Ombi Msama, meaning “Unapologetic” in Swahili, is a clothing brand born from a desire to connect with and celebrate African roots. In 2016, the founder, frustrated by seeing “Made in China” tags on dashikis, decided to make a change. This Chattanooga native envisioned a brand sourcing directly from Africa and began collaborating with a contact in Zimbabwe.

The initial project was a custom diaper bag for the founder’s son, whose mother is from Cape Verde. This served as both a meaningful personal project and a crucial step in building trust with the Zimbabwean partner, Celia. By 2019, the collaborative venture was underway, but the challenges of running a cross-continental business quickly became apparent. Despite 12 years of entrepreneurial experience, this was a new kind of challenge. The distance, coupled with high shipping costs, led to a plan to travel to Zimbabwe in June 2020.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting travel plans and adding another layer of complexity. Despite the setback, communication with Celia continued. Finally, in August 2023, the founder made a decisive commitment: Ombi Msama would become a reality. Working across a seven-hour time difference, often strategizing at 3 a.m. to align with the team in Zimbabwe, progress was made.

In October 2023, the long-awaited trip to Africa finally happened. And in December 2023, the dream became official: Ombi Msama launched. What began as a vision in 2016 had finally come to fruition. This clothing brand, created by a determined entrepreneur, is now live and real. Stay tuned for more from this exciting new venture!