KISH: Tell us about you…
The Nkama sisters own CHIDI FASHIONS. We are three regular girls with ambitious souls. As immigrants in the United States, we experienced significant limitations in pursuing the American Dream, so we decided to create our own path. We have an insatiable desire to build a lasting legacy and become the epitome of resilience in the midst of adversity. Though we have faced both individual and collective struggles, Chidi has become an outlet to rise above all that and encourage others to do the same with the little they have.
KISH: What is your dream, and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you and others?
Chidi Fashions: Our dream is to one day be a global brand known for its rich African designs and for empowering both individuals and communities to strive for more. We want our brand to be a symbol of strength, hope, and resilience to all who come across it. When people wear CHIDI, we want them to feel inspired to pursue their dreams, empowered to see untapped opportunities rather than limitations, and be strengthened by our story to rewrite theirs. We want to be a beacon of light that guides others while unapologetically proclaiming our rich, cultural roots.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Chidi Fashions: This dream was inspired by our hunger for more. In the face of adversity, we had to shift our focus from external to internal, digging deeper. Also, coming from a family of entrepreneurs also provided us reassurance that we could achieve success following the vision placed in our hearts.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Chidi Fashions: Our greatest challenge was having no mentor in business which meant we had to figure a lot of things out on our own. There were some trials and errors, but it has all been a healthy learning experience. We also learned the importance of building a support system. Business-wise, we’ve encountered challenges such as creating brand awareness, growing social media presence, tapping into the cold market, and creating a balance between family and business life.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Chidi Fashions: Our faith and family’s support have been instrumental in keeping us grounded and focused. We trust in God’s plan for us, and our role is to be obedient to the assignment. Lastly, we’ve adopted a mindset of gratitude. We don’t feel entitled to anything God chooses to give us, and we are only stewards.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Chidi Fashions: Dream big & Don’t procrastinate, just go for it. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you paralyzed, it’s part of the learning experience. Learn as you go and celebrate ALL your wins, small or big.
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
Facebook: Chidi Fashions
Instagram: Chidifashions17
Youtube: Chidi Fashions
Tik Tok: @Chidifashions
