Nigerian entrepreneur and brand influencer Kris Asimonye, wife of popular Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma, has opened up about her decision to retain her maiden name after marriage, revealing that the move was encouraged by her husband and has proven vital to her personal brand.
Asimonye shared the revelation in a social media post that has since sparked widespread conversations about identity, marriage, and professional branding among women.
Reflecting on her experience, she wrote: “When I got married, my husband encouraged me not to change my last name. At the time I did not fully understand why.”
She explained that while she initially did not grasp the significance of the advice, her perspective evolved as she began to build her identity as an entrepreneur and public figure.
“Now, building Kris Asimonye as a brand, I understand completely,” she added, emphasizing how keeping her maiden name helped maintain her brand consistency and recognition.
The post was reshared by popular Nigerian entertainment platform YabaLeftOnline, where it quickly gained traction and drew reactions from social media users, many of whom praised her husband’s foresight and support.
Some users described the decision as a reflection of mutual respect and modern partnership, while others noted the importance of name consistency in business, especially in an era where personal branding plays a critical role in professional success.
Observers say Asimonye’s experience highlights a growing trend among professional women who are choosing to retain their maiden names to preserve their identity, brand equity, and professional legacy.
Her statement has since fueled broader discussions about evolving marital traditions, with many agreeing that supportive spouses play a key role in empowering women to thrive both personally and professionally.
Asimonye’s story stands as an example of how intentional decisions within marriage can have lasting positive effects on career growth, identity, and long-term brand development.