We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cynthia Asije a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Cynims’ mission is deeply rooted in celebrating and uplifting Black culture through vibrant, expressive athleisure wear. Our mission emerged from a desire to address a gap in the market where inclusive representation and cultural expression were often overlooked in athletic fashion.

The story behind our mission is personal and powerful. Our founder, driven by a passion for both fashion and cultural heritage, recognized that athleisure could be more than just functional—it could be a canvas for storytelling. By incorporating bold, vibrant prints and patterns inspired by African art and traditions, we aim to create a brand that reflects the beauty and diversity of Black culture.

This mission is meaningful because it connects deeply with our community’s identity and experiences. It empowers us to provide a platform for cultural expression while promoting inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry. At Cynims, we believe that every piece of clothing should tell a story, and our mission is to ensure that story is rich, vibrant, and authentically reflective of the cultures that inspire us.

Cynthia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Cynthia Asije, CEO and textile designer and CEO at Cynims. My journey into the athleisure industry began with a passion for fashion and a deep appreciation for the vibrant patterns and rich cultural heritage of African art. I wanted to create a brand that not only offered stylish, high-quality athleisure wear but also celebrated and showcased the beauty of Black culture.

Cynims specializes in crafting athleisure wear that stands out with bold, dynamic prints inspired by traditional African designs. Our collections include a range of functional and fashionable pieces, from leggings and sports bras to jackets and accessories. Each piece is designed to offer both performance and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that our customers not only look great but feel confident and empowered.

We address the lack of cultural representation in mainstream athleisure by integrating culturally significant patterns and prints into our designs. This allows our clients to express their individuality and heritage through their activewear, filling a gap in the market for inclusive and culturally resonant fashion.

What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and representation. Our designs are not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in cultural storytelling. I’m most proud of how Cynims bridges fashion with cultural expression, creating a platform that amplifies Black voices and stories.

For potential clients and followers, Cynims is more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and heritage. We invite you to join us in embracing and showcasing the vibrant beauty of our culture through athleisure wear that tells a story.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building the audience for Cynims on social media was a journey of persistence, authenticity, and storytelling. When we first started, we focused on showcasing not just our products but the story behind the brand—the cultural significance of our vibrant prints and the empowerment they represent. Our followers connected with this deeper purpose, which helped us grow organically.

We used platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where visuals are key, to highlight the bold designs and creative processes behind each collection. Consistency was crucial—we made sure to post regularly and engage actively with our audience. We also leveraged influencers who resonated with our mission, amplifying our reach and building trust with a broader audience.

For those just starting out, my advice is to stay true to your brand’s story and values. Authenticity is what attracts and retains followers. Consistency in posting, engagement, and collaborations with like-minded influencers or brands are also important. Create content that reflects not only your products but the lifestyle and culture behind your brand. Lastly, be patient—building an engaged audience takes time, but it’s worth the investment.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, at Cynims, we manufacture our products, but the journey to get there was quite a learning experience. Initially, I didn’t have extensive knowledge about manufacturing athleisure wear, but I was driven by a passion for creating high-quality, culturally-inspired pieces. My first step was researching fabric types, performance needs, and sustainability, as it was important that our products not only looked good but also met the functional demands of activewear.

Finding the right manufacturer was a crucial part of the process. I started by reaching out to local manufacturers and visiting production facilities to ensure their quality and ethical practices aligned with our values. After testing several options, I found a vendor who understood our vision of integrating vibrant prints with functional designs.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of clear communication with your manufacturer. It’s essential to be specific about your requirements, from fabric choices to pattern placements, to avoid missteps. Another important lesson is being patient with the process—samples often need tweaking, and timelines can stretch, but maintaining quality is worth the extra time.

Manufacturing is about building strong relationships and being hands-on throughout the process. It’s a learning curve, but with persistence and clear vision, it becomes a rewarding part of bringing your products to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cynims.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcynims
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopcynims
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com