Suakoko Betty: Where African Design Meets Modern Style
If you haven't heard of Suakoko Betty, you're missing out on some serious threads! Suakoko Betty, the brand whose muse is Africa (how perfect) brings a new face to color pop, everyday chic and effortless silhouttes.
When did you develop a passion for African fashion? It's weird, I've been chasing contemporary African clothes since I was nine years old. I was in love with African prints and wanted to wear them everyday. Not only were they beautiful, but they were personal and were my special connection to a home I had to leave abruptly due to the Liberian civil war in 1990. Our family resettled in Atlanta and I've lived the dual African and American experience since. I was also frustrated about how Africa is often shown in a negative light and I wanted to celebrate the great ideas and inspiration that are born out of the African aesthetic.
What is the story behind the name Suakoko Betty? What does the brand stand for? Suakoko Betty is where African design meets modern style. Suakoko is my dad's hometown in Liberia and means "place of new beginning" in Kpelle. Betty is your everyday, quirky girl-next-door. The brand celebrates effortless style and brings the color, wit and ease of African design to everyday life. For the Spring 2017, it definitely has a modern meets bohemian vibe. That's where we started as a brand and that's what we're coming back to, full circle.
Do you have mentors that guide and help you? I have mentors from other industries who help with becoming a better businesswoman and marketer. It's important to be able to see others at that next level so you can start modeling those behaviors you'll need to move up.
As an African designer, what are some of the challenges you have faced in your career? As a African designer, a challenge has been infrastructure when it comes to getting goods from home. The talent and unique products are there, you just have to get creative and work your communication skills. I remember asking for country cloth in certain colors and when they were not what I expected, I realized I need to break out color swatches to get exactly what I needed. We have a ton of opportunity and I think our prosperity is literally in our hands.