Like most aspiring entrepreneurs I thought that starting my business would be a breeze! I figured that all I needed to be successful was some bomb handbags, a flawless website, and a memorable name. That’s it! I just assumed that the rest would work itself out. I quickly realized that I was sooo wrong lol! Entrepreneurship is no joke! Being a boss sounds amazing until you actually have to work late hours, sacrifice time and money, make definitive decisions, and be consistent. Had I known what it took to run a business back when I started AMAKA two years ago, I wouldn’t have launched it. Thank God I had no clue!
Because since I started in 2019, I have met goals that I didn’t even know were attainable! God has blessed this brand so much that it’s even started blessing others. Something that was just a passion project has turned into a growing business that has gained the attention of celebrities such as Blac Chyna, Kehlani, Taylor Giavasis & the like. Most importantly, I’ve been able to grow a community of AMAKA #Shoppers from the US to Nigeria that have coined our phrase #RedefiningLuxury and made it a lifestyle. It is because of you that AMAKA continues to grow! Even in a panoramic, yes I said pandemonium, #Shoppers continued to support my black-owned business through multiple purchases, reposts, likes on social media, & referrals! I am forever grateful for your love and endless support. YOU are what makes AMAKA successful. Thank you!
The fashion and retail industry has changed so much since I’ve started this business two years ago and we at AMAKA plan to change with it! But one thing will remain the same. We commit to providing you with the luxury experience you deserve.
This is, and will forever be, AMAKA.
Featured handbag: Zikora in black. Find it here!
Image Credit: Photos by @_yizzle, #yizzlephotography on Instagram
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There are these rare, yet beautiful moments in life that only come when you meet someone who ignites a fire in you that could only be sparked through understanding your vision. It was in that moment when @chidimmaugha and I sat down to discuss being on the cover of DimmaChic Magazine that I knew she understood the essence of AMAKA. She understood the vision. She understood me. With each unique piece in our collection, we at AMAKA intended to give fashion-lovers the freedom to embrace culture, art, and creativity, with the audacity to redefine what it means to be luxurious. This is our vision. DimmaChic so brilliantly captured that vision all while telling my story of exploring, creating, and following a passion that has become the AMAKA that you see today. It was an honor to say the least.
DimmaChic is a multi-faceted site dedicated to celebrating African culture through fashion. There you’ll find your favorite styles, designers, trendsetters, and shakers all in one place for your viewing pleasure. Immersed in African culture, DimmaChic also curates thought-provoking and relevant essays, challenging readers to accept the unexpected. This month’s muse: AMAKA.
Our vision behind this shoot was to showcase my style as an African working woman bridging the gap between Amaka Handbags & Accessories Co. and traditional African fashion as styled by @mimiidynasty. It was only right that we sought out the incredibly talented @tiffanycouture_ for this shoot. I previously worked with Tiffany on our Launch Campaign for AMAKA and that experience was nothing short of AMAZING. This DimmaChic cover shoot was no exception. Tiffany’s eye, Chidimma’s zeal, & the beauty of Amaka Handbags & Accessories made for the perfect photo shoot experience.
In working with this team of inspiring and creative women, I’ve come to realize that there are no boundaries when it comes to fashion. The boundaries that are implied are based on the limitations we’ve placed on ourselves. Fashion is limitless. It’s transcendent, and in that respect, gives us the audacity to bridge cultures, challenging the consumer to not only see, but understand our vision.
The featured article can be downloaded at www.dimmachic.com
Image Credit: Photos by @tiffanycouture on Instagram
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When my long-time friend and CEO of RoyalWayDesigns, Samuel Os Eze, reached out to collaborate with AMAKA for the launch of his Royal Women’s Collection, I was all the way sold! I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce myself as the CEO of Amaka Handbags & Accessories Co. The thought of wearing traditional African fabric, custom designed with a modern-day twist had me all the way lit! Royal Way Designs specializes in creating timeless traditional pieces for their clientele, and this outfit was no exception! I wore a gorgeous teal jumper, tapered at the ankle, with patterned accents of red, green, and white. As he would have it, Os decided to create a signature sweetheart neckline and coupled it with a bowtie belt to accentuate my waist. I was so impressed with the finishing! Not only was the design unique, but it was custom designed to my liking. As soon as I saw the piece I immediately knew that the Amaka Croc Handbag Petite in white would be the perfect accessory to bring this outfit to life!
During our photoshoot, I got a chance to ask Os of his reason behind wanting to start a women’s line with Royal Way Designs.
“My reason for creating a women’s line for my brand was because I knew I couldn’t leave out the women who also want to look and feel like royalty in my clothes. I had so many ideas and styles that I’d been working on that women could wear to formal events and even walk around in casually. Furthermore, the demand for me to make women’s clothing were at a high once they saw the impeccable work I did for my men’s line. Hence the creation of Royal Women.”
One thing’s for sure, the Royal Women's Collection is the new wave of elite African fashion, and it's here to slay.
Royal Way Designs can be found on Instagram @RoyalWayDesigns.
Image Credit: Photos by @x_sammyb on Instagram.
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When I decided to launch AMAKA I knew that I wanted to create a brand that transcended all styles of fashion. I wanted inclusivity of all races modeling a luxury style that felt exclusive to each consumer. AMAKA has become just that. It's a mood, a lifestyle, a vibe...and it's precious.
Model Pictured: @smallss_
Not only is there an elegance represented in our handbags & accessories, there’s an edge. Amaka Edge represents the bold woman who’s willing to take risks in fashion. Our featured models in this launch campaign brought the EDGE that complemented their elegance perfectly.
Pictured hair stylist: @alwaysLMAO, Model: @taylertrashh
Being that this was my very first shoot for Amaka Handbags & Accessories, I strategically hired my amazing & creative friends to help bring my vision to life. Trust me when I say, they showed up & showed out! There was no better feeling than doing what I love surrounded by the ones I love! I’m sooo blessed.
Makeup artist pictured: @nashwakhaled
Shoot photographers: @isi.rose_ & @tiffanycouture_
Shoot videographers: @k.ndrick
Model pictured: @valerie.union
I’m so overwhelmed by the love and support of Amaka Handbags & Accessories. I thank God every day for the opportunity to do what I love! This is more than just a collection of retail, this is redefining luxury.
Welcome to the Amaka Experience!
We’ve got something precious in store for you 💫