Sometimes, life’s greatest opportunities come from the most unexpected places. For Catherine Mayeye Okaranime, the seed of her entrepreneurial journey was planted not in a classroom, nor a boardroom, but in a casual business meeting. What started as a simple request to provide outfits for models at an event led Catherine into the heart of a thriving fashion empire.
But behind her success is a story shaped by hard work, determination, and a commitment to redefining African fashion on a global scale.
Born and raised in Nakuru, with part of her childhood spent in the bustling streets of Kangemi, Nairobi, Catherine’s path to becoming a renowned fashion entrepreneur was not a typical one. She recalls the formative years spent alongside her mother, who ran a fashion business, teaching her invaluable skills that would later become the foundation of her own brand.
“My mum always had a fashion business, and I learned a lot while working with her as I waited to join college,” Catherine shares. This early exposure to fashion and business gave her insights into the intricate workings of the industry—insights she would carry with her as she ventured into her own journey.
Although Catherine’s formal education in marketing at the Kenya Institute of Management set the stage for her career, it was her initial business venture that sparked her passion for fashion. Alongside a college partner, she ran an events and digital marketing consultancy firm, but it was a twist of fate that pushed her into the fashion world.
“We were called to a meeting to discuss models for an event. We arrived only to find that the models were there, and we were asked to provide outfits for them that matched the client’s brief. We made them with guessed measurements, and they were perfect fits,” Catherine recalls.
It was at that moment, with the models in perfectly fitted clothes, that Catherine realized she had found her true calling.
The Birth of African Fabric & Designs Kenya Ltd
The incident set Catherine on the path to launching her own fashion business. She identified a gap in the market—a lack of accessible, high-quality, African-inclusive wear that could stand shoulder to shoulder with international designs.
“When I started the business 10 years ago, I felt there was a niche for bold African-made pieces that competed in the modern international space. I wanted to create designs that spoke the Kenyan story,” she explains.
It was this vision that birthed African Fabric & Designs Kenya Ltd, a fashion and design business specializing in redefining African fashion, with all pieces crafted in Kenya. Based in Nairobi along Marcus Garvey Road in Kilimani, Catherine’s business brings a contemporary twist to traditional African designs, using authentic African fabrics and internationally sourced high-quality materials.
From the start, Catherine’s brand focused on quality over quantity. “We pride ourselves on our quality. At any given time, we have around 25 employees working hard to bring our vision to life,” she says.
The company’s mission is clear: to deliver modern, bold African wear that tells a unique story, while offering a touch of luxury that appeals to both local and international markets.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust
As the business landscape evolved, so too did Catherine’s approach to staying ahead. The rise of bold, boundary-pushing designs in Kenya’s fashion scene was an exciting development for her, one that encouraged her to innovate. “I travel for inspiration, and we also do a lot of market research with my team to find out what’s needed and how we can fulfill the client’s needs,” she shares.
In the world of fashion, trends change quickly, but Catherine has remained adaptable, constantly refining her products to meet the growing demand for bold, unique designs.
Yet, the path to success has never been without its obstacles. One of the greatest challenges Catherine faced was sourcing capital to fund her growing business. “When we started, accessing credit was difficult, but over time, we’ve built a strong relationship with our bank, which has helped with quick turnaround times when we need access to funds,” she says.
Another hurdle was changing consumer perceptions. Many customers initially struggled to see the brand as offering high-end products compared to what was traditionally available. But through consistent quality, trust-building, and bold marketing, Catherine has been able to penetrate the luxury market both locally and internationally.
“We’ve worked hard to secure trust and have made inroads into the luxury scene,” she adds.
Among her proudest accomplishments is being selected by the Kenyan consulate in Thailand to showcase her designs at the Thai Silk Fashion Week in 2022. “It was a huge introduction to the international market, and we made sure we left a mark that Kenyan designers are steadily taking up space on the global stage,” she says with pride.
Dressing African superstars like Yemi Alade and showcasing at the prestigious New York Fashion Week in 2024 have been significant milestones in her journey—moments that reaffirm her belief in the power of African fashion.
Empowering Future Designers
Catherine’s influence extends beyond the runway. She’s passionate about giving back to her community, particularly through education. “I am currently working on a project to build a fashion school that will offer technical skills training to students from informal settlements and villages who can’t afford higher learning,” she shares.
The project, which has been in the works for several years, aims to offer 50% of its spaces to students from underserved communities. Catherine is now in the process of seeking investors to bring this vision to life and is hopeful that the project will open doors for many talented young people in the future.
As a successful entrepreneur, Catherine has also become a mentor for others looking to break into the fashion industry. Her advice to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Find your niche and be consistent. It’s also okay to work for someone else while using that opportunity to learn and save for your future business,” she advises. With limited resources, starting small but with a clear vision and determination is the key to long-term success.
Resilience and Leadership
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Catherine identifies one key lesson: “File your taxes. And build your systems from the beginning.” She emphasizes that seeing the business through the lens of future success and working backward to establish solid foundations is crucial for long-term growth.
“I’m still learning how to be a leader, how to delegate, and how to stay resilient and focused on the big picture,” she says.
For Catherine Mayeye Okaranime, entrepreneurship is not just about fashion—it’s about making a difference, pushing boundaries, and empowering others to follow their own dreams. As she continues to break new ground in the fashion world, one thing is clear: Catherine’s journey is far from over. And with her unwavering passion, resilience, and innovative spirit, the best is yet to come.
