When a queen meets a queen, she's met a friend forever.
Umba ~ Origin Swahili (V) to create, make, or mold. I crossed paths with owner and creative director Chole Hart when I first launched Haute Hemisphere in August, 2012. She had a beautiful product, adornments fit for queens at great prices in a plethora of my favorite - African prints. Her pieces had personalities, and when worn emphasized the wearer's presence.
Shortly after introducing the Haute Hemisphere family to the wonderful world of Umba, life's blessings began working in the queendom, resulting in a temporary hiatus from Umba. I'm happy to announce Umba is back, better than ever, with a new chapter to share. Learn from Chole, and be inspired by her journey and wisdom gained thus far. The best network for Creativeprenuers is other creatives, so learn, shop and reach out. Be inspired by how this Queen has grabbed her life by the reigns and lives Prosper In Purpose daily.
1. A story is best told from the beginning. Let's start with you sharing the background on Umba from first inception up until your personal hiatus.
I began Umba in July of 2012. During the time I was on physical cleanse and spiritual fast. The vision literally came to me and I began building my vision and moving in an uncertain direction. Things took off quick!!! Much quicker than expected. I feel like the most high guides my journey with Umba. People received Umba well and it never felt like work because of my passion and drive. However in November of 2012 I fell ill unknown to me I was carrying my first born son. The most high was ready for my life to take a different path. I tried very hard to maintain Umba a full time job and pregnancy however I was too ill and fatigued and had too many personal conflicts going on. My son at the time required everything I had energy wise and some, I was drained but in a beautiful way..my body was working on my greatest creation yet. I had to make a choice....and I feel I made the best one. I took an unexpected hiatus and focused on a new chapter in my life.
During my hiatus I overcame one of my toughest storms. I was able to see through a lot of fluff and able to see a lot of things and people for who they are. I realized that with prayer anything is possible and the strength I gained during the storm made me a better woman. I was able to thoroughly enjoy my sons first year of life seeing his joy in the simplicity of life helped me to see things differently. I began building a relationship with my best friend/ now husband to be. He is truly someone I admire respect and love deeply. He makes me better. I learned not to rush but rather take your time as with all things, and I was able to reevaluate what Umba was to me and where I wanted it to go. I was also able to develop a plan.
3. If you had sixty seconds to guide your younger self when first launching Umba, what would you advise ?
Slow down re evaluate every decision work hard and expect the unexpected.
4. In business and life one has to keep growing. How do you foresee the Umba brand expanding ?
I am happy to announce that both Umba and myself are expecting. Umba is expecting a little sister line Mtotobaby mtoto which is Swahili for 'child helps us stay true to our origin'. Mtoto baby is a line of handcrafted chic accessories for mom and baby. That won't break the bank or force you put your fabulous on pause. All women should have the option to still be chic with a new little one and what fabulous mom doesn't want her baby to have fabulous one of a kind accessories. Well we planned to have you covered. My little family and I are growing as well we are so excited to happily be expecting a little girl this summer as well.
To whom much is given much is required. Be prepared for anything, especially hard work and curve balls. You might fall down six times get up 8. People may discourage you let them speak. People will critique your work, pick and choose what could help build your brand and keep building. Keep your faith , pray, and enjoy watching your own vision come to life.
6. Where can we shop your collections and follow the brand?
We are located at www.loveumba.com we also have a limited collection featured on Etsy.
7. What can Umba clients look forward to in the coming months?
The Umba box is a box we will be offering 6 times out the year. We will be offering two versions the Umba delight box which is a box containing 3 to 5 items and the Umba deluxe box which will contain 5-7 pieces. All pieces will be handcrafted and either be new products or some staple favorites. For our first box we will only be offering 2-5 items and plan to have some special goodies in there. We are also looking into opening a shop full of beautiful jewelry we have run into while finding supplies for Umba. These items are not handmade by us but still beautiful and meaningful by nature. We are very excited about these ventures.
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