MNL: Believing in yourself and accepting challenges; Attending seminars – Remember why you went into the fashion industry. Sometimes low sales does not mean the end of you. It simply means time for a strategic move. Use it to better yourself. Advertise and be present. Use the social media to your advantage to present and organize Fashion shows.
THJ: What drives you in life to keep pushing boundaries?
MNL: My dreams. I am an interpreter of my dreams, I see endless boundaries, I am not going to build fences. I just want to better the person I am already regardless.
THJ: The African Fashion Industry is said to be worth over $50 billion and we might just have started scratching the surface. What in your opinion needs to be in place for Africa to actually experience a major boom and break into the global market, in the fashion and space?
MNL: OH wow is it??? We need to work on ourselves mentally, for we’ve got the potential needed. We are coming up already. We just need to DARE into the global market with our beautiful vibrant African prints.
THJ: How do you see the Cameroonian Fashion industry as a whole and do you see NDEMELA’s Creations partnering with any Cameroonian (or African) designers for future ventures in Fashion?
MNL: For the first time I see our traditional fabrics used by many. I think we are on the right path. YES, I’ll love to partner with many African designers… I have a long list of them. I even do buy and wear their designs.
THJ: Speaking of future ventures what can we expect from NDEMELA’s Creations in the next year or two?
MNL: A blend of African- Asian styles. Fashion shows. I will be in the United States in the DC area this year in August 2018.
THJ: Though being a successful fashion designer, what would you do differently if you had the chance to start all over again, and what advice do you have for young aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the same industry?
MNL: I started it off as a hobby resulting from my passion to create and as a lover of fashion. Investing is important if you want to grow big. Please remain unique to give people a reason to look your way and even to spend a dime on you. Remember everyone has his or her pace to grow. Luck was not divided equally but it pays to study the fashion marketing strategies. Do not get into fashion just because everyone does. You may regret it!
THJ: It’s great that you’ve turned your hobby into something fruitful financially. One thing people need to remember it that when you have a passion for something, you will do it wholeheartedly and it will not seem like a job because you already love doing it. Therefore, it’s a great idea to try to make this hobby or passion work for you and cash into it. Unless you just want to keep it as a hobby.
THJ: Before we let you go, we’ve been dying to ask you how you stay in shape and look so fit after having THREE CHILDREN and what do you do for fun?
MNL: I workout when I can and I try sticking to a balanced diet! 🙂 For fun I love music, dancing, traveling, photography (arts), and creating/designing.
THJ: Wow OK… you are quite an active person! Is there anything you would like people reading this to know before we end this interview?
MNL: Anyone interested in my brand is welcome to visit www.ndemela.net or my Facebook site: NDEMELA’s Creations – N.C. Thank you so much for the interview. It has been a lot of fun answering them.
THJ: Maureen it was a pleasure and thank you for letting us into your life a little bit. You are one busy lady keeping it real and doing your thing like all the many other amazing women out there. The HotJem can’t wait to see all the exciting new pieces you have planned.
For more information on NDEMELA’s Creations follow them on:
