How Cris Njoki Built IKOJN: Fashion, Failure, and Empowering Kenyan Women | Episode 22

How Cris Njoki Built IKOJN: Fashion, Failure, and Empowering Kenyan Women | Episode 22

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Cris Njoki, the founder of IKOJN — a proudly Made in Kenya fashion brand — and a dynamic social media content creator and influencer. Cris takes us through her incredible journey in the fashion industry, starting with her time at fashion school. She shares how a chance visit to Gikomba, Kenya’s largest second-hand clothing market, sparked the idea for her thrift business. What began as buying clothes for herself quickly turned into a thriving venture when she started selling unique finds on Facebook, earning over 1 Million Kenya Shillings. With this capital, Cris traveled to China to source vendors for her own brand, but faced a major setback when the products didn’t meet her expectations, resulting in a significant financial loss. Undeterred, she bounced back by designing her own pieces, which gained recognition in fashion shows and pushed her to launch IKOJN. Today, IKOJN is a powerful platform empowering women, with a team that is 99% female. Find Cris Njoki on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/crisnjoki/?hl=en] | ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@crisnjoki?lang=en⁠] | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://ke.linkedin.com/in/cris-njoki-73334328⁠] Visit ⁠IKOJN⁠ [https://www.ikojn.com⁠] If you want to hear more stories like Cris Njoki’s, please leave a like and subscribe to The Cre8 Podcast. Feel free to comment below which Creative you'd like to see next. Remember to stay creative, and we'll see you back here on The Cre8 Podcast - where creatives connect! ---- ⁠Shop Our Merch⁠ [https://www.yaga.co.ke/cre8] Find our host, Cindi Muriuki, on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/cindimuriuki]: Connect with us elsewhere: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thecre8pod] | ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecre8pod] | ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/thecre8pod] | ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093659655845]

How Magunga Williams Found His Voice Through The Art of Storytelling | Episode 21

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Magunga Williams — a Kenyan creative powerhouse who transitioned from law to storytelling through writing, photography, and filmmaking. Magunga shares his journey of defying expectations by leaving law school to pursue his passion for creativity, despite initial family challenges. Starting as a writer with his blog ‘magunga.com [http://magunga.com]’ and a virtual bookstore dedicated to African literature, he found his true calling in photography after collaborating with renowned photographer Osbourne Macharia during a Safaricom excursion. Borrowing his then-girlfriend’s camera, Magunga developed a love for landscape photography and has since expanded into videography and filmmaking. He opens up about his creative influences and friendships with notable creatives like Namuks, Peter Size 10, Truth Slinger, and Gufy Dox. We also explore his exciting partnership with Glenfiddich, where he produces the captivating series ‘For The Record’ — storytelling through vinyl records and whisky, showcasing his unique narrative style. Find Magunga Williams on: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/themagunga/?hl=en⁠] | ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/themagunga?lang=en⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠] | ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@themagunga?lang=en⁠] Read his ⁠latest blog post here⁠ [https://www.magunga.com/named-by-the-clouds-by-magunga/⁠] If you want to hear more stories like Magunga William’s, please leave a like and subscribe to The Cre8 Podcast. Feel free to comment below which Creative you'd like to see next. Remember to stay creative, and we'll see you back here on The Cre8 Podcast - where creatives connect! ---- ⁠Shop Our Merch Here⁠ [https://www.yaga.co.ke/cre8] Find our host, Cindi Muriuki, on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/cindimuriuki]: Connect with us elsewhere: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thecre8pod] | ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecre8pod] |⁠ X⁠ [https://x.com/thecre8pod] | ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093659655845] #MagungaWilliams #KenyanPhotographer #Storytelling #AfricanCreatives #Glenfiddich #ForTheRecord #CreativeJourney #PhotographyKenya #Videography #CreativeEntrepreneurship

Zia Nyamari: Building Kenya’s Leading Sustainable Fashion Brand - Zia Africa’s Rise, Resilience & Redefining Style | Episode 20

