Veronica Nnensa and co-founder, Freeda Mulenga take the vibrant traditional textiles of Africa and bring them to Canada via their 3-year-old online boutique, Kuwala. Kuwala curates unique pieces from socially responsible fashion brands inspired by Africa, and hand-crafted pieces from fashion designers and ethical women’s cooperatives based all across Africa and the Diaspora. Born in Malawi, Africa, and raised in Canada, entrepreneur Veronica studied public affairs and policy management with a focus on African development.
“Working in a field dominated by men might seem intimidating, but you will succeed. There are many people who want to see you prosper and are looking to support ambitious young women like you.“ — Veronica Nnensa
1. In couple of sentences, can you please tell us who you are and what you do?
My name is Veronica Nnensa and I am the co-founder of Kuwala, an online boutique that partners with creative fashion designers and ethical women’s cooperatives. We curate stylish and unique pieces from socially responsible fashion brands, inspired by Africa. I am also actively involved in implementing community initiatives that uplift youth and women through Lambda Nu Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
2. What’s the most important thing you have learned in your career?
In my career, I’ve learned that it’s important to always follow-up and be proactive in getting the answers you seek. We live in a very busy world and most people tend to easily be distracted by family, work, side hustles, friends and life in general. At Kuwala, I’ve gotten some key business deals by simply following-up if I don’t hear back after a while. The worst thing that can happen is receiving a “no” as an answer.
3. Did you have a mentor? If so, how did you find them and how old were you?
I didn’t have a mentor per se, but I certainly had women I looked up to, including my mother. She is someone that has supported and encouraged me to pursue any career goals I had growing up.These days, the people I surround myself with are my mentors. I look up to my friends and colleagues that are making major life decisions, like switching careers, pursuing their Masters/PhDs, or launching a new business.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
When I was younger, I wanted to be many things. However, I remember for a long time I wanted to be a news anchor. Whether I was watching the Oprah Winfrey Show or 20/20 with Barbara Walters, I was captivated by these women and the way they were respected in their fields. I especially admired Oprah’s ambition and how she challenged people’s negative expectations of her.
5. What things did you like to do as a teen?
I used to perform hip-hop and dancehall routines at my high school talent shows, as well as play sports. I was very active and was part of the basketball and volleyball team.
6. Are there any activities or hobbies you wish you had become involved in as a teen that would have prepared you for the role you have today?
I wish I had spent more of my summers interning at different types of companies. I think this would have helped me to get a better idea of what career options are out there.
7. If you could give your 12-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my 12-year-old self to not pay attention to other people’s opinions. Don’t let society’s expectations define who you are and what you can achieve. You are brilliant!
8. Any advice for young girls who dream of running a company in STEM?
Pursue your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you. Working in a field dominated by men might seem intimidating, but you will succeed. There are many people who want to see you prosper and are looking to support ambitious young women like you.
9. Have you developed any insights about getting more women involved in science careers?
As a society, we need to recognize and question the gender norms we impose on ourselves and each other. I also think it’s important to have more engaging and interactive STEM activities/events for young women to participate in.
10. What is your advice to the industry as a whole to help close the gap for women in technology?
I think as women we need to continue to lift each other up and celebrate the accomplishments of women in technology. We also need men in technology to be our allies in celebrating and promoting women in STEM.
Visit Kuwala.co to learn more about us and follow Kuwala on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. To find out more about Veronica’s volunteer work, click here to find out when about community initiatives. A Youth Symposium was held on March 25th, 2017 which focused on “building a future for impactful leaders”. Workshops focused on promoting careers in STEM, healthy living and social action (more details to come).