Adrienne Juma's journey as CEO of Tiankara Creations, a third-generation family business rooted in textiles, is an example of resilience and innovation.

When Tuskys Supermarkets, her main customers, closed, the company faced adversity. This was compounded by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, rather than succumb to these setbacks, Ms Juma decided to chart a new course and set herself apart by introducing ready-to-wear clothing made from Ankara fabrics.

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Embracing her Afrocentric heritage and the meaning of the name "Tiankara", which combines "tiara" for crown and "ankara" for kitenge, Ms Juma's vision took flight.

Starting with just Sh10,000 and three designs, Tiankara embarked on its journey to being one of the sought after clothing and textile company despite facing stiff competition from second-hand and new clothes shops.

Perseverance and dedication became her guiding principles, and despite the initial challenges, the business expanded to offer a wide range of over 70 designs, with plans for further growth.

"One remarkable aspect of Tiankara Creations is our commitment to empowering young people and women, encouraging them to enter the textile industry," Ms Juma told Mtaa Wangu.

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Tiankara's focus on job creation is in line with the 'Buy Kenya, Build Kenya' concept, which has enabled them to sell over 24,000 garments by 2022.

A photo showing some of the outfit designs at Tiankara Creations shop.

Photo credit: Mercy Kihugu/Mtaa Wangu

In addition, their commitment to waste management through recycling reflects on their environmental awareness. They use leftover fabric to make chairs and cushions.

Tiankara's growth story includes the opening of a new store in Section 58 and a significant increase in staff from two to 37.

Despite her successes, challenges remain, particularly sourcing quality fabric at cost effective prices, as she says she has to ensure she gets good quality fabric to maintain her brand standards.

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They however, have overcome such hurdles by keeping abreast of the latest fabric trends and researching where to source them, through social media, fieldwork and attending trade shows.

According to Ms Juma, Tiankara's success can be attributed to their ability to understand their target market, which ranges from family orientated to office wear and corporate clients.

Looking to the future, Tiankara Creations is looking to expand further by opening branches in different parts of the country.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

Biz Lounge: From almost facing closure to building one of Nakuru's top Ankara fashion brand

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Mercy Kihugu