We recently connected with Brittni Ahmed and have shared our conversation below.

Brittni, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Ocolaa the name stemmed from my nickname growing up; Cola.

My mother gave me the name Cola when I was 2, it was short for my middle name Nicole.

Going through my childhood I use to hide my nickname from anyone who was not family, I just wanted to be known for my middle name Nicole. One day it got out and spread around school like wildfire, so friends & outside people jokingly started to call me by it. People were not shy of telling me how unique and pretty my nickname was!

Instead I realized that it wasn’t so bad and that all anxieties around the name Cola were all in my head! As people learned the dialog seem to always start as ” Oooh Cola?” It was way more bold and daring than Nicole, and people loved it!

When brainstorming about the brand name, I wanted the name to have my soul in it and represent my journey. I also wanted my name to sound good against other huge designer brands, and have a timeless effect!

Ocolaa seemed to just pop on my doodle pad, and it clicked. The name adopted so much power and confidence and beauty, and became a serious platform for me to showcase who I was creatively.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been designing since age 8, and created the name of my brand officially when I was 16.

I always had a profound love for the arts but it took me to find another creative to point me in the direction I wanted to go. At a very young age I started making steps toward being a Fashion Designer and Visionary.

Over the years, learning about textiles, color concepts, inspirations etc. I always saw myself doing major couture work, because I knew I wanted to create beautiful things that only people dreamt of.

Now I have evolved and expanded on that idea, I wanted something that was timeless, going to turn heads and make a statement as a brand and be something people only have dreamt of. Our clothing at Ocolaa focuses on your sex appeal and fit!

This fresh innovative concept of meshing the two ideas of couture and everyday clothing is where I like to stay for my regular line.

As a brand, we focus on the fit, quality, and the feeling behind every piece. Your sex appeal and confidence is skyrocketed with the clothing Ocolaa provides. We solve problems of opening up fears around color, sizing, and stereotypes. Creating ideas around tasteful styling and bold pair ups.

I believe Ocolaa will set itself apart by the inclusivity, attitude, fresh take on high fashion.

I want Ocolaa consumers to know they make their own rules and standards, not society; giving a platform for creative confidence and attitude! While always valuing quality and fabrics and fit.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Something I had to unlearn as a creative going through my own journey, is that just you cant have talent without hustle & hustle sometimes can beat talent.

After finishing all my schooling and obtaining my degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising, I had the misconception that I was going to come out of school to the same hype & opportunity that I had in college.

Not realizing I didn’t have the financial pressures of everyday living in college. I was just able to design and create all day; Heaven. After graduation reality kicks in, and the world is cold. I had to keep building on my community past college on a bigger scale.

With everything that life throws at you, perseverance is what you need to get through. I had to learn that even though my work was good, it wasn’t going to push itself. I had to do more than create, I had to get out there and campaign!

Juggling the twists and turns of life and small business capital, you have to be strategic and creative with your moves.
9 times out of 10 the risk factor and unknown will scare you, but never let it stop you from making a move.

Two things; You can be talented, but the world won’t come to you. You have to bring yourself to the world.
Success is hard work, and it takes hustle no matter what you are bringing to life.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Other than the massive social media platform.

One of the most effective ways of gaining my clientele is through in person moments! I love meeting people with my clothes on and be the walking billboard.

This way clients can see how the product moves, fits, feels and responds to everyday. I can answer all question and retain live feedback.

Contact Info:

• Website: Ocolaa.com
• Instagram: @Ocolaa @iamocolaa
• Linkedin: Ocolaa
• Twitter: @Ocolaaofficial
• Youtube: Ocolaaofficial3330

Image Credits
Ocolaa Films