We were lucky to catch up with Emmanuella Andongatou Ngam recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emmanuella Andongatou, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
My creativity stays alive because the need still exists. I am talking about the need that exists due to the lack of affordable fashion, which allows people of African descent who reside in the West the ability to dress in a way that simultaneously represents and embraces both cultures. The goal is to create a beautiful blend of Afro-centric and modern fashion for everyone with ties to Africa residing in the West. I am constantly inspired and motivated by the desire of multinationals to experience the best of both worlds through the lens of fashion. So, my creativity breathes from the idea to create fashion that merges traditional African attire with the simplistic streetwear of the West for everyday use.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the founder and managing director of NANKA LLC. I am a US citizen originally from the Republic of Cameroon. I am a mother and wife. I reside in El Paso, Texas with my husband and three beautiful daughters. I hold a Bachelors of Science degree in International Business and Public Policy and a Masters of Arts in Human Services Administration. I also hold an Executive Certificate in Psychology which is technically a Doctorate minus the dissertation.
Of all the education and years of experience in the corporate world, my passion to create an impact through the lens of fashion has always taken center stage. This led to the creation of Nanka Clothing in 2021. I specialize in Men, Women, Children, and Accessories. As an immigrant from Africa, I struggle daily to find affordable clothing that represents who I am and at the same time embrace the culture of my new home. I have had to wear clothing that drives my identity and my level of confidence in one way or another depending on the circumstances. The goal of my brand is to bridge the gap that exists between Africa and the rest of the world through the lens of fashion.
My business has faced many challenges with the most significant being manufacturing in Cameroon, launching my business about the same time as the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, and marketing for such a dynamic niche. Despite these challenges, I remain passionate, steadfast, and consistent in my efforts and the impact I hope to make.
I currently operate an ecommerce store but working on moving into a physical store by 01/03/2024 (Details coming soon). I am the featured designer of the first annual Elevation Fashion Show hosted by the Graham Agency that takes place on March 29th, 2024 in El Paso, Texas.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First and foremost the passion and innate need for change is necessary to start and develop a business. Having background knowledge through research or experience is essential. I understand what wearing authentic African clothing means to people of African descent. I also understand the challenges of being viewed as different or strange when you fully embrace and identify a fashion sense that is new to your new environment. The value that is put on fashion by all cultures as it relates to identity, confidence, mental health, and cultural expression. Third quality is hard work and more hard work. So the need, knowledge, and hard work.
However, my advice for folks early in their journey is to be consistent. All these skills mean nothing in the absence of consistency in your efforts to succeed and make a change.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Absolutely. I am very new to the fashion world and barely known. I produce all of my clothes in Cameroon which turns out to be rather expensive due to the unique fabric type, cost of labor and importation. I hope that many more people will learn about my business and eventually build a steady stream of clients that will enable me to generate enough sales to sustainably expand from my garage to a store.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nankaclothing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nankaclothing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nankaclothing/
- Other: Tiktok handle: nankaclothing
Image Credits
1) NinaD Photography 2) Ally Shot Me Photography
