Adrienne Juma is the visionary behind Tiankara Creations.
Her journey as CEO of this third-generation family enterprise, deeply entrenched in the textile industry, exemplifies both resilience and innovation.
The closure of Tuskys Supermarkets, a primary client, presented significant challenges, further exacerbated by the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of yielding to these obstacles, Juma opted to forge a new path, distinguishing her brand by launching ready-to-wear apparel crafted from Ankara fabrics.
Drawing inspiration from her Afrocentric heritage and the significance of the name “Tiankara,” which merges “tiara,” symbolizing a crown, with “ankara,” referring to kitenge, Juma’s aspirations began to materialize.
With an initial investment of Ksh 10,000 and three design concepts, Tiankara set out to establish itself as a prominent player in the clothing and textile market, despite fierce competition from both second-hand and new clothing retailers.
Her unwavering perseverance and commitment became the cornerstones of her approach, leading to the expansion of the business to include over 70 diverse designs, with ambitions for further development.
“One remarkable aspect of Tiankara Creations is our commitment to empowering young people and women, encouraging them to enter the textile industry,” she said.
Tiankara’s emphasis on job creation aligns with the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative, which has facilitated the sale of over 24,000 garments by 2022.
Furthermore, their dedication to waste management through recycling demonstrates their commitment to environmental sustainability, as they repurpose leftover fabric into chairs and cushions.
The growth trajectory of Tiankara includes the inauguration of a new store in Section 58 within Nakuru town and a remarkable increase in personnel from two to 37.
However, challenges persist, particularly in sourcing high-quality fabric at competitive prices.
Juma emphasizes the necessity of obtaining superior fabric to uphold the brand’s standards.
To navigate these challenges, the company has adapted by staying informed about the latest fabric trends and exploring sourcing options through social media, field research, and participation in trade shows.
Juma attributes Tiankara’s success to their keen understanding of their target market, which encompasses family-oriented consumers, office wear, and corporate clients.
Looking ahead, Tiankara Creations aims to further expand by establishing branches in various regions of the country.
