Here’s some good news…Summer is around the corner and according to specialists…we should be able to go back to life as we knew it by then. (I know you will tell me in Africa summer, is the wet season , yes I know) but you can’t deny that we have sunny days in between the cold and wet days of the season. I’m hoping all this talk about the weather gets you to where I’m trying to take you- Yes, you Genuis..the BEACH!! I am not a typical fan of swimming or sun tanning (and I suddenly ask myself why will Africans do sun tanning? Lol), but I know no better sober and elegant way to do that without wearing a cute two piece, one piece or whatever beach wear makes you feel like you own the sandy shores. I recently discovered swimwears by KwinsKloset Fashion and I got very curious. The pieces are unique and the textiles print are very particular. It is catchy to the eye but I got you even better! The creative mind behind these amazing pieces and accessories, Ladies and gentlemen give a social distance drumroll for Nancy Akah as she ushers us into her world to share her story and passion.
Chez Mona Accessoires et Parfums: Nancy, thanks for accepting to enlighten us on your work, your passion for swimwears. So tell us, who is Nancy Akah?
Nancy Akah: Well, first Iʼd like to thank CMAP for promoting me and giving me this opportunity to tell the world about myself and what I do. That said, I am Nancy Akah from the Northwest Region Bamenda. I am 19 years old and I study Performing and Visual Arts in the University of Bambili, second year and I have a passion for fashion designing and I have a female clothing brand you can check out KWINSKLOSET.
CMAP: What is your story? How did you find yourself designing and bringing to life unique and beautifully made swimwears? What inspired you?
Nancy: Well, I’ve always wanted to be a designer but I didn’t go to a technical school where I could learn how to sew and do all those professional stuff so most of what I do is self-taught and basically I’m still learning. My Dad got me my first sewing machine when I was 14 years old I didn’t know what to do with it till when I was 17 years old after high school. I would watch YouTube DIYs and make myself little outfits. I wanted to have a whole female brand for my designs and I am still working towards that KWINSKLOSET is a work in progress.
CMAP: Being in Bamenda, the NW region of Cameroon, what challenges do you face as as a young female fashion designer in such an environment ?
Nancy: Well! It is not easy that I must say. Most of my clients come from out of town so communication could be difficult sometimes. I have to convince them my page is Legit and not a scam and I have to sew pieces for people I’ve never seen before in my life. People with different sizes and fashion taste and it is quite challenging. The challenges I face in my business are mostly self-inflicted. I won’t like to say I am an introvert but that is one word you could describe me with and it is hard for business sometimes because I have to reach out to people and create awareness about my brand but someday. It is just difficult, but I am working on that, thank God.
CMAP: For how long have you been into swimwear designing? Tell us about your proudest and lowest moments as a designer.
Nancy: I started designing swim wears in 2019. My friends where my first clients always patronising me every now and then. So I am kind of focusing on the swimwear and summer outfits now while I am still at school. My proudest moment as a designer is when a client is satisfied. When I see them rocking my work I get so happy and grateful. It is a privilege. My lowest moment would be an unsatisfied client (Godforbid it 😭🙆🏾♀️ )… And Iʼll just like to say Kwinskloset is not a swimwear brand, it is a brand for female clothing. We are not just going to end there at summer outfits or sun dresses. Like I said, Kwinskloset is work in progress.
CMAP: An advice to youths aspiring to join the fashion world and especially the creation of swim wears.
Nancy: I would say GO FOR IT. There are young creative minds out there. Most of us think we can make it only out of the country. Gone are those days where you needed to go to New York Parsons (Editor’s Note: Parsons School of Design, New York) to study fashion. You can start your fashion industry with a book, a pen and a creative mind. I am still learning myself and I hope KWINSKLOSET makes a difference in this country someday!!! Thank you.
CMAP: Thank you Nancy for your time and we wish you lots of success for the next step.
Follow Nancy Akah on her journey to become a renowned fashion entrepreneur and show some love…do not miss any of her posts (I’ll know if you do). Thank you and please stay safe!
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