Next month, February, starts up Black History Month here in the U.S. Every year during Black History Month I’m intentional about primarily supporting black businesses, but I realized black history and excellence shouldn’t be limited to just one month, and neither should our support of black owned businesses. With my love for fashion I’ve made an effort to research more black owned businesses, particularly black fashion designers. Fashion has always been a big part of my life and now as a blogger, it’s also a big part of my business. With me having to spend quite a bit on my wardrobe each month for my business, I’m proud to at least put those dollars back into a community that I’m so connected to.
In my pursuit to discover more black designers whose clothes line up with my personal style and taste, I came across the global African fashion brand for women Sika’a. Sika’a means God’s will and was founded by fashion designer John Tchoudi. As I was looking through their different collections online, I was captivated by the vibrant colors, bold patterns, and chic/modern designs. I could literally see myself wearing almost every piece from each collection. Being a wife and working mommy of 4, I don’t always get to play dress as much as I would want, but after reading that each unique garment is hand-stitched…I KNEW I had to support. I placed an online order to see what all the hype was about.
You guys, as if I wasn’t already super impressed just from what I saw online, the smooth experience of shopping and placing an order…when I received my package (very quickly might I add), and saw the stunning packaging and THEN when I was able to actually open it up and get my hands on the dress, the luxurious quality of the fabric and the impeccable workmanship truly blew me away. I ordered The Christine dress. I was immediately attracted to the bold prints that could possibly clash but yet work so extremely well together, the blue piped stitching, and the flowy floor length bottom half of the dress.
I’ve shopped with other African designers before and I noticed quite a difference in the fabric of my dress from Sika’a compared to other African garments in my closest. After doing more research I discovered Sika’a only uses silk, viscose, and cotton fabric….as opposed to your traditional copies of wax designs that you’re more than likely to see with other African brands, and let me tell you…it makes a huge difference. The high-quality fabric felt so luxurious against my skin.
Once I finally put the dress on, I fell in love. I felt strong, bold, and confident. It reminded me that this mama still has it going on lol! I truly felt like an African queen! The new collection from Sika’a does not disappoint. There’s of course the signature bold prints and colors, but it’s paired with an every day wearable style. You can read more about the new collection here.
I love everything the Sika’a stands for. I love that it showcases African fashions in a luxurious way. I love that the pieces align with me being a confident, elegant, kind, and strong woman. Here’s me in the BEATIFUL Christine dress. I can wear this dress to a nice dinner or even pull it off at a formal wedding. It’s so versatile, chic, but yet comfortable as well.
If that isn’t amazing enough, I love the brand’s commitment to improving the sustainability within the fashion industry. There’s nothing like knowing your fashion items are produced in an ethical way environmentally and for the communities that are the origin of the fashion pieces. If you want to see what all the hype is about and to view other items from the new collection, head over to Sikaa.com to see for yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
As Always…Love you All,
Courtney N. Williams