We were lucky to catch up with Maurice Nnoshiri Ihenacho recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maurice Nnoshiri, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
Through the process of starting a business your are constantly advised there will be mistakes. I was determined to avoid this through studying my industry and acquiring mentors to assist with leading the way. Looking back now on the early years of business I can confidently state mistakes and or setbacks are inevitable. The error that stands out the most was attempting to coordinate manufacturing with overseas vendors. It was our biggest budgeted project to date of launching our first patterned cut and sew designed track suits. Trying to source a good vendor was a challenge that I felt I put enough time and diligence into the company I selected out of Pakistan. I vetted the company as best I could, received mockup designs, samples, ID’s, permits, addresses, bank information, and just about anything you can think of to confirm their legitimacy. I proceeded to transfer funds and wait for my first shipment to arrive. Once received the products were nothing like what the samples displayed. I didn’t have any legal clause or contract in writing stating the return policy or reimbursement. I was stuck with inventory that was a cheaper material, incorrect design and misspellings. Needless to say I lost a lot of money but learned number one, mistakes are expensive and number two make sure every contingency is in writing when working with vendors at home or abroad.
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
My name is Maurice Nnoshiri Ihenacho, born and raised in Baltimore, MD to an American mother and Nigerian father. I grew up in a family and community of creatives and found myself developing a passion and skillset for visual arts. This desire led me to attending the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts in Baltimore who’s notable alumni include Tupac Shakur and Jada Pinket-Smith among others.
Having the talent of a visual artist is one thing, how to transition that into 9-5 employment is another. In my opinion the visual arts professional segment is quietly one of the most impacted career fields by the advent of the internet and advanced computing. Online services and advanced programs took the expertise out of having a skilled artisan complete your work. Not to say graphic artist aren’t skilled, but software has a lot to do with production as well.
Not only is my family an creative bunch, but entrepreneur minded as well. In a time when segregation was common, my great grand father was an owner or real estate, corner grocery stores and cleansing business in the 1940’s through late 70’s. It is that entrepreneur spirt that still dwells in the blood line combined with my artistic skillset that led me to the idea to start a fashion brand.
I began the concept of Nnoshiri Brand Apparel in the year 2000. Life’s requirements of navigating how to raise yourself and a family delayed the idea until 2018 when I finally found myself in a position where all my affairs where in order and I can start putting more time, energy and finances into my dream. I mentioned earlier how the internet and software took away the visual arts industry. Interestingly those same tools allowed for me to begin my business allowing for smaller brands to scale more rapidly through access to information, resources and larger audiences.
Nnoshiri Brand Apparels concept has always been to tell the true story or the urban streets of the world through fashion. The streets are what makes todays industries move and the fashion industry is no different as can be recognized in many of the major brands having to pivot to this consumer market to expand and or stay relevant. We want to be the disruptive brand, that follows the beat of our own drum, standing out in this crowed industry of fashion while providing unique and ubiquitous quality designer streetwear and helping to build and uplift the community.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Entrepreneurship has taught me that its process is marathon not a sprint. We are surrounded with confirmation of so much business success through social media and other platforms that we could take things personal based on our expectations and what we see from others. Business ownership will humble you and force you to understand the patience time and dedication will process will take to birth your idea. Although it took me 18 years before I could make my first bonified attempt at starting a business I never quit on my goals. It will take that same level of determination and commitment now that you are in the foxhole and bullets are flying all around you or your stuck in the mud with no traction. The excitement of having all my ducks in a role and ready to launch the brand in 2018 still didn’t have be prepared after 18 years of patiently waiting. As we speak I am currently in a re-launch mode, having to scale back the brand in order to scale up. What this means is stopping in motion, dissecting the serious questions you need to ask about the state of your business and find the answers to the questions based on your setbacks, failures, research and needs to progress.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
The majority of independent fashion brand designers I believe have a desire to be more than a small brand. From my experience its not just having some money to begin the journey but having a significate amount of funding on hand to establish and grow the business. Although I began my business using my own cash I would not recommend this process. Its ideal to utilize your funds if you can afford to but not recommended. Raise capital from family, friends, banks, lenders, creditors, investors or equity sale. Now before the borrowing begins make sure you have a solid business plan, corporate structure and bank accounts because your good faith and credit is on the line with repayment which you must do. As I mentioned before we are in the process of rebranding Nnoshiri Apparel which includes finding new sources of capital. This step should have been implemented in 2018 when I stared but you learn as you grow and pray its not an error that stops you completely.
Contact Info:
- Website: nnoshiri.com
- Instagram: @nnoshiri_apparel
- Facebook: Nnoshiri Brand Apparel