Every proud parent knows how exciting it is to shop for their children, but it is often hard to find just the right item of clothing or furniture that is both practical and trendy. In Windhoek, Namibia, two sister entrepreneurs have filled the gap with their beautiful retail store, Kids Emporium Namibia. It stocks a wealth of must-have products to suit the needs of babies and toddlers, whilst fulfilling the needs of moms and parents to be.
LoA was delighted to welcome Jamilla and Fierdowsah to speak at the Lioness Lean In event in Namibia this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
Kids Emporium strives to stock the latest ranges across all departments namely maternity, children’s wear, essentials, travel systems, décor, toys and gifts. Continuously improving, we’re always questioning functionality, form and design. Our product selection and service excellence is motivated by our core philosophy – an unwavering passion to be the best and most valued choice for parents, babies and toddlers with regard to quality, price and service.
“Our product selection and service excellence is motivated by our core philosophy – an unwavering passion to be the best and most valued choice for parents, babies and toddlers with regard to quality, price and service.”
What inspired you to start your company?
We identified the niche market that was lacking in our country, we saw the need to provide good quality international products and services that would have a lasting effect on families. Kids Emporium offers a great variety, ensuring that new parents can have more time focusing on the joys of bringing up a new child and not stress over decor for nursery, maternity clothes for the expanding belly and change in body type to name a few. This is what we bring. I was pregnant with my baby in 2011 and found that everything I saw in the baby magazines was not offered in Namibia. I planned and stalled for 6 years before opening our store. There was a need and we were able to bring this dream alive.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Kids Emporium is the largest chain of children’s boutiques in South Africa. We are constantly cutting edge and strive to be the first to stock the latest innovative and great quality local and international products. We believe in going the extra mile for our clients and ensure incredible service, every time. We have entrenched ourselves in the industry with our high-quality products and are considered industry leaders in our field.
“We believe in going the extra mile for our clients and ensure incredible service, every time.“
Tell us a little about your team
The business is owner run and managed by my sister and I, Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, whoare the owners and have a hands-on approach, along with Tia-Ziah and Arlen Baptista who provide the best quality service. We provide a proactive vs reactive approach to attend to clients’ needs and go the extra mile to meet the requirements of our loyal Kids Emporium Moms and Dads. We really do go by the ethos of our logo, The Original Designer Experience.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Yes, my mother is a nurse for over 30 years but has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, she's our biggest motivation and supporter. Over the years she's been selling everything from Tupperware to Avroy Shlain. She's taught us a great work ethic and how to have passion and be committed to what we strive for. My Father, passed away when we were young but he was very ambition and always found opportunities that enabled him to be he's own boss. This showed us that we must be great in our own lane, and be self-employed.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We want to expand flagship stores across Namibia. We want to grow our Namibian database of suppliers and encourage more local manufacturing opportunities and exporting Namibian maternity and children's wear across the continent and the world.
“We have entrenched ourselves in the industry with our high-quality products and are considered industry leaders in our field.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The flexibility of time, it comes with sacrifice but the rewards far outweighed these. The possibilities to reinvest, reinvent and redirect our focus, efforts and dreams. Being passionate brings about our work brings joy to us. Being part of milestones of our clients and their children, meeting their needs.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Find your why, plant your seed and nurture and water your dreams. Invest in yourself and have a teachable mentality. You can do all things with Jesus Christ who strengthens you. You must believe in yourself first before anyone else can buy into your business plan. When it gets tough are you still willing to lose everything for your business, if yes, then go for it. Make full time for yourself and invest your full time in your business. Create your own lane, you are unique and there’s only one you that can do what you do, so always do you very best.
Kids Emporium Namibia
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL Jamillajacobs@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
There is nothing quite as exciting for women entrepreneurs than being able to identify a gap in the market, and then having the concept and products to fill that gap. In Namibia, there is no doubt that entrepreneurs Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs have created a very special retail experience that is winning big fans amongst parents and kids alike. Their business venture really does personify what a specialist kids clothing and accessory retail store and experience should look like. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa