In the world of fashion, where creativity meets commerce, Emefa Kuadey stands out as a shining example of entrepreneurial spirit and innovative design. Her journey from civil engineer to fashion entrepreneur inspires business owners everywhere.

From engineering to fashion design

In 2012, Emefa was pursuing a career in civil engineering when, in her third year of university, her brother passed away. The loss was devastating. She took a semester off to process and grieve with her family back in Ghana. While there, she visited with her aunt frequently who was teaching her how to sew; a welcomed distraction. Her mom and aunt were surprised by how quick she picked it up, but Emefa just saw it as a hobby.

Upon graduation she landed a job, but about a year in, she found herself counting down the days to the weekend or even the end of the day. She took it as a sign to pursue something more fulfilling, after all, she would always have her degree to fall back on. In a bold move that would change the trajectory of her life, Emefa left her corporate job in 2017 to study fashion design at George Brown College, one of Canada's top fashion schools. She maximized her resources, networked, and connected with community organizations to build her clothing line.

"Don't count yourself out of opportunities," Emefa advises. "Let someone tell you no instead of assuming their answer will be a no. Put yourself out there."

Creating a distinctive brand

In 2019, fresh out of fashion school, Emefa launched ISRAELLA KOBLA, a Toronto-based women's clothing and accessories brand, bringing a fresh perspective to minimalist fashion. ISRAELLA KOBLA's pieces showcase an appreciation for architecture and timeless design, a nod to Emefa's background in engineering.

"I find that many people and businesses use Black History Month as an opportunity to bring awareness to brands they may never have discovered," Emefa notes. "I also love when ISRAELLA KOBLA is included in some of these lists and we're opened up to a totally new audience."

Building retail success

Emefa's journey with ISRAELLA KOBLA demonstrates strategic business growth. What started as a made-to-order online brand has grown into a successful retail presence, available not only on their website but also in select Hudson's Bay stores across Ontario and, most recently, in eight Nordstrom stores across the US.

This impressive growth didn't happen by chance. Emefa emphasizes the importance of networking and taking advantage of entrepreneurship hubs. "There are lots of entrepreneurship hubs," she says. "Find out about what is out there and take advantage of them."

Strategic financing with Alterna

A crucial factor in ISRAELLA KOBLA's expansion was Emefa's strategic approach to financing. Her journey with Alterna began through one of their community loan partners, establishing a foundation for growth. Later, she received funding through a joint loan partnership between the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund and BDC. "Without the funding, we wouldn't have been able to successfully enter retail stores last year," Emefa acknowledges. This support from Alterna played a pivotal role in ISRAELLA KOBLA's scaling strategy, enabling the brand to meet the demands of major retailers and expand its market presence.

Recognition and growth

Emefa's hard work and innovative approach to fashion have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she won the inaugural Hudson's Bay Fashion Fund. This recognition, coupled with ISRAELLA KOBLA's recent launch in Nordstrom stores and on nordstrom.com, signals exciting times ahead for the brand.

Emefa Kuadey's story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and the right support. To explore ISRAELLA KOBLA's unique blend of minimalism and personality, visit their website at israellakobla.com. You might just find your next favourite piece that perfectly balances timeless design with contemporary flair.

If you’d like to learn more about ISRAELLA KOBLA visit: https://israellakobla.com/

For more about Alterna’s Microfinance Program visit: Alterna - Microfinance