Inclusive luxury fashion brand Hanifa has returned.
The beloved brand, founded in 2012 by Anifa Mvuemba, paused production in March, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. The decision came after there had been shipping delays following a 45% off sale, with select items available for preorder. Some customers said it took months to receive their orders. At the time, Mvuemba cited manufacturer issues as the cause of the delays.
Customer complaints shared across social media contributed to Mvuemba’s decision to take a break from her brainchild.
“Founder-led brands operate under a different kind of scrutiny. And when you’re a Black woman, the margin for grace is thinner,” she told The Cut.
Mvuemba had also recently had a baby and was adjusting to postpartum when she had to shift “to crisis management” for the brand. That’s when she knew a pause was needed.
The time away from the business, however, allowed her to reset, become “sharper” and become “a better leader,” she said, according to the outlet.
She was also able to move to New York City, prioritize her family, and spend time doing what she enjoyed, she noted.
“At the beginning of this year, I realized how empty I was,” Mvuemba told The Cut. “I was able to just be without feeling the pressure of performing, and I actually went outside and touched grass … Earlier this year, I asked myself if it was worth it.”
She continued, “It was absolutely worth it because it allowed me to see the opportunity in the situation. It also gave me room to really process and breathe and think and really look at everything from a bigger perspective.”
New Collection On The Way
As for what customers can expect now, Mvuemba encourages them to have their wallets ready. Hanifa will remain the same but will be “more clear, refined, and more elevated.” A new collection is on the way, but no further details were provided at the time of publication.
“To everyone who has checked on me, prayed for me, and continued to show love to Hanifa, thank you. It means more than you know. I’ve missed you all so much. And I’ve been waiting to say this… HANIFA IS BACK,” she expressed on Instagram. “I’m so excited to share what we’ve been working on. Welcome to the World of Hanifa.”
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