Our Mission

TO BUILD A DYNAMIC, WORLDWIDE BRAND THAT MAKES A REMARKABLE IMPACT IN AFRICAN COMMUNITIES BY KEEPING TRADITIONS ALIVE AND CELEBRATING AFRICAN VALUES AND HISTORY.

Every situation is an opportunity!

Chakou Collection was born in 2011 by a struggling mom looking for a job. After my graduation from Teacher's College in June 2011, it was extremely difficult, being a minority in Ottawa to find a teaching job.

It was time for an African brand. I knew that offering unique African-inspired accessories that are handcrafted means taking matters into my own hands. We started offering handmade beaded and wooden jewelry that became very successful. From there we extend the collection to satisfy the demand of our customers.

We couldn’t find a black doll!

We couldn’t find a black doll for our daughter and we started in the summer 2019 to make our own collection called Afroprincesses. The dolls are making a big impact in the community. 

 

A doll-project with the former minister Catherine Mc Kenna in 2021 brought us to the idea to purchase the heat press equipment. The climate doll needed to wear a shirt with the logo Save our planet. In lock down none of the printing material was essential and we started thinking what to do next time if we have more project like that one.

The additional value of Chakou Collection is our African heritage. Our African Art collection was born from our passion in African art. We decided during the past five years to extend the collection that is becoming a huge collection. The items can be rented or loaned as part of a partnership. We co-organize activities with school and associations. Feel free to email us for more details.

This is only the beginning

As Chakou Collection grows, we continue to put our best foot forward. For our launch, we organized a cultural model show and an art exhibition for "Communauté Bandjoun Ottawa -Gatineau''. We participated in the realization of TV show "Cameroun ON FÊTE ENSEMBLES " hosted by TV TFO in August 2019.

As part of Black History Month, between 2016 and 2020 we voluntarily exhibited our African art in four schools of the Ottawa Catholic schools Board.

We are a family

Chakou Collection is a family enterprise. Our collections are hand crafted by my sister Zaba N. in South Africa and myself. Our jewelry is crafted by women in South Africa who receive 100% of the proceeds.

My niece Metcha N. and my daughter Teushune S. design the doll's clothes. 

Our social engagement is to give opportunity to many children in our family circle to go to school by paying their school fees