We were lucky to catch up with Haregu Alem recently and have shared our conversation below.
Haregu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I disliked carrying purses—particularly bulky ones—running long errands or a night out with friends. Once I moved to Los Angeles from Houston Texas, I spent long hours hiking, walking and going to the beach and being encumbered with a purse was a headache. The temperature in LA can be quite warm (although not like Houston thankfully) and carrying a handbag is burdensome. One day I decided to figure out a solution and originated a design that was practical and fashionable—a holster design that would fit comfortably around a woman’s or man’s shoulders and contain every item that is critical to function. As they say necessity is the mother of invention. I wanted something simple and light but with a chic design that would not be your typical backpack or belt/pouch. I went on my laptop and researched everything related to my vision . I went to every fashion pop up for weeks in LA to find the perfect designer to put my vision into reality. Having secured a designer, she introduced me to different manufacturing companies that would produce my holster using materials purchased at wholesale. I worked constantly to streamline the design and chose quality materials that were affordable and had the appropriate look and style. It take much of my time and focus as not having been engaged in manufacturing accessories, I had a lot to learn. I never stopped working in putting my dream into reality. In my opinion it takes mostly passion, strive, grind and a great team with lots of lots networking to capitalize on their experiences and skills.
Haregu, 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?
My name is Haregu Alem aka NellyOwA and founder and owner of OWA Productions LLC. I always was an entrepreneur since I was a child and I tended to go my own way and try to find solutions to my problems. My business is concentrated on making holsters and accessories and my focus is to strive and improve on my products. One of my favorite books is Think and Grow Rich by Nathaniel Hill. He interviewed the financial titans of the day—the Carnegies, the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts—to determine if there was a common thread between them to achieve success. And based on his research, he found that there was a unified theme among them—namely, they had a specific goal and a singular purpose to achieve it, essentially organizing their daily activities to best attain their vision. So my point is if you have a dream, spend your time focused on achieving it and try to avoid distractions or negative energy that will detour you from your path.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I was born and raised in Germany Hamburg but im originally from Eritrea.i came to the United States 18 years young not knowing English and no money. I was very determined to achieve whatever I put my mind into. I earned a lot of respect by working hard doesn’t matter if I was able to communicate or not . Every person I worked with saw my strive and respected it. I’m now in full display at the Houston galleria mall at the Attire store and I also moved to Miami from LA to extend my business the people in Florida love my holsters since my holster is perfect for the beach and light to wear for any weather .Im working on having my holsters world wide we are also sealing in Europe.. Paris Italy and Germany .
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
It was hard leaving my family mostly and in the process losing my mother and grandmother was beyond disturbing but I know they want me to succeed and be successful and live my dreams everything I do is for them!! I almost gave up on my dreams but they always showed up in my dreams and told me not to give up its very hard to talk about it but yes this is the only thing that is keeping me going having legendcy for my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OWAProductions?load_webview=1&bid=TQE37rj2L1OG00B0IvmUTfaCXbIc
- Instagram: @owa_shop @owavestfest @djchanaenay @dj_ic3_ @larrydcooley @nellyowa
Image Credits
My Digital manger Larry Cooley Grand ambassador in Miami DJ ChanaeNAy DJ ChanaeNay, a vesitile DJ known for her upbeat vibes with a Caribbean Electro Feel. Shes A DMV native, but DJing has taken her all over the world being at venues such as Club 44 , Epic Hotel , Miss Lilys & Clevelanders. ChanaeNay is Also known for her eye catching style in fashion. “My outfit has to have a statement piece, or it doesn’t feel complete! That why I love wearing OWA holster, it’s an edgy piece that’s a absolute must in my wadrobe!” Grand ambassador in Miami DJ ICE The hottest female Dj straight out of South Florida Miami. She’s been all over the states New York, New Jersey, OKC, Chicago, Houston Texas, New Orleans, California just to name a few. A Diverse DJ full of energy. She Goes by the Name of DJ ICE and just like every single time she comes to turn things up for you! Representing OWA hard at her events.Loving every color she has and rocking it on stage must have item.