A Trip down Memory lane
A Trip down Memory lane
How it all began
The founders of Umoja linn, China and Liswa, both originally from Nigeria and South Africa, moved to Ireland in 2007 along with their families.
Several years later, the two met as 1st-year students in Galway. Their journey of cultural adaptation and pride in their African heritage led them to start selling African-inspired clothing and accessories made by their aunty and gogo (grandma) back home.
A Trip down Memory lane
How it all began
The founders of Umoja linn, China and Liswa, both originally from Nigeria and South Africa, moved to Ireland in 2007 along with their families.
Several years later, the two met as 1st-year students in Galway. Their journey of cultural adaptation and pride in their African heritage led them to start selling African-inspired clothing and accessories made by their aunty and gogo (grandma) back home.
Umoja linn 1.0
Liswa and China continued to sell at local markets over the years under the name, “Umoja Production.” The fulfilment they got from helping make African-inspired attire more readily available to African fashion lovers in Ireland was enough to keep them pushing through college. The Umoja Production family of designers grew from just Aunty and Gogo to over 15 designers, and the Umoja duo needed HELP with managing the growth…Then came the marketplace model.
In 2021, the idea of Umoja linn was conceived—an online marketplace for African-inspired designers. The Umoja linn platform initially focused on providing designers with autonomy of their brand and stock, managing their inventory and sales themselves. In 2022, this became real with the launch of Umoja linn 1.0.
Umoja linn 1.0
Liswa and China continued to sell at local markets over the years under the name, “Umoja Production.” The fulfilment they got from helping make African-inspired attire more readily available to African fashion lovers in Ireland was enough to keep them pushing through college. The Umoja Production family of designers grew from just Aunty and Gogo to over 15 designers, and the Umoja duo needed HELP with managing the growth…Then came the marketplace model.
In 2021, the idea of Umoja linn was conceived—an online marketplace for African-inspired designers. The platform initially focused on providing designers with autonomy of their brand and stock, managing their inventory and sales themselves. In 2022, this became real with the launch of Umoja linn 1.0.
Another Evolution --> Custom-made fashion
Over time, it became apparent that the biggest challenges faced by African designers were within the custom-made fashion industry rather than ready-to-wear. Our designers spoke to us, and we listened. The difficulty in managing projects and business operations, and the business stagnation they faced as a result. These problems also lead to a terribly stressful experience for their clients, who were seeking reliable African designers to produce their custom made attires.
We learned from our designers’ and customers’ experiences. From these insights, Umoja linn 2.0 was born to make life easier for all African fashion lovers.
In Essence, Umoja linn is where Efficiency meets Artistry,
connecting people and making it easier to bring their style vision to life
In Essence,
Umoja linn is where Efficiency meets Artistry,
connecting people and making it easier to bring their style vision to life
Umoja linn 2.0 is currently under development.
Join the Beta list and be the first to test the Umoja linn Platform as soon as it’s ready .
We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on with you!
Umoja linn 2.0 is currently under development.
Join the Beta list and be the first to test the Umoja linn Platform as soon as it’s ready .
We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on with you!
Meet the Founders
China Soribe-Nwosu
Co-founder
Meneliswa Adindu-McDonald
Co-founder
Meneliswa Adindu-McDonald
Co-founder
China Soribe-Nwosu
Co-founder
EMAIL US
EMAIL US