Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Mfuh.
Hi Melanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It was the summer of 2014 when Uzuri Closet was born, even though I didn’t know it at the time. I had been invited to an event and really wanted to wear something in African print but I couldn’t find anything anywhere. A friend jokingly said, ‘Why don’t you just start your own?’ That simple comment sparked an idea that has grown into what people now know as Uzuri Closet.
I saw a gap in the market and thought, if I can fill this need for myself, I can fill it for others too. I started with simple flare and maxi skirts, and I was blessed to have a connection in Cameroon who could sew my early designs. Orders began coming in through word of mouth and, since Facebook was at its peak at the time, posting my work online brought in even more clients.
As the business grew, I ran into a common challenge African print fabrics have zero stretch, which made fittings tricky. Sales slowed, but instead of giving up, I took a few sewing sessions with an amazing designer, BerNan, who jump started my sewing skills.
In 2015, I traveled to Cameroon, produced bulk orders, and returned to host my first pop-up shop. That year I also did fashion shows at universities like Princeton and UMD, all supported by family and friends. Honestly, support has been the heartbeat of my journey from day one. There were moments I wanted to quit when business got slow, but I learned not to make emotional decisions.
In 2016, I relocated to Kansas City and immediately began connecting with the creative community via Instagram. Fast forward to 2021 I shared with a friend how amazing it would be to have a physical store where customers could try pieces on in person. She gave me both an idea and a contact who inspired me to pursue a storefront at Oak Park Mall, the largest mall in Kansas. It ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made.
At the time, my first child was only seven months old, and I was juggling motherhood, marriage, a day job, and entrepreneurship. But I believed in the vision. I partnered with manufacturers in Ghana and Kenya, which gave me confidence to expand. Once the store opened, it flourished and quickly became a staple in the community, a true hub for culture, fashion, and connection. Owning a physical store was a dream come true and something I will always cherish.
Like any business, I faced challenges…moments that stretched me, taught me, and made me stronger. But overall, I’m grateful for every single part of that chapter. It was a dream fulfilled and a milestone checked off my bucket list.
In 2023, the demands of motherhood became overwhelming, and I made the difficult decision to let go of the physical space so I could prioritize my family. But I didn’t quit the business, Uzuri Closet continues online today, focusing primarily on custom orders. Will I open another location one day? Maybe. For now, I’m embracing the season I’m in and grateful for every chapter that has led me here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of false promises, financial setbacks, design issues, and even moments of betrayal. There were seasons where everything felt uncertain and I questioned whether to keep going. But looking back, those challenges shaped me in ways that success alone never could.
They pushed me closer to God, forced me to grow in resilience, and taught me to trust my instincts. Every hurdle strengthened both my business skills and my personal character. So while the journey hasn’t been easy, I’m grateful for it. I wouldn’t be the woman or entrepreneur I am today without those hard moments.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Uzuri Closet is a fashion brand that celebrates African culture through modern, wearable designs. I specialize in custom, made-to-measure pieces using authentic African print fabrics sourced from Ghana, Kenya, and Cameroon. What I’m most known for is creating clothing that makes women feel confident, seen, and connected to culture whether it’s for a special event or a one-of-a-kind statement look.
What truly sets Uzuri Closet apart is the intention behind every piece. African print fabrics don’t stretch, so getting the right fit is everything. Over the years I’ve developed a unique way of tailoring and customizing designs so they flatter different body types, shapes, and sizes. I also prioritize quality craftsmanship and ethical production, working closely with manufacturers and artisans who share the same values.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Uzuri Closet has evolved while staying true to its purpose to showcase culture through fashion, empower women, and create clothing that tells a story. Even when I had the store in Oak Park Mall, and now as I focus primarily on custom orders, the heart of the brand remains the same: cultural representation through fashion with excellence and authenticity.
For readers, I want people to know that Uzuri Closet is more than just clothing. It’s community, heritage, and creativity woven together. Every piece is thoughtfully made, intentionally designed, and crafted to help you show up boldly as yourself. And while I’m currently online-based and focusing on custom orders, there’s so much more to come as the brand continues to grow.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is resilience. Entrepreneurship will test every part of you… your confidence, your patience, your vision and resilience is what kept me moving forward when things got tough. I’ve had to bounce back from setbacks, rebuild after disappointments, and keep creating even when the results weren’t immediate.
But resilience for me isn’t just grit, it’s rooted in my faith. Relying on God has given me the strength to stay grounded, make wise decisions, and keep showing up with integrity. That combination of resilience, faith, and consistency has carried me through every season of this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uzuricloset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uzuricloset
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uzuricloset
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uzuricloset
