Reece Wabara - Nothing tried is nothing done

Reece Wabara’s journey from professional footballer to successful fashion entrepreneur is a compelling narrative of ambition, adaptability, and strategic vision.

Early Life and Football Career

Born on December 28, 1991, in Bromsgrove, England, Reece Wabara began his football career with Manchester City’s academy. He made his professional debut with Manchester City and had loan spells at clubs including Ipswich Town, Oldham Athletic, and Blackpool. Despite a promising start, Wabara decided to retire from professional football in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurial interests.

Founding Maniere De Voir

In 2014, while still active in football, Wabara founded Maniere De Voir, a fashion brand specializing in sports luxe apparel. The brand quickly gained traction, achieving a turnover of £1 million within its first year. Maniere De Voir has since experienced significant growth, with revenues reaching £31 million and profits of £6.6 million in recent years.

Strategic Partnerships and Expansion

Wabara’s strategic vision led to a partnership with childhood friend and Gymshark co-founder Lewis Morgan, who acquired a 17% stake in ManiÃre De Voir. In a move to consolidate ownership, Wabara later bought out Morgans stake for £9.4 million, becoming the sole shareholder. This decision underscores his commitment to the brands long-term vision and growth.

Retail Milestones

Demonstrating a keen sense of market trends, Wabara expanded Maniare De Voirâ presence from online platforms to physical retail. The brand opened its first store on Londons prestigious Oxford Street and has plans to establish a presence in New York, signaling its international ambitions.

Recognition and Impact

Wabara’s entrepreneurial success has not gone unnoticed. He was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Retail & E-commerce category, highlighting his significant impact on the fashion industry.

Reece Wabara’s transition from the football pitch to the fashion industry exemplifies how leveraging ones passion and strategic insight can lead to remarkable success in a completely different field.

For a more in-depth look at Reece Wabara’s journey, you might find this insightful: Reece Wabara’s interview with Mike thurston