Kelechi Anyadiegwu shopped around traditional retailers and never found clothes that contained the rich colors and textiles of Africa.
When she wore clothes made from fabrics brought by family and friends from Nigeria, however, she would be peppered with questions about where she bought them.
"That let me know there was a demand for these clothes," said Anyadiegwu, 26, who founded Zuvaa, an online retail company in 2014. The company has become a fashion sensation.
Anyadiegwu, who has a masters in human-computer interaction from Carnegie Mellon, was recently named in Forbes “30 Under 30” list of the most promising and influential young entrepreneurs.
Atlanta fashionistas can see some of Zuvaa’s clothes and accessories up close.
Zuvaa will open pop-up shop from noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 at Studio No. 7, 393 Marietta St. It was moved from a previous location because of overwhelming demand.
This is the first pop-up shop in Atlanta for the company. But if the number of reservations - more than 3,000 as of Thursday afternoon - is any indication, it won’t be the last.
The name Zuvaa means sunshine in Shona language of Zimbabwe. “We wanted a brand that represented the beauty, vibrancy and authenticity of Africa,” said Anyadiegwu, who lives in New Jersey and is of Nigerian heritage. “We wanted people to think of the link that shines within and that exists on the African continent.”
Last year, the company earned $500,000 in revenues. This year, Anyadiegwu expects revenues to reach $2 million.
There will also be ‘An African City’ new season release watch party at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the same site. The cost is $5.99.
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