Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Nkaambi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I founded Malkia E Boutique roughly over 5 years ago. My legal names are Esther Nkaambi Hopper, and I am a Kenyan native. My fashion has always paid homage to my heritage which included wearing colorful outfits adorned with brass, copper, and beaded jewelry.
Malkia means Queen in Our Swahili language. I was named after Queen Esther from the Bible and grew up with friends and family calling me Queen E.
I have always been passionate about colorful beads and creative works that are made by artisans from my beloved country, Kenya. Malkia E. was born out of the love of wanting to showcase and share with the world this heritage.
All pieces are handcrafted with love in Kenya by a curated group of artisans who specialize in bead, brass, African print designs, and leather work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I started the business, it was quite small. It has now grown to employ over 16 artisans ranging from Brass Smiths, leather Smiths, Tailors hasn’t been a small fete.
I have had to shift my way of thinking from a small business mindset to actually wearing the caps of owner and entrepreneur, making decisions that impact 16 great, talented humans and their families.
Time difference of working with a team that is 7 hours ahead of time… and synching our schedules to where we are on the same page.
Donning many hats as an Owner can be quite exhausting, and I have made sure to have the right coaches and community available I can call upon when needed.
We’ve been impressed with Malkia E. Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“We are in the business of Adorning Royalty.”
This sentence isn’t just a catchphrase but how we identify each and everyone who shops with us. Our colors, purple and Orange, express royalty, nobility, and luxury, infused with expression, fun, and creativity.
Most of the products are named after cities, family members, colors, male and female names of African nobility.
Our brand is about a journey of bringing people with us to Kenya through the colorful prints, bold jewelry, and accessories.
It’s about telling the story of every single piece in our store. We acknowledge the artisan who made the piece; we also bridge the thousands of miles from Kenya to your home with a beautiful heirloom.
We are a community and a village where everyone is taken care of, and no one is ever left behind.
I knew I had something unique for years even before I decided to start my boutique. Over the years of working in corporate America and getting so many compliments in and out of the office and so many requests to offer similar products to my fanbase, it was time to get down to business.
I noticed a need to offer a one-stop shop for unique colorful prints, jewelry, and accessories made in designs that complement the modern womxn/ Mxn lifestyle regardless of height and size.
We offer unique, curated pieces all hand forged and handcrafted in Kenya. We also offer our clients custom made services, our plus size and tall clients love this about us, they pick their fabric from our inventory, we agree on a pattern and our team in Kenya do the rest.
Our pieces transition from season to season. Layered for cold weather and stripped down in the warm months.
Contact Info:
- Website: Malkiae.com
- Instagram: Malkia__e
- Facebook: Malkia E.
