Ever thought your passion for fashion, art, or culture could be your ticket to an international career? Meet Emmanuel Ashaolu, the visionary founder of Aphia Himhanuel, who transformed his love for shoes into a UK Global Talent Visa, a route often hailed as the “miracle visa.”
In an exclusive and power-packed session with Glotale, Emmanuel pulled back the curtain on his incredible journey, offering a goldmine of advice for artists, designers, and creatives worldwide. If you’ve ever doubted that your skill could lead to global recognition, this story is for you.
Who is Emmanuel Ashaolu?
Emmanuel is the founder and creative force behind Aphia Himhanuel, a groundbreaking shoe-making brand with roots in Nigeria and now, a growing presence in the UK. For over a decade, he has turned his passion into a profession, specializing in handmade shoes and belts that blend cultural heritage with contemporary design.
His work is a celebration of craftsmanship, often incorporating traditional Nigerian fabrics like Aso Oke into luxurious, personalized footwear. This unique approach has not only won him a loyal clientele but also a spot showcasing his creations at prestigious events like London Fashion Week.
The “Aha!” Moment: From Shoe Lover to Shoemaker
Emmanuel’s journey began not in a boardroom, but in university corridors. Known among his friends for his impeccable shoe style, he was constantly asked where he got his footwear.
“I am the kind of person that loves shoes… So, I became a middleman.”
He started by connecting his friends with a local shoemaker, taking a small commission. But soon, a light bulb went off:
“I thought, why not go into this fully? Why be a middleman?”
This simple question led him to apprentice with a shoemaker, and he never looked back. He emphasized that the driving force wasn’t just money, but a deep-seated passion.
“If you go into business because of the money… there will be a time when money will not come. It’s that passion that will keep you moving.”
Cracking the Code: The UK Global Talent Visa
The UK Global Talent Visa is designed for leaders and potential leaders in specific fields, including academia, research, arts, and culture. For Emmanuel, it was the key to unlocking freedom and flexibility that a sponsored job couldn’t offer.
How did he first hear about it?
In 2023, while already in the UK on a different visa, his wife came home from work and told him about the Global Talent route. It was his first time hearing about it. He immediately went to the official GOV.UK website, researched the requirements, and made a crucial self-assessment.
“I looked into my portfolio and thought, okay, I have 60% of these documents… The remaining 40%, I’ll give myself enough time.”
That “enough time” was a strategic two-year period of meticulous preparation before he applied in early 2025.
The Application Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Guide
Emmanuel broke down the process for the Exceptional Promise category (which he recommends as more accessible) with stunning clarity. Here’s what you need:
- The 10 Evidences (The Core of Your Application)
You must provide 10 pieces of evidence across at least two of these four categories:
Media Recognition: This is not paid advertising! It’s about having your work reviewed and critiqued by reputable media outlets.
Emmanuel’s Tip: “If you have a collection and four media bodies review it, that’s four pieces of evidence.”
Industry Recognition: Awards or formal recognition from established bodies in your field.
Support and Sponsorship: Evidence of backing from organizations or influential figures.
Sales to a Luxury Retailer: This is key. It’s not just any sale.
Emmanuel’s Tip: “Your product must represent luxury… They need to see the conversation, the invoice, the delivery proof. Everything.”
You don’t need 10 in each category, but 10 in total. For example, you could have 7 from media reviews and 3 from sales to luxury retailers. - A Powerful, Detailed CV
This is your chance to sell yourself comprehensively.
“Make sure you are telling them all the things you’ve done… There’s no particular thing they want to see. Just make sure you put everything you’ve done.”
Include collaborations, apprenticeships, awards, and even community empowerment projects. The case worker needs to see you as an asset to the UK. - Three Letters of Recommendation
This is a critical and recently tightened requirement:
Two letters must come from organizations in the fashion industry.
One of these two must be a UK-based organization.
The third can be from another organization or an individual leader in the fashion industry.
The Process Flow:
Gather your 10 evidence, CV, and 3 recommendation letters.
Apply for endorsement from the designated body (for fashion, it’s the Arts Council England). This takes 3-8 weeks.
Once endorsed, you apply for the visa itself.
Dispelling the Myths: The “Miracle Visa” Perks
Emmanuel highlighted why this visa is so sought-after:
No English Test Required.
No Proof of Funds Required.
No Educational Qualifications Needed. You don’t need a degree, or even a high school diploma.
Total Freedom. You are not tied to an employer. You can work for anyone, be self-employed, start a company, or even employ others.
“You decide to get the visa and just stay in your house and do your business… You don’t have to work under any employer.”
The Champion’s Mindset: Overcoming Doubt and Building a Brand
Emmanuel’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. As a university graduate in Geology, he faced skepticism for choosing shoemaking.
“You have to face a lot of questions from your parents… What is really happening? Is this guy okay?”
He persevered by focusing on quality and brand identity. His initial strategy was to sell his name, not just a product.
“I did a lot of promos… I’ll make the cost of production be 4,000 Naira and sell it for 5,000. I’m selling quality. So this person will want to come back.”
He also made his work unique by blending cultures and offering deep personalization, ensuring his brand stood out in a crowded market.
Life After the Visa & Future Plans
The visa has brought peace and opportunity.
“I can sleep with my two eyes closed… It’s a relief.”
His plans for Aphia Himhanuel are ambitious: to establish a factory in the UK by the end of next year, moving from importing his designs from Nigeria to manufacturing them locally.
Your Burning Questions, Answered
“I don’t have a degree. Can I apply?”
“It doesn’t matter… That’s not a criteria at all. They need your skills and what you have achieved.”
“Is this only for fashion designers?”
No! Emmanuel confirmed it’s for a wide range of fields under “Arts and Culture,” including singers, music producers, photographers, cinematographers, and even event decorators.
“What was the hardest part?”
For Emmanuel, it was the uncertainty. He was a trailblazer—he couldn’t find a single other shoemaker online who had successfully gotten the visa. He had to have faith and be the first.
Connect with Emmanuel
Inspired and want to learn more? You can connect with Emmanuel and see his stunning work on Instagram: @aphia_himhanuel
Final Word: Your Talent is Your Ticket
Emmanuel Ashaolu’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that in today’s global landscape, talent, passion, and strategic planning can open doors that formal qualifications cannot. His final advice to all aspiring global talents?
“Don’t be held back… Give yourself enough time. It’s something anybody can achieve. Don’t rush, give yourself a goal, and believe in yourself.”
Your unique skill is not just a hobby; it could be your passport to the world. What are you waiting for?
Stay tuned to the Glotale channel for more inspiring success stories from global talents around the world!
