“I am an interpreter of my dreams, I see endless boundaries, I am not going to build fences.”
THJ: OK! Thanks for the breakdown. I see you really know who your customers are which is very important for every entrepreneur to know. From conception to retail purchase, please give us a high level insight into the production, design and general planning process of your products.
MNL: I mostly get most of my fabrics from Cameroon or when I go to African Bazaars. 60% of my tailoring work is done in Cameroon or Togo. I do the designing and customizing if need be to meet customer’s satisfaction. Advertising, packaging and shipped are done by me from Germany/Mering
THJ: Have you ever had to work with any local artisans? If yes, how is your company helping to empower these/those local artisans you work with?
MNL: YES… I pay for services rendered by them to me. In that way they progress in their own pace. We share and learn from each other. I see myself as their client and they are not taken for granted which gives them the chance to better themselves and those around them.
THJ: What sets NDEMELA’s Creations apart from other fashion designers collections in Cameroon and Germany and what should we expect from your brand in say, 4-5 years’ time?
MNL: I do not think that we differ much from each other. We all love to dare and style just like fashion is a recreation of ideas… nothing new. One gets inspired by others or things. I love the Ethno touch as well as a blend of cultures that play a big role in my creations. I am open to every culture, style and fashion. In 4-5 years, I’ll be working not only with Africans, but with Afghanistan local designers.
THJ: What does it take for someone to be a Model for NDEMELA’s Creations?
MNL: Not much except for your unique and humble self. After all, everyone is a Model. I want people to look at my models and be able to identify themselves with them.
THJ: As a Mother, Entrepreneur and Advocate of goodwill, how do you find balance to put on to the challenges involved despite your busy schedule?
MNL: I try to make a plan which 80% of the time I stick to. I try not putting myself on a “I will do it later base”. If I do, I’ll end up never doing it. I do my best to turn my work to leisure which makes it pleasurable.
THJ: What are your top three tips for running a successful Fashion/designing brand and securing a successful marketplace online and/or offline?
