Kahindo
About the Company
KAHINDO is a luxury womenswear brand founded by Kahindo Mateene, focusing on sustainability and ethical practices. The brand is known for its vibrant prints that reflect African heritage while appealing to modern consumers. Kahindo's vision integrates social responsibility with fashion, emphasizing the importance of fair labor practices and equitable opportunities for women involved in the production process. The brand sells directly to consumers through its e-commerce site and has partnerships with retailers such as Rent The Runway, enhancing its reach and visibility.
Idea Behind Company
Kahindo Mateene's journey into sustainable fashion began with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, where she repurposed scrap fabric into clutches made by women in her hometown, Goma. This initial success inspired her to create a brand that not only celebrates African culture but also addresses economic challenges faced by artisans. In 2017, after rebranding to KAHINDO, she began designing original prints that tell stories about African diversity and craftsmanship. Each piece is imbued with cultural significance, aiming to educate consumers about the continent's rich heritage.
Creating the Company
Kahindo's design process is deeply rooted in her Congolese heritage and appreciation for various African cultures. She begins with color inspiration and uses trend reports to inform her collections. The development of unique prints is a collaborative effort with artists, ensuring that each design is original and meaningful. Manufacturing involves sourcing high-quality, hand-dyed fabrics and working with skilled seamstresses in the Democratic Republic of Congo, fostering job creation and sustainable practices within the local community. This approach reflects her commitment to ethical fashion and empowerment.
Launching the Business
KAHINDO was officially launched in 2017 after Kahindo's move to New York. Financing the brand was challenging, especially during the pandemic, but she secured funds through various loans and leveraged her connections in the fashion industry. Building relationships with buyers at retailers like Rent The Runway was crucial for initial wholesale orders. Despite facing cash flow challenges, Kahindo emphasizes the importance of community support and experimentation in marketing strategies, which have included social media engagement and pop-up shops to attract customers.
Earnings
Today, KAHINDO is a profitable business, with ambitions to double its sales revenue. Direct-to-consumer sales through e-commerce platforms constitute a significant portion of earnings, supplemented by wholesale orders from various retailers. Kahindo actively participates in trade shows and collaborates with showrooms to expand her reach. As the business grows, she plans to hire additional team members to streamline production and marketing efforts. Her ultimate goal is to leverage the success of KAHINDO to create more job opportunities for women in Africa, aligning with her mission of social responsibility in fashion.
