Alice Mushota Songwe popularly known as Elkamish Banda, a name whispered with reverence in Lusaka’s fashion circles, isn’t just a milliner; she is a storyteller, weaving tales of Zambia’s vibrant heritage into every stitch and feather of her extraordinary hats. Her company Hats and Beyond Haute Couture, a riot of colour and texture, is a sanctuary where tradition meet avant-garde, where the spirit of the Zambian people found its expression in felt, silk, and sinamay.
Elkamish’s journey is much like the intricate designs she crafts, is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, reinvention, and boundless creativity. Hers aren’t just hats; they are symbols of status, identity, and history. She dreamt of creating headwear that would not only celebrate her rich heritage but also push the boundaries of contemporary design.
Elkamish isn’t merely a milliner; she is an artist, a stylist, a businesswoman, a teacher, a reality TV star, a phone technician, and above all, an inspiration. Hers is not just a tale of fashion; it is a profound narrative of self-discovery, a testament to the power of the human spirit to not only endure but to flourish.
“Endure the Rain”: A Philosophy of Strength
“Even when you are in your dream job, not every day is filled with rainbows and sunshine. Some days may be cloudy, but if you want the rainbow, you have to endure the rain,” Elkamish reflects, her voice a quiet strength echoing the Zambian landscape. This philosophy, etched into the very fabric of her being, is evident in every facet of her extraordinary journey.
Born on January 28, 1989, in Kitwe, the only daughter in a family of five, Elkamish’s early life hinted at the exceptional woman she would become. A star student, head girl, debate vice president, and Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) secretary – even reaching the national level – she excelled in academics and leadership. These early achievements, however, were merely a prelude to the multifaceted life she would create.
Navigating Challenges, Embracing New Paths
Elkamish’s path was not without its shadows. Widowhood and motherhood at a young age presented challenges that would have daunted many. “I remember back then; I was surrounded by a lot of negative discouragement from people. When my husband passed away, my youngest was around eight years old, and I knew I had to step up and be strong for them. I had to be aggressive in my approach to business, and that’s exactly what I did. And here we are today.”
“It wasn’t always easy,” she admits, with quiet strength and unwavering conviction. “There were days when exhaustion and doubt crept in, and quitting seemed like the simplest solution. But if you want the rainbow, you have to endure the rain.”
Yet, she persevered, a testament to her unwavering spirit. She pursued her education at the Copperbelt University of Zambia (CBU) and the Zambia Institute of Accountancy Studies (ZCAS), earning qualifications in Banking and Finance. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
Faced with limited opportunities in her chosen field, Elkamish, with the innate resourcefulness that defines her, embraced her innate artistic talent. “If it doesn’t make the world better, don’t do it,” she declares, a guiding principle that underscores her commitment to purpose-driven work.
Hats and Beyound: An Atelier of Dreams
And so, Hats and Beyound Haute Couture was born in 2021. More than just a hat-making company, it is an atelier of dreams, where Elkamish transforms ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art. Her creations, each a unique expression of her vision, grace corporate events, weddings, and cultural functions, adding a touch of Zambian elegance to every occasion.
Her designs are not merely accessories; they are statements, celebrations of heritage and contemporary style. By gracing the heads of celebrities, politicians, and fashion icons, turning heads at galas and cultural events her masterpieces are conquering the fashion world. But her greatest joy came from seeing her hats worn by everyday Zambians and people around the world, who embraced them as a symbol of pride and self-expression.
From boardrooms to classrooms, and now to the grandest of runways, her journey is a masterclass in reinvention. The widow and mother of three refused to be defined by loss; instead, she became an architect of opportunity.
Beyond the Brim: A Multitude of Talents
But Elkamish’s creativity knows no bounds. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to another unexpected venture: phone repair. “After my husband passed away, I found myself in his phone accessory shop, surrounded by a world I knew nothing about,” she recalls. “But I refused to be a spectator in my own life. I now call myself Kopala’s favourite female phone technician.” With sheer determination, she mastered the craft, becoming a rare female technician in a male-dominated field. Tedali Investments was her next chapter—a venture in mobile phones and accessories, a testament to her boundless versatility.
“My journey is one of: Courage: Embracing uncertainty and pursuing dreams. Creativity: Turning passions into professions. Resilience: Overcoming obstacles and rising stronger,” she shares, encapsulating the essence of her remarkable trajectory.
Then came television. When MultiChoice’s Zambezi Magic launched The Queens of Kopala, a reality show celebrating the lives of influential Copperbelt women, Elkamish’s charisma made her a fan favorite. The world saw what Kitwe had known all along—this woman was a force. Featured in advertisements for Finta Farms and a recognized voice in fashion and media, her influence only grew stronger.
Beyond business, Elkamish is a mentor, an exhibitor under the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), and a community pillar. She volunteers her time to empower young women, offering skills training in millinery, fashion styling, and technology. “If it doesn’t make the world better, don’t do it,” she says, a mantra that guides her every move.
A Beacon of Hope: Empowering the Next Generation
Elkamish’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, across Africa. As an alumni member of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), she actively empowers young women through skills training in her community.
“From boardrooms to classrooms, and now to runway heights, my journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of reinvention,” she proclaims, her words resonating with the strength and determination that define her.
Elkamish is living proof that reinvention is not just possible, it is powerful. She embodies the belief that “It’s never too late to redefine your path. Every experience, no matter how disparate, adds value. Authenticity and passion can propel you to unimaginable heights.”
Elkamish’s story, like the exquisite hats she creates, is a masterpiece – a testament to the beauty of resilience, the power of creativity, and the enduring spirit of Africa. The world is watching, and Elkamish is only just beginning.
