Meet Chimnedum “OMEGA” Nga | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chimnedum “OMEGA” Nga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chimnedum “OMEGA”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The foundation of EKPEN was done out of necessity. In a way, you can say EKPEN is a natural and inevitable occurrence that emerged from the environment it is rooted in. To be clear, the environment I’m talking about is the African diaspora worldwide – it represents a merging of societies and cultures on a global scale. EKPEN captures the stories, cultures, and experiences of those living in diaspora, then we weave these experiences into our garments.

As EKPEN’s founder and designer I have always recognized the need for a brand that voices my reality as an African living in the diaspora. My designs are a documentation of my culture, principles, and lived experience.

Founding EKPEN as a fashion brand was an easy decision. The support we receive from our customers and families let us know we are on the right path.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets EKPEN apart from other brands is that we bridge the gap between contemporary West African fashion and modern western fashion. Our mission is highlighting West African cultures and values for the whole world to see. We are proud of our ability to create “made in Nigeria” products which allows us to give back to our native communities.

EKPEN is excited about our upcoming releases in spring and fall. We have taken the feedback and support of our customers and created fashion pieces that are guaranteed to make a statement, every time.

We got to where we are today by the grace of God and support of our families. Family is very important to us, and is one of the reasons why we chose a lion as our symbolic logo. Our families have helped us through our toughest moments and were there to clap for us when we found success. It wasn’t easy, but discipline and proper guidance helped us overcome and learn from our setbacks.

Along the way we have learned to keep our potency as a brand and to never dilute our message. We would like the world to know that EKPEN’s story is a single melody in a symphony that is the worldwide African diaspora. EKPEN is just getting started and our choir of supporters is growing larger by the day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would recommend anybody visiting Arizona spend a day in Scottsdale. Old town Scottsdale is one of the most walkable places in the valley and not far from my favorite restaurant, Caribbean Palm.

I would also recommend they check out southern Arizona and do the Romero Pools hike, north of Tucson.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to create and my family for supporting me throughout my life.

I would also like to shout out to Emeka Njoku of Lagos PHX and Brian Hill of Phoenix Fashion Week for providing me knowledge, mentorship, and an environment to showcase my creations.

Website: www.EKPEN.shop

Instagram: @omega.vzn

Twitter: @omega_vzn

Facebook: Facebook.com/omega.vzn

Other: Facebook.com/EKPEN.shop Instagram.com/EKPEN.shop Twitter.com/EKPEN_

Image Credits
Jaron Quach & Obi Nga