Startup Story

The story of Caroline 1942, a Nigerian fashion brand created by Zara Kattiems, is one that encompasses uniqueness and also a relatable experience. Caroline 1942 is nicknamed after Zara’s grandmother, Caroline Miner, who unfortunately passed away, but her legacy took off in the spring of 2017 with the launch of a brand created ‘For The Timeless Woman.’ Today, Caroline 1942 tells the story behind the brand and still creates that sense of oneness with the women of the world with every design produced.

LoA found out more about this inspirational story from founder Zara Kattiems.

What does your company do?

At Caroline 1942, our business is centered on Fashion Designs, Styling, Fashion Education, Consultation, E-commerce

“We create our own fabric prints and establish a personal shopping experience with our customers. To us, relationship is what fuels our business.”

What inspired you to start your company?

My grandmother, her story is remarkable, nostalgic and relatable to the Women of the world, bound by yarns of commitment. In her early years, she possessed a sense of style which motivated her to open her own boutique. Her shop was a place for women far and near to experience not just clothing and style but also a sisterly bond as they would each come, feel relaxed, request for several cups of tea and snacks. It was a place of comfort and transformation. Caroline 1942 is her story!

What makes your business, service or product special?

We create our own fabric prints and establish a personal shopping experience with our customers. You see, to us relationship is what fuels our business.

“I come from four generations of entrepreneurial women who have imbibed the tenants and expertise of good and fair business skills within me.”

Tell us a little about your team

My team comprises of me, the Creative Director/CEO, 2 sales associates, 1 Pattern maker for samples,1 intern, 1 assistant. We are a power house of innovative creative minds that source, manufacture and style our clothing.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

Yes indeed, I do. I come from four generations of entrepreneurial women who have imbibed the tenants and expertise of good and fair business skills within me. We are African Women who hold up the standard of our customers at heart with pride. At age 17, my mom bought a dress for me that till this day fits, not that I remained the size all these years, but based on the fit, cut, and silhouette of the style, it has remained in my closet through the test of time. This also influenced my journey as a designer, to create pieces that are both aesthetically beautiful, functional and “TIMELESS".

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

To be able to inspire young designers, showing them that they can achieve as young African youth in the fashion industry! As a designer, I would love to establish fashion institutions with a new style of education, that can shape the sphere of their young minds and nurture them to perfection. I would also like to carve a niche for myself on a global platform in fashion.

“What gives me the most satisfaction, being an entrepreneur, is the smiles on the faces of the people I design for. Their satisfaction is my daily bread!”

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

The smiles on the faces of the people I design for. Their satisfaction is my daily bread!

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

To never give-up or compare themselves to others in the industry because they are on a personal journey unique to them!

Contact or follow Caroline 1942

Why LoA loves it…

The fashion business is a notoriously tough one, and to survive and thrive in it takes hard work, a big vision, and complete self belief in the ethos of the business and brand being built. For Zara Kattiems, her entrepreneurial drive is inspired by her grandmother, and that personal motivation to build a legacy business that will inspire others into the future, is what makes this such a special brand. Caroline 1942 is definitely a brand to look out for over the coming months and years as it continues on its creative growth journey. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa