Our Story
How it all began...
In German we use to say "Tis early practice"! The saying applies beautifully to our story. For a while I had totally forgotten how much I loved to draw different outfits. From stunning ball gowns to manga characters in baggy pants, everything was there and as a teenager I loved to let my creativity run wild on paper. After a few years, I didn't just stick with drawings on paper, but also started to put my sewing skills to the test at school. I had a lot of fun sewing, from chocolate pillows to seed pillows and tote bags to t-shirts. We learned a few things in class. However, as is so often the case with teenagers, I've started to spend my time doing other things. Dancing and chilling with friends was a little more attractive to me at the time.
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Let's introduce the people behind Ndáko!
We are Steven and Melanie, a multicultural, married couple!
Our home is this planet and this is what we want to show in fashion.
Melanie Krausa
Founder & Designer
This is Melanie, she is the founder and designer of Ndáko. Melanie's passion for colorful fabrics and creating her own style drove her to design clothes which she could also wear at work. As this passion grew bigger, she feels that this would be her way to express herself and contribute to a more openminded community. This means combining elements of different cultures in fashion designs.
Steven Kamashi-Krausa
COO & Co-Owner
This is Steven, he is Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Ndáko. Steven joined Ndáko the moment we figured that Melanie was lost in creativity. As Steven has an organizational talent and loves administration, he started bringing back structure to our business. Next to that, he is also innovative and acts out his passion for circular economy by working on a plan for our portfolio.
Mary Drigball
Tailor
This is Mary, our lovely and talented tailor. She is self-employed as a tailor and also designs her own fashion. Next to that, she loves our idea and wants to help with our production line. Mary is very creative and passionate about fashion. This is also visible in our first collection as she added her personal touch to every piece that was created.
Our Mission & Vision
In a globalized world, cultures always cross national borders. It is our ambition to create elegant fashion which reflects this. Our vision is to combine traditional prints together with western business fashion.
With traditional prints we mean for instance wax prints, handlooms and many others. We see it as our mission to broadcast interculturality in fashion and in every inspiring and fruitful way that can help mutual respect, love and understanding.