Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Odhiambo.
Joyce, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m from Kenya the country right next to wakanda. Wakanda forever! I co-owner Manzi closet with my amazing sister Juliet Adhiambo who resides in Kenya. Manzi is a Swahili slang that means woman, hence our business name is Manzi Closet. Houston has been my home for over ten years. I attended TSU. Which was a perfect fit for me. Coming from an African background naturally culture is infused in every aspect of my daily life, fashion and style became an identifier for me. Soon I would travel back and forth to Kenya and with every trip my sister would make pieces for me to bring to my friends and family.
We had an idea to come up with a business not knowing how we would finance it or even just get it started. We both hold full-time jobs as well. Needless to say, we took our first step and we were amazed at the support we received. We made a pact that we would make our business affordable for everybody. With the success that comes with our brand we are able to provide school fees and school supplies to kids back in Kenya and also donate across Houston. With the kids back in Kenya, we are able to preserve dignity by not sharing their identities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride but it has been an interesting one. Since we have no business background navigating everything has been a journey that we are still on. Our of my greatest challenges has been trying to finding a way to close the cultural gap with understanding the American market.
Manzi Closet – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in custom made purses, clutches and statement jewelry. All of our pieces are made from Kenya fabric known as Kitenge and Maasai beads. Every piece is a representation of us and Kenyan. We try to make sure our fabric design change just as fast as fashion trends change is Kenya. Our Country is a colorful vibrate place; this is reflected in all our pieces.
Across the country, we are known for the unique quality bags and clutches, every client who comes across our products is always take away. We have this inside joke that goes we create pieces you have can’t walk away from.
We are mostly proud of the people our company has brought our way. We have been blessed to have great support in the community. With that comes a lot of learning and cultural exchange.
With the unique style, craftsmanship that goes into our piece we stand out.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is progress, as without progress it very easy to stop doing something. When we started Manzi Closet all we wanted to achieve was to share a piece of our country that morphed into a full business which in turn gave us means to give back. Our next marker is a set of sales that we’ve set and a target of providing a year round school supply to the school.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1619 Rushworth Dr
Houston TX 77016 - Website: www.manzicloset.com
- Phone: 7133038254
- Email: manzicloset@yahoo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/manzicloset/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manziscloset/
Image Credit:
Photographers Jimiyu Mark; Chrisitne Okoro ( Chiomasvisuals)
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