Today we’d like to introduce you to Stelly Tchana

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My name is Stelly Tchana, and I am the founder of Pagne at Home. My story begins in my youth, driven by an innate passion for African fashion. This fascination led me to establish Pagne at Home in 2012, initially as a simple blog.

Over the years, I have transformed this passion into a thriving business, offering a platform where the cultural richness of Africa meets modern elegance. It hasn’t been easy, especially while juggling the role of a single mother to three young children. But my determination and passion have been my driving forces.

Today, Pagne at Home is much more than an online store. It has become a pillar of African fashion in Canada, offering an exceptional range of both emerging and established brands. Our mission is ambitious: to put African fashion on the global map. And I am proud to say that we are making strides toward that goal, step by step. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible team and devoted customers.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road to building Pagne at Home hasn’t been entirely smooth. Like any entrepreneurial journey, it’s been marked by its fair share of challenges. One significant hurdle was sourcing suppliers for our products. Finding reliable partners who shared our commitment to quality and ethical practices took time and effort. We had to vet numerous potential collaborators to ensure they aligned with our values and standards.

Another obstacle was building our customer base. In the early days, gaining traction and visibility in a competitive market was tough. We had to be creative in our marketing strategies and invest resources into building brand awareness. It required patience and persistence to establish a loyal customer following.

Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with motherhood was perhaps the most daunting challenge of all. Being a single mother to three young children meant juggling multiple responsibilities and often feeling pulled in different directions. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but my passion for Pagne at Home and the support of my loved ones kept me going.

Overall, while the journey has had its share of bumps along the way, each challenge has been a learning opportunity. It’s through overcoming these obstacles that Pagne at Home has grown stronger and more resilient.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

As a retail buyer, my work revolves around selecting merchandise for sale in retail stores. I specialize in curating collections that resonate with my target audience, blending my knowledge of fashion trends with an understanding of consumer preferences.

What sets me apart is my unique perspective gained from experience in both the French and Canadian retail markets. Having worked in diverse cultural contexts, I bring a nuanced understanding of global fashion trends and an ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

I take pride in my ability to identify emerging trends and source products that reflect the latest in fashion while also staying true to the unique identity of the brands I represent. Building strong relationships with suppliers and understanding the needs of my customers are key factors that contribute to my success as a retail buyer.

Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is my role in creating memorable shopping experiences for customers and helping to shape the retail landscape in both France and Canada. My dedication to excellence and my passion for delivering quality products set me apart in a competitive industry.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?

Absolutely, the success of my journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the incredible support system I’ve had along the way. My children have been my constant source of motivation and inspiration. Their resilience and unwavering belief in me have fueled my determination to succeed, even during the toughest times.

My pastor and my church community have also played a significant role in my journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and prayers have provided me with spiritual strength and perspective, helping me navigate challenges with grace and faith.

Furthermore, my faith has been an anchor throughout this journey. It has given me hope in times of uncertainty and the courage to pursue my dreams relentlessly. The teachings and values instilled in me through my faith have shaped not only my personal life but also my approach to business and leadership.

In addition to my family and faith community, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, supporters, and teammates who have believed in me and my vision for the business. Their guidance, advice, and collaboration have been invaluable in shaping the direction of my career and the success of the business.

Overall, I owe a debt of gratitude to all these individuals and communities who have stood by me, supported me, and cheered me on every step of the way. Their collective contributions have been instrumental in my journey, and I am deeply thankful for their presence in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pagneathome.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagneathome/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waxpagne/

Image Credits
Stelly Tchana
Bubu Blaq