through their ventures, Eami's Place and the newly launched Ace and Breathe, they are shifting the narrative around what luxury means for a discerning, culturally intelligent clientele.
The Philosophy of Cultural Luxury
For Itoro Okopide, co-founder of Eami's Place, luxury is not defined by mere exclusivity. She describes cultural luxury as the intentional fusion of heritage, craftsmanship, and mindful living. "Culture adds life to everything," she asserts, emphasizing that heritage serves as a vital bridge connecting the past to the future. This philosophy is the bedrock of Eami's Place, which began as a curated souvenir space and has organically evolved into a full cultural immersion hub.
"The guests we attracted didn't just want to buy pieces; they wanted the story behind them," Itoro explains. This demand for narrative and context prompted the natural expansion from selling objects to offering rich, curated experiences that allow clients to connect with the origins and traditions behind each artifact.
Redefining Rest for High Achievers
While Eami's Place caters to cultural curiosity, the sisters' newer concept, Ace and Breathe, addresses a pressing need among society's drivers. Founded by Edinyanga Uko in collaboration with Dr. Seleipiri Akobo, the brand seeks to fundamentally redefine rest for CEOs, high achievers, and decision-makers.
"We see rest as a whole-person reset: mind, body, emotions, and vision," Edinyanga clarifies. She criticizes the modern leader's tendency to view rest as a fleeting escape or a reward for exhaustion. Instead, Ace and Breathe designs experiences—including retreats and private mixers—where leaders can slow down, reflect, and engage in honest conversations. A key component is building community, combating the isolation often felt at the top.
"If we can help leaders build a rhythm where rest is normal, protected and respected, not something they have to 'earn' when they are already exhausted, then we've done what Ace and Breathe was created to do," she states.
Preservation Over Appropriation
In an era where cultural elements are often superficially borrowed, the sisters are meticulous about ethical curation and preservation. Itoro details how Eami's Place operates with sustainability and authenticity at its core. They work directly with origin communities, artisans, and cultural custodians.
Initiatives like "Quiet Curator Mornings"—intimate, women-led storytelling sessions—spotlight the history behind items like Thai Silk, Berber rugs, and raffia bags from Ikot-Ekpene. "For us, preservation means culture benefits from being shared, not exploited," Itoro emphasizes. This direct relationship ensures that their work supports and honors traditions rather than merely extracting aesthetic value.
The sisters' complementary strengths fuel their unified vision. Edinyanga is the idea generator, while Itoro excels at strategic expansion and cultural sensitivity. Their upbringing, surrounded by art, global music, and a home designed as a serene sanctuary by their mother, deeply informed their appreciation for culture and environment.
Looking ahead, both sisters believe the global trend is moving towards slowness, intentionality, and cultural intelligence. "We see culture becoming the new currency of luxury and rest becoming the strategy for growth and scale," Edinyanga concludes. With Eami's Place celebrating over a year of operation and Ace and Breathe planning its first private mixer in February 2026, Uko and Okopide are poised to lead this significant shift in how Nigeria and the world perceive true, meaningful luxury.
