2024 has been an incredible year of growth and new ventures. One of the highlights of my journey this year has been launching my African streetwear clothing brand, M’Afrika By Kolisa. This dream was inspired by my love for African culture, storytelling, and self-expression, and I’m thrilled to share the story of how it all began and how I sold out my first collection.

The Spark Behind the Brand

Fashion has been a part of my self-expression for as long as I can remember. However, I always felt that mainstream fashion didn’t fully celebrate the richness and vibrancy of African heritage. I wanted to create a brand that reflects the pride and beauty of African culture and empowers people to wear their identity with confidence. Thus, M’Afrika By Kolisa was born, a fusion of modern streetwear with traditional African elements.

Designing the Collection

The design process was deeply personal and rooted in cultural authenticity. I drew inspiration from African symbols, fabrics, and stories, as well as a previous brand I co-owned in my undergrad years, ndingu MXHOSA. Each piece in the collection was designed to tell a story, from bold prints inspired by nature to intricate graphic designs that echo the spirit of community and resilience.

I partnered with my late niece, Siphiwesihle Ntissa, who brought bright ideas and became the brand’s model. We sourced high-quality materials and ensured that every piece was carefully crafted. This collaboration created employment and kept the essence of African craftsmanship alive in every item.

The Challenges and Triumphs

Starting a clothing brand was no small feat. From sourcing materials and creating catchy and relevant prints to figuring out logistics, there were moments when I doubted whether this dream was achievable. But because I had done this before in my early years, I was hopeful and had some experience. During my first time running a t-shirt branding business, I learned the importance of community building. From that experience, I leveraged social media to share sneak peeks of the designs, behind-the-scenes moments, and the story behind the brand. This transparency resonated with our audience and created a sense of anticipation for the launch.

What’s Next for M’Afrika By Kolisa?

The success of the first collection motivated us to dream even bigger. We have been selling through the year, and our winter gear was a hit worldwide. We were overwhelmed with orders, but our stocks had run out all the way from the source. Our future goals include making M’Afrika By Kolisa a global movement celebrating African culture and identity through fashion.

We have received private business orders to design corporate wear (some embroidery is shown below). That retail store might just come sooner than we expected.

To everyone who supported M’Afrika By Kolisa, thank you for believing in this vision. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.

Stay tuned for updates on the next collection and more exciting announcements on our under-construction website, http://www.mafrikabykolisa.com! If you’ve been dreaming about starting something of your own, let this be your sign to take that first step. The world is waiting for your unique story.