Inspiring Lives with " Chic Afri Fashion " CEO For Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written By: Samantha Cee
This week we sat down with the rising brand Chic Afri Fashion. Chic Afri Fashion is an online boutique born out of passion for African print fabrics and elegant fashion. We offer easy access to wax-print products with a modern tone. At chic Afri Fashion, our goal is to ensure each of our "chicafrifashionistas" feels amazing about themselves while stylishly showcasing the cultural glamour of Africa. All of our products are handmade and our clothes come in sizes XXS-3X because we believe every shape is beautiful. Take a look at the exclusive interview below.
Find us on these Social platforms:
Instagram: @chicafrifashion // Facebook: @chicafrifashion
Pinterest: Chic Afri Fashion
“Be Bold. Be You. Be Chic.”
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How did the idea for your business come about?
Well, being originally from Benin, a country in west Africa and having grown up there, I have been exposed firsthand to the cultural riches of the country. Having also gotten a chance to travel to a few African countries, I discovered even more wealth and developed a greater love for African prints. African prints have been popular and omnipresent all-around Africa but more specifically in west Africa and as a little girl, I used to see my mom, buy the fabrics and have them custom-made into garments for her. She always radiates like the beautiful black queen that she is when wearing her designs.
So, I think that influenced my love for the fabrics even more. When I became a teenager, she made sure I took pride in wearing African prints and I can say now that she succeeded. However, I noticed that all that cultural wealth and beauty are not much known around the world. Therefore, to expose more people to the African culture while incorporating today’s amazing modern designs, I decided to build this brand that fuses both the beautiful African continent and contemporary fashion. Hence “CHIC AFRI” in our name.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
With ChicAfriFashion being new, at the moment, it is a one queen show which means I am in charge of every aspect of running the business, from the production of my products, their marketing, management, to all the other aspects of the business’ day-to-day operations. However, I am very grateful for my family and friends who care about my business and passionately help whenever I need assistance.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
1- Educate yourself and gather as much information about business and your specific industry as much as you can so that when you decide to start your business, you have as much knowledge as possible to sustain yourself.
2- Do not compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter five and make sure to maximize your own potentials; do not compete with anyone else but your old self.
3- Anticipate hurdles and obstacles to your success and never let them discourage you to pursue your vision. It may get very tough, but do not quit.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I do not regret my career choice as everything in my life has perfectly prepared me for my business and having gotten a bachelor’s degree in communications and now completing an MBA, I have many transferable skills, all necessary in assisting me to effectively run ChicAfriFashion. Everything is aligning perfectly, and I am living and enjoying every moment.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur ?
1- Patience and endurance 2- Continuous pursuit of knowledge 3- Time-management
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Instead of calling them failures, I like to refer to them as learning experiences. For instance, during the first few months of my business, I found myself being so passionate that I failed to prepare efficiently and anticipate potential challenges before making important decisions. But now I have learned to be more patient and invest more time in preparation in order to effectively achieve my goals.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How many hours do you work a day on average?
It all depends on how many orders I get, if I am running specials and/or attending vendor opportunities, or if I’m brainstorming a new collection. But I would say about 10-12 hours a day.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :Describe/outline your typical day?
My daily routine consists of waking up, praying, meditating, doing my MBA classes’ research and/or projects, social media content brainstorming, product production, social media marketing, creating contents, and business research.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
As a single woman with no children, the impact of being an entrepreneur has not really been significant. However, I can say that it has slightly affected my social life, but I am grateful for a great and understanding support system of friends and family.
Fashion Gxd Magazine :What motivates you?
My first and primary source of inspiration and motivation is God. Looking at the nature he created and being aware that everything He created is on purpose and for a purpose inspires and motivates me to fulfill mine. I am also motivated and inspired by women impacting their world one day at a time. They ignite in me the strong belief that I, also, can be a source of inspiration, empowerment, motivation, and change in my community. As a result, I am motivated to take that step, say that encouraging word, show that kindness, and invest in the lives around me to make A difference by helping provide a better life for others.
Fashion Gxd Magazine: How do you generate new ideas?
I generate new ideas by doing research, letting my creative juices flow, and by analyzing my past ideas. I ensure I pay attention to my customers’ needs and preferences while doing so.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
The greatest sacrifice I’ve made is in the financial aspect of my life. I continually have to remind myself that money spent on my business is a longer-term investment than that spent on other material things. As an entrepreneur, I taught myself that the time of temporary pleasure and money sacrificed are for an investment that will certainly yield fruits that are worth it.
Fashion Gxd Magazine : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
With a mission in life to inspire everyone we interact with, I look forward to Chic Afri Fashion possibly expanding beyond the online boutique and having stores in different parts of the world. I thrive for ChicAfriFashion becoming one of the popular go-to brands for African prints products while positively impacting lives.
