We were lucky to catch up with Aliké Chambers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aliké thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

The most important lesson of my career was delivered in five simple words. Before I launched Oni Threads, I was let go from a role where I was told, “You are not an aesthetic fit.” That one sentence shifted everything for me. It was a stark reminder that being your authentic self—fully and unapologetically—can sometimes be seen as a threat in environments not built to nurture difference.

At the time, the experience was deeply vulnerable. I had shown up with my unique creative approach, thinking I could be the piece that made the puzzle more complete. Instead, I was told I didn’t belong. That moment forced me to learn how to balance the humility to listen with the resilience to stay rooted in my own identity, even when others don’t see its value.

That painful experience became a creative turning point and the foundational belief behind Oni Threads. It inspired our core mantra: that difference isn’t something to hide, it’s something to celebrate, because it’s the contrasting pieces that make the most powerful compositions. That lesson is now embedded into every stitch of our work, and it’s why we create “Armor for the Everyday Warrior”—to empower others to wear their own stories with confidence, knowing their aesthetic is always a perfect fit.

Aliké, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Aliké Uwimana Chambers, founder of Oni Threads and a Senior Visual Designer with over a decade of experience transforming brands through strategic storytelling and human-centered design. My creative journey has spanned global tech firms, fashion startups, and over 50 identity systems. Each project sharpened my ability to blend design thinking with emotional resonance. Fashion called to me not as a next step but as a return to storytelling in its most visible, wearable form.

Fashion has always been a sub-genre of art. In recent years, however, its cultural value has been undermined by fast fashion’s obsession with cheapness, disposability, and meaningless trends. I saw an opportunity to change that. Oni Threads was born not just to offer clothing, but to make a statement, ask a question, and tell a story. It’s a brand rooted in cultural precision and artistic discipline. We bring Japanese samurai heritage to life through modern streetwear silhouettes.

What sets Oni Threads apart is the intentionality behind every design. Through extensive study of Japanese pattern-making and Edo-period art, I’ve developed over 36 original textile patterns. Each one is digitally crafted with deep respect for historical meaning, tessellation processes, and cultural significance. These are not borrowed aesthetics. They are reinterpreted symbols of strength, crafted as modern-day armor for those who wear them.

My background in UI/UX design, brand strategy, and visual storytelling allows me to build apparel that does more than look good. It serves a purpose. Our clothing is there when you’re crushing a PR at the gym, expressing yourself at a house party, or quietly showing the world who you are without saying a word.

I’m most proud of creating a brand that honors tradition while inspiring the present. It serves as a bridge between centuries-old artistry and contemporary self-expression. At Oni Threads, we make fashion with substance, story, and soul. When you wear Oni Threads, you wear your strength, your culture, and your legacy. One thread at a time.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

My entire approach to business and life was transformed by “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. As someone who navigates the challenges of neurological development disorders, I spent much of my life struggling with the kind of consistency that leads to long-term results. Clear’s framework of cue, craving, response, and reward wasn’t just a productivity hack; it was a lifeline that helped me reclaim time I thought I had lost. It’s the system that allowed me to stay committed to a personal trainer for two years straight, and it’s the same discipline I now apply to every facet of Oni Threads.

That philosophy of small, consistent actions compounding over time is what powered me through the creation of a comprehensive business plan, a detailed brand strategy, and our library of over 36 original textile patterns. It’s the practical application of the discipline I admire in samurai culture, which serves as a constant source of inspiration for our brand.

On a daily operational level, my other essential tool is Notion. As a neurodivergent founder juggling hundreds of ideas, it has become my second brain—the digital workspace where I turn the principles from “Atomic Habits” into organized, actionable plans.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The story of funding Oni Threads is one of grit, creativity, and finding the right support systems, because unlike many entrepreneurs, I didn’t have a financial safety net—no family loans, no extra savings. My start was built on my own determination and the support of a community that believed in my vision.

Sky’s The Limit, a digital community for early-stage entrepreneurs, played a pivotal role. Their platform and mentorship were instrumental in my development, helping me refine my pitch and business acumen. Ultimately, my hard work paid off when I won their $2,500 Family & Friends grant. That moment wasn’t just about the money; it was a powerful vote of confidence.

We used that capital with surgical precision to officially register our LLC and to fund our very first professional vendor booth. That initial grant was the beginning, proving our model and giving us the traction to pursue the additional capital we’re now raising for our next chapter: investing in digital advertising, hiring our first marketing specialist, and securing eco-conscious vendor partnerships. I’m building this business the same way I create our designs: one thoughtful layer at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://onithreads.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/onithreads/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onithreads
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onithreads/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/onithreads/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OniThreads-n3v
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@onithreads [email protected]

Image Credits
Keanu Trias the DJ, with Alike Chambers.