Nkwontah: Crafting Handcrafted Indigenous Bags That Resonate Culture

Anthonia Uchechukwu Nkwontah is the creative director of Thoche.  Since its inception, Thoche has had the privilege of crafting handcrafted indigenous bags that resonate with culture and style enthusiasts alike. The product has found its way into the hands of delighted customers not just locally, but also across borders, bringing our cultural heritage to the global stage.

“Our commitment to preserving cultural heritage goes hand in hand with our dedication to sustainability. We prioritise environmental responsibility by using eco-friendly materials and minimising waste throughout our production process,” the founder said.

According to Anthonia, her journey into entrepreneurship was shaped by her mother’s belief in staying productive, coupled with her dedication to learning skills during breaks from university.

Speaking on what inspired the firm, Anthonia said, the inspiration for Thoche struck when she noticed the limited use of Ankara fabric and saw an opportunity to make African prints suitable for all occasions. With just N10,000, she launched Thoche, although it took three years to find her niche and establish a presence.

Throughout this journey, she received invaluable support from communities that formed via social media. One of the most rewarding aspects has been witnessing the seamless integration of African prints into daily life, reinforcing the importance of taking indigenous prints globally.

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Motivation

“My journey into creating this business was motivated by several key inspirations. I was captivated by the cultural richness and storytelling inherent in fabrics, driving my desire to share these narratives globally. Ethical and sustainable practices were at the core of my vision, aiming to celebrate textile art while upholding responsible sourcing and fair trade, benefiting both artisans and the environment.

“Empowering local artisans and communities was a central mission, providing a platform for them to showcase their work on a global scale. Moreover, this venture was an opportunity to connect with a community that shared a passion for artistry, culture, and sustainability, extending beyond products to build a like-minded community,” she pointed out.

Lucrativity

The potential for growth and success in its sector, she stressed, are significant as consumers tend to favour unique, ethically produced items that align perfectly with offerings. Handmade textiles, rich in cultural narratives, captivate consumers seeking to explore diverse cultures, and sustainability-conscious consumers, she said, ‘are drawn to our commitment to ethical practices and eco-friendly sourcing.’

To her, “Our access to a global market via e-commerce and online platforms provides substantial growth opportunities. Adaptability to changing market conditions and customer preferences is key to staying relevant and seizing emerging opportunities, strengthening our position for long-term success.”

Challenges

As an entrepreneur, she said: “I faced several challenges, including sourcing high-quality materials, which I overcame by conducting extensive research and importing materials to maintain product quality. To stand out, I differentiated my business through unique designs, storytelling, and ethical practices.

“Additionally, I scaled production while preserving quality by offering bulk clients the opportunity to design their collections, helping us stand out in the market. We optimized shipping logistics to reduce transit times and costs for customers. Throughout this journey, adaptability, a growth mindset, guidance from mentors, and a focus on our long-term vision and values have turned challenges into opportunities for growth and strengthened our position in the fabric landscape.”

Advice

While advising upcoming entrepreneurs, she noted that, “Start with your passion and address a genuine market need through thorough research. Build a strong support network of mentors and peers, always be open to learning, and focus on delivering value to your customers. Develop a clear business plan, manage your finances wisely, and be adaptable in the face of change.

“Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and conduct your business with integrity. Persist through challenges, delegate tasks, and actively seek and listen to customer feedback. Stay true to your values, celebrate milestones, and consider how your business can contribute positively to society.

“In essence, entrepreneurship requires a balance of passion, preparation, adaptability, and ethical practices. Embrace the journey with resilience and a commitment to growth, both personally and professionally.”

Biography

Anthonia Uchechukwu Nkwontah is a Petroleum Engineer turned bag maker. She has been in the bag-making industry for about 5 years, a company she started in 2018. With several certifications in entrepreneurship and customer service, she made a distinctive approach to one-of-a-kind design by incorporating African fabric into the creation of bags and shoes.

A wife and a mum to an adorable baby girl who believes chocolate is an amazing de-stressor enjoys her role as the creative director of Thoche.