Today we’d like to introduce you to Idelle Taye.
Hi Idelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story begins in Houston, where I was born, before life took me across the Atlantic to Cameroon. Growing up between West Africa and the American South gave me a dual lens that shapes everything I do today. I eventually returned to Texas for college and trained as a nurse practitioner.
But while I was caring for others, I couldn’t shake a deeper calling: to tell stories. Stories about culture, identity, and the creative force of African fashion. That’s how Guzangs was born—a platform amplifying African designers and visionaries, rooted in storytelling and cultural pride.
Building Guzangs hasn’t been easy. I launched it without a media background or funding, juggling late nights, full-time work, and the weight of imposter syndrome. But passion kept me going. I wanted to create something I didn’t see growing up—an editorial space where African fashion wasn’t a trend, but a legacy.
Today, Guzangs is followed by tastemakers, institutions, and creatives around the world. And it’s still just the beginning.
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?
The journey has come with its fair share of challenges. I didn’t come from the fashion world, and I had no roadmap—just a vision. Being self-funded meant wearing every hat: editor, strategist, designer, even customer service. There were moments I questioned whether people would take Guzangs seriously, especially as a woman building something unconventional out of Dallas. Balancing it all while working in healthcare full-time tested my limits, but it also sharpened my resilience. Every setback became part of the story I was telling—proof that this platform was necessary.
We’ve been impressed with GUZANGS, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have several favorite books, but Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue stands out—it’s a powerful exploration of immigration, ambition, and belonging. I also love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s work, especially Americanah, which beautifully weaves between Nigeria and the U.S., touching on identity, race, and love with such honesty.
When it comes to podcasts, Oprah’s SuperSoul is always grounding, and This American Life never fails to draw me in with its storytelling. I also tune into The Curbsiders—it’s a clinical podcast for internal medicine, which keeps me connected to my background in healthcare.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://guzangs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guzangs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091435681599
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Guzangs
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/guzangss
