Startup Story
Hortense Mbea is a professional interpreter as well as a creative entrepreneur from Cameroon and the founder of lifestyle brand Afropian which was launched in 2017 in in Addis Ababa. A true nomad and multicultural woman, she was born in the USA and lived in many countries, while always staying very connected to Africa. The Afropian brand is Pan African and it gave Hortense the opportunity to bring together her passion for art and creativity and her mission to promote African excellence and unity. She gained international recognition with coverage from Vogue Italy, was invited to take part in prestigious events such as Addis Ababa Fashion Week and many shows and panels. Her vision is for the world to «Wear Africa Proudly », which is the motto of her brand. She fulfills her mission by providing quality, unique pieces which tell many stories of African tradition and are 100% Made in Africa.
LoA learned more about Hortense Mbea’s unique entrepreneurial journey and her vision for Afropian in the future.
What does your company do?
At Afropian, we produce high-end garments, fashion accessories and home decor. We use handmade African textiles and elements, as well as antique pieces which go into our one-of-a-kind jewelry. We work as a priority with women and youths, as they are the two most economically disenfranchised groups in Africa.
“I was tired of hearing that "single story" of Africa. I wanted to participate in a narrative change and show how great Africa is.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I was tired of hearing that "single story" of Africa. I wanted to participate in a narrative change and show how great Africa is. Show that our history did not start with slavery, nor colonization and that we had strong civilizations and cultures before that erasure. I wanted us to remember and build on what we have.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Our main superpower is our network of artisans. Afropian works with artisans and artists from 14 different African countries. We therefore are a truly Pan African brand, we mix and blend countries, cultures, eras and come up with our unique aesthetic.
We are also as sustainable as possible, as we use local organic cotton, recycled pieces, and natural dyes.
“Our main superpower is our network of artisans. Afropian works with artisans and artists from 14 different African countries. We therefore are a truly Pan African brand.”
Tell us a little about your team
We have a continent-wide network of artisans. Such as Mamadou who makes our Batik in Cote d’Ivoire; the cooperative of women who make our Bogolan in Mali; our brass-maker in the slums of Kibera, Kenya; Senait who makes our bags in Addis Ababa; and many more. We also have a production manager and 4 tailors working in our Addis Ababa workshop.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I am an interpreter by trade, though I did go to business school before I graduated from interpretation school. Interpretation was always my passion and I have enjoyed it for the past 20 years. I have worked for major international organizations, the last one from 2012 to 2017. I did, however, need a creative outlet. I did some soul searching and understood what I wanted to create, and that is how Afropian came about. I wanted to do something creative, focusing on Africa and Africans, telling our stories in our own voices. I wanted to make Africa shine, while enjoying the process.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I want to become a household name in African sustainable luxury and be present in major brick and mortar stores.
“I want to become a household name in African sustainable luxury and be present in major brick and mortar stores.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing my artists grow after I've given them a challenging assignment. Seeing pride in my customers when they realize that our African heritage is rich and proud. Teaching and telling our stories to people who had no idea where Africa comes from.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Know your WHY. Never lose sight of it. The rest will follow.
Contact or follow Afropian
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | EMAIL afropianaddis@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
Africa needs passion driven women entrepreneurs who want to showcase the creative talent of the continent through their businesses and brands, and Hortense Mbea is one of those doing just that. She is supporting and encouraging the artisan craftsmanship that exists on the continent, providing a powerful platform to showcase that talent to customers from around the world. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa