Today we’d like to introduce you to Ibiye Anga.
Hi Ibiye, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey is one that spans across continents, painting a vivid and transformative tapestry. Embracing a global perspective from an early age has profoundly shaped how I navigate environments. My roots took hold in Nigeria, where my entrepreneurial spirit flourished even in my youth. Looking back, it’s amusing how I always found myself engaged in providing some form of business – whether it was my bakery venture, hairstyling services, or more.
Nurturing these skills in Nigeria laid a strong foundation for the business acumen I would later apply upon relocating to the United States. While Houston remains the anchor of my American experience, I pursued my bachelor’s degree at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. During those university years, I established a thriving African student organization and was honored to join the President’s Advisory Council for fostering an inclusive community. This path I embarked upon wasn’t a conscious choice; rather, I responded to the needs of my community, a trend that continues to define my journey.
The creation of Anga Haus LLC marked a pivotal moment. Collaborating with partners, I began offering experiential and digital solutions tailored to the needs of nonprofits and creative businesses in my immediate community. This journey led me to co-curate Black Art Weekend in Austin, Texas in 2022, a testament to our past successes and the catalyst for exponential growth in our client base. With a newfound momentum, I ventured beyond Texas, weaving connections in New York, Santa Monica, Nashville, Miami, and beyond.
Now back in Houston, my hometown, I’ve embraced a dynamic rhythm that blends travel for work with grounding myself in the familiar. It’s a vibrant and fulfilling experience to return home, infusing the local creative community with fresh energy. Among the myriad joys and blessings, the most profound grace is found in the ability to consistently impact Houston’s creative landscape through my endeavors. Alongside hosting and leading creative workshops and collaborating with outstanding galleries like Mitochondria Gallery, I’m contributing to the artistic vibrancy of the city that raised me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If it had been an easy path, I might have settled for mundane roles, doing repetitive tasks day in and day out. I’ve explored that, and it wasn’t fulfilling. Many associate success with overcoming failures, but I prefer the term “challenges.” From a Western education perspective, “failure” carries negative connotations. In my business, which constantly evolves, we embrace a different approach – tackling challenges quickly and reassessing promptly. In a multidimensional world, after trying “right” and “left,” countless directions emerge.
Our journey wasn’t “smooth,” but it’s been evolutionary, much like life itself – an “adapt or evolve” mindset. Sometimes, what seems like “perishing” is a chance for rebirth. My company’s success is built on learning from each business stage. I’m grateful for every phase. People think success comes easily, but it often conceals numerous challenges. It’s about endurance, adapting, and being ready to tackle the work.
Challenges mainly revolve around rapid upskilling. Today’s buzz favors one-person businesses, yet I’ve learned that a strong team propels growth. This isn’t the traditional employer-employee relationship but a model of outsourcing tasks to experts for efficient success. It’s much more sustainable. Many challenges come from juggling roles previously done by ten people. It’s not a struggle; it’s a strategy for efficiency.
In essence, I’ve learned to embrace challenges as an integral part of running a business, and each day, we’re growing to meet them head-on with the right approach.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
My business, Anga Haus LLC, operates as a provider of experiential and digital solutions. In essence, we offer comprehensive packages that elevate digital and brand experiences. To illustrate further, let me delve into a recent package we extended to a global client of ours, NKWO. This mindful, award-winning artisanal brand is a pioneering force in Nigeria’s sustainable movement. Our package entailed constructing a sold-out six-part immersive art and fashion installation during New York Fashion Week, a cutting-edge augmented reality technology that resonates with the brand’s message, development of an e-commerce website, and social media services. We specialize in delivering timely solutions to clients ready to embark on transformative journeys, investing the requisite effort for lasting success.
Our agency’s success is closely intertwined with the caliber of clients we attract. Among them, we observe a recurrent trend of ingenious businesses championing sustainable practices across diverse industries. Our distinguishing factor lies in bridging the gap between art and technology. What truly sets my business apart is the tangible impact of our work. Collaborations with notable clients like Interscope Records, Soho House, and others have been possible due to our authentic and deeply personalized approach when engaging with these esteemed organizations and brands.
My greatest pride stems from witnessing the remarkable accomplishments of my clients. From viral statistics attributed to our digital creations to transformative, business-altering progress, their achievements have surpassed all expectations. These clients have surged far ahead of their contemporaries in their respective fields, and being a part of their growth journey brings immense joy.
For any of your readers, in conjunction with this feature, we are delighted to offer a special discount using the code “houstonvoyage.” I want them to understand the potential for transformative progress in their own endeavors. They can easily connect with us through our website at anga.haus. Just as we’ve guided our clients to unparalleled success, we are fully prepared to assist others on their path to significant accomplishments.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There’s no way I could have accomplished this without the unwavering support of my family, community, friends, mentors, coaches, and kindred spirits. My creative and genius Mother, Kelechi, deserves special acknowledgment for her brilliance, goodness, and continuous guidance. Likewise, my dad, Deinma, has been an unwavering guiding force. A heartfelt mention goes to Aunty Anya, whose serene nature and attentive ear drive impactful change here in Houston. I am profoundly grateful for my siblings, Soala and Miebi, whose greatness serves as a constant source of inspiration.
Anh Pham of Interactive Digital Marketing stands as a true business maverick and a wellspring of inspiration for our achievements, including this wonderful introduction. Mueni’s exceptional leadership within the community has been instrumental. Ekene’s unwavering support and endless time have been an enabling force throughout. Amy, Parker, and Ashley, with whom I share a profound alignment, have been incredible companions on this journey. To my creative cohort in Austin, Texas – your camaraderie has been invaluable.
Also, my immense gratitude extends to my cousins and others who uplift me in ways that resonate perfectly with my essence; your value knows no bounds. Houston, you hold a special place in my heart, and I’m thankful beyond words for the love and support you provide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anga.haus/
- Instagram: @ibiyeanga @angahaus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibiyeanga/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/anga-haus/
