The rapidly growing activewear market is constantly looking for new clothing that is not only practical and beautiful, but also increasingly more sustainable. Zola Eve, an exciting activewear brand inspired by Africa and created by entrepreneur Ncheta Dasilva, harnesses her Nigerian heritage to produce a memorable, eco-driven clothing range.
LoA learned more about this unique activewear brand this month that is exciting lovers of yoga and exercise everywhere.
What does your company do?
Zola Eve is an African print inspired activewear brand with a conscience. Our products are sustainably made from recycled materials. We’re ethically manufactured in London, ensuring fair treatment and wages for workers. We love to empower women, and this year 10% of all sale proceeds are donated to women survivors of war.
[bs-quote quote=”“We want ladies who wear Zola Eve garments to feel fearless, bold and confident in their skin.”” style=”default” align=”left” author_name=”Ncheta Dasilva” author_job=”Founder – Zola Eve” author_avatar=”https://humansofafrica.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Zola-1-1.jpg”][/bs-quote]
What inspired you to start your company?
My love of yoga and the therapeutic benefits I gained during periods of high stress in my corporate career, inspired me to start the activewear brand Zola Eve. Being of Nigerian descent, I was also inspired to incorporate some Ankara-esque prints into the brand identity. With my background originally in Finance, it was a steep learning curve learning about the polluting affects of modern fashion practices, so it was important that the garments were made from sustainable materials. In this first collection, we use recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. Opening my eyes to the fact that the textiles industry is notorious for modern slavery practices, another important feature of the business was to ensure the people who made Zola Eve’s garments were paid and treated fairly. Hence production was sourced in London in a factory with compliant treatment practices. Finally, I’ve always loved helping women and have grown up with the notion of giving back. My late father used to drill into me: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” So the proceeds supporting women’s empowerment initiatives was a given.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The garments are high quality, soft to touch, comfortable, and keep you cool during your workouts. We want ladies who wear Zola Eve garments to feel fearless, bold and confident in their skin. Be the peaceful goddess that you are, feel good while doing some good in the world.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Celebrating the small wins along the journey. Running a business, solo, is HARD. There will be times when you question your sanity, your purpose, your bank balance, but it takes something as small as a heart-felt comment from a customer, that makes it all worthwhile.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Test your idea before a full launch. Create samples, solicit feedback, build a community and incorporate their feedback into your final offering. Your WHY has to be strong (the reason you started your business), as people need to know, like and trust you before they’ll part with their money. After all that, go for it – you have nothing to lose!
Contact or follow Zola Eve
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email hello@zolaeve.com
