“YHP” Presents the Full Interview of the Founders of AGAMA LABEL.
This is what they said about Agama Label:
Agama Label is not just a prestigious clothing line, apparel or a brand name created to provide people with comfort and the best quality style clothing when worn, It is also an experience.
Our products reflect class and prestige, although we primarily represent, stand for and promote self-confidence, growth, positive change, success and self advancements in all aspects of life.
How are you guys doing?
UZO: We are good thanks. How about you?
I’m fine thanks.
Somebody reading the information on your company, will lose track of your company being just a clothing line, It seems that you guys ain’t just about business, you’re looking to bring more qualities into the industry?
EMEKA: Most definitely, there is so much we have planned and would like to do with our Label. We plan on getting involved in a lot of Philanthropic Events especially for the Youth and the younger generation. Our primary function is to produce high end clothing with great quality styles/designs that give a feel of Self-Confidence and self-worth....Swagger basically.
UZO: We believe we can always do better with our brand, we can’t be satisfied nor get comfortable at any point in time.
So before we move on, can you both give us some more information about yourself, your names? Ages? Location at the moment?
UZO: Uzo Menakaya, my brother Emeka Menakaya. We were both born and raised in Nigeria; currently we reside in the Dallas/Ft-worth area in Texas.
So what made you both decide to start up a clothing line?
EMEKA: We’ve always wanted to be part of, or start something we could enjoy doing for the rest of our lives. Something we could do and eventually use to help better the lives of other people, because at the end of the day, it’s all about giving to receive.
UZO: We are both into fashion, we pay a lot of attention to details/designs on clothing, we are business minded individuals plus he (EMEKA) is really good at drawings/art designs. So we figure we take all that and try to do something with it.
Doing what you like doing, now that’s cool.
I can believe you’re both brothers starting a business together? A lot of people say it is bad going into business with family? How is that going?
UZO: Lol….Its been great so far. We are quite similar and alike in a lot of ways, we’ve pretty much been through the same situations together most of our lives. We have great respect for each other, so it works out fine.
The name “Agama” where does that name come from?
EMEKA: It comes from the Agama Lizard which can be found predominantly in the Western parts of Africa. The Agama Lizard is known to be a prideful lizard primarily because of its beautiful colours and its ability to change them, but also acknowledges itself in a form of self-approval by nodding its head every now and then…Crazy I know.
UZO: We took that and created a brand that promotes Self-Confidence, Self-advancement, Success, Positive Change and Growth in all areas of life. That’s what we stand for and that’s what we are trying to convey with our Label.
When was Agama label born?
EMEKA: Agama began only as an idea in 2006, an old friend of ours got us together and talked about an idea he had for a clothing line- Agama. It made too much sense to ignore, so we jumped on the idea and immediately went to work with it. Unfortunately our friend expressed less interest in the idea, we picked up the slack/expenses that came with it and created
Agama Label. We established Agama Label in 2007.
What do you think is the most important thing to consider when starting up a business, in your case a clothing line?
UZO: Vision and Branding!!! A great brand with good vision will create a lot of opportunities for you. You are the only one who truly knows what you want for your business and where you want it to be 10 yrs from now. I could say the obvious- capital but really that’s not it.
How did you feel after you started the company?
EMEKA: Crazy excited, because at first you have mad ideas running through your head and what you want to do with this and that….. At the same time you realize that starting a business from scratch is going to take a whole lot more than relentless dedication and consistency to stay in demand… there still a lot ahead, but its good work.
I mean it must be intense, you guys must be really busy, and how do you do it?
UZO: There is a lot work involved but we have great partners who work with us and represent the Label in the U.K…cheers to Alexander OG and Dele ‘Ceas’ Adigun. Also Tobenna Menakaya who represents Agama Label in Nigeria, working hard. We are all working so it definitely takes the load off at times. But its crazy cuz you have other work, and personal activities to attend to…I enjoy the feel of the hustle so it keeps me going.
EMEKA: True.
How can people get in touch with you, most importantly, how can they purchase their own pair of Agama wears.
EMEKA: We have our Online store at www.agamalabel.com, you can send an email/inquiry and we’ll respond to your request, you can also place your order for a Polo shirt.
Did you encounter any setbacks or negative experience so far and how did you cope with it?
UZO: Sometimes we come across setbacks or uncontrollable situations, at the same time we understand what we have to do and try to stay focus. We are still growing and we’ll always approach road blocks but it’s what we do that matters.
At the moment, are you just doing tops? Are you going to diverse into other designs?
UZO: We’ll feature Casual Clothing so currently we are working on our Polo shirts, but we plan on producing other products as well, Jeans, tees, Slacks, Suits ( Executive line ), Jewellery, Accessories etc.. That’s the vision we have.
Who are your Role Models/ Influences?
EMEKA: Man where do I start, almost everyone…Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Guess, Armani….primarily RL, his work is timeless. They are all great and that’s what we are striving to be in the long run.
What are the most important lessons you have learnt so far?
UZO: Consistency is one of them. It’s going to get even busier and hectic but we have to be consistent.
What has been the best advices you both been given so far?
EMEKA: Don’t ever give up.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
UZO: So far it’s creating a brand that has been accepted by people. We know we have a lot of work ahead to do and we have goals set to accomplish them. We greatly appreciate the response from the public and the support show from everyone. It’s humbling.
What are your advices for Aspiring young entrepreneurs looking to break in the clothing industries or other industries?
EMEKA: Believe in your product and be consistent.
Your business is still in the Beginning stages, but has huge potential, What should we be expecting in the upcoming months?
UZO: Long sleeve Polos, New Designs with our Polo shirts, Tees, then scarfs, Hoodies, Sweaters for the Fall/Winter Season.
Thanks for your time.
EMEKA: Thanks for having us.
Contact Agama Label:
Website: www.agamalabel.com