Meet Zia Nyamari, the visionary founder and CEO of Zia Africa — Kenya’s trailblazing sustainable fashion brand. In this heartfelt interview, Zia opens up about her inspiring journey from corporate life to fashion entrepreneurship, and how she overcame personal and professional challenges to redefine what sustainable fashion means in Africa. Zia Bett shares: - Her initial fears about leaving a stable corporate job to pursue her passion for fashion full time - The tough decision to close her first physical store during the pandemic and how she bounced back - The game-changing impact of building a board and pivoting Zia Africa towards sustainability - Opening her flagship store at Village Market Mall and what it means for the brand - The personal loss of her sister in 2021 and how it shaped her perspective - Life as a creative entrepreneur married to Nyashinski, one of Kenya’s top musicians - Breaking the myth that sustainable fashion has to be basic and her mission to bring bold, stylish designs to eco-friendly clothing - Overcoming her fear of being the face of her brand and embracing her role as a public figure If you’re passionate about fashion, entrepreneurship, sustainability, or personal growth, this episode is packed with real talk, inspiration, and practical insights. P.S. We mentioned two pieces of clothing from Zia Africa including “A night in Paris” Maxi Bodycon Dress [https://ziaafrica.com/products/a-night-in-paris-maxi-bodycon-dress] and "Zahara" Poplin Crop Shirt [https://ziaafrica.com/products/crop-shirt?_pos=4&_sid=83c0c2342&_ss=r] Find Zia Nyamari on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nandigirl_/?hl=en] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@zianyamari] Find Zia Africa: Location: Village Market, New Wing, 1st floor, Nairobi Website [https://ziaafrica.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ziafrica/?hl=en] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@ziafrica] If you want to hear more stories like Zia Nyamari’s, please leave a like and subscribe to The Cre8 Podcast. Feel free to comment below which Creative you'd like to see next. Remember to stay creative, and we'll see you back here on The Cre8 Podcast - where creatives connect! ---- Shop Our Merch [https://www.yaga.co.ke/cre8] Find our host, Cindi Muriuki, on Instagram Connect with us elsewhere: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecre8pod] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecre8pod] | X [https://x.com/thecre8pod] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093659655845] #ZiaBett #ZiaAfrica #SustainableFashion #KenyanFashion #AfricanFashion #WomenEntrepreneurs #FashionEntrepreneur #EcoFriendlyFashion #FashionBrand #VillageMarket #Nyashinski #FashionInspiration #FashionResilience #KenyanCreatives #SustainableStyle #FashionJourney #EntrepreneurLife #FashionLeadership #AfricanWomenInBusiness

From London to Nairobi: G Money on Radio, Events, and Dancehall in Kenya | Episode 19

On this episode of The Cre8 Podcast, Cindi Muriuki has an insightful conversation with G Money AKA Conrad Gray, the British-Jamaican-Kenyan DJ, radio personality, and CEO of The Good Company KE. From his early days on pirate radio in the UK to becoming a key figure in Kenya’s radio and music scene, G Money shares his remarkable journey and the impact he’s made along the way. Discover how G Money’s passion and talent led him to BBC Radio 1 Xtra, and how a chance meeting with John Rabar brought him to Kenya to help launch Homeboyz Radio — a move that changed his life forever. Though not planning to stay, he fell in love with Kenya and became a beloved radio host, shaping the soundscape of Kenyan radio until his retirement in 2024. In this episode, we also explore: - The current state of Kenyan radio and its evolution. - A comparison of Kenya’s music events to international scenes, including venues, sound quality, and ticket pricing. - G Money’s influential role in promoting Dancehall music in Kenya by bringing top artists like Etana and Chronixx to local audiences - His vision for The Good Company KE and the future of Kenya’s entertainment industry Whether you’re a music lover, aspiring DJ, or interested in the Kenyan creative industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiring stories. Find G Money on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/gmoneyizme] | X (formerly Twitter) [https://x.com/GMONEYizME] Find The Good Company: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thegoodcompanyke/?hl=en] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thegoodcompanykenya] | X (formerly Twitter) [https://x.com/goodcompanyke] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodcompanyke] If you want to hear more stories like G Money’s, please leave a like and subscribe to The Cre8 Podcast. Feel free to comment below which Creative you'd like to see next. Remember to stay creative, and we'll see you back here on The Cre8 Podcast - where creatives connect! ---- Shop Our Merch [https://www.yaga.co.ke/cre8] Find our host, Cindi Muriuki, on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cindimuriuki] Connect with us elsewhere: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thecre8pod] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecre8pod] | X [https://x.com/thecre8pod] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093659655845] #GMoney #KenyanRadio #DancehallKenya #TheGoodCompanyKE #HomeboyzRadio #KenyanMusic #DJLife #BBC1Radio #MusicEventsKenya #KenyanEntertainment

From Software Engineer to Visual Storyteller | Wixx Mangutha’s Creative Journey | Episode 18

In this inspiring interview, Wixx Mangutha, a talented visual storyteller and founder of Wixx Studios - a thriving art studio with a growing team, shares her unique journey from studying software engineering to becoming a successful artist. 🎨 Starting to draw at a young age, Wixx never saw art as a viable career path and initially followed her sister’s footsteps into software engineering. However, with encouragement from family and friends, she began sharing her artwork online, gradually revealing her creative process and face to her growing audience. 🚀 Today, Wixx runs her own studio, balancing the challenges and wins of creating visually appealing stories and art both for herself and on behalf of major brands. She opens up about the struggles of pursuing her passion and the triumphs that have shaped her career. If you’re interested in art, creative entrepreneurship, or personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Find Wixx Mangutha on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/wixx_mangutha] | ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@wixx_mangutha] |⁠ X (formerly Twitter)⁠ [https://x.com/wixx_mangutha?lang=en] | ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe6Uqxn9lVXfJ47jOPyeEZw] If you want to hear more stories like Wixx’s, please leave a like and subscribe to The Cre8 Podcast. Feel free to comment below which Creative you'd like to see next. Remember to stay creative, and we'll see you back here on The Cre8 Podcast - where creatives connect! --- ⁠Shop Our Merch⁠ [https://www.yaga.co.ke/cre8] Find our host, Cindi Muriuki, on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/cindimuriuki]: Connect with us elsewhere: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thecre8pod] | ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecre8pod] | ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/thecre8pod] | ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093659655845] #VisualStoryteller #ArtStudio #CreativeJourney #WixxMangutha #ArtistInterview #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ArtCareer #SoftwareEngineerToArtist