Today we’d like to introduce you to Amany Zama.
Hi Amany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I founded AmanyZ because of my love for fashion and obsession with wood and art. I was born and raised in Cameroon, West Africa, till the age of 12. I grew up around a lot of local artist, including my grandfather, who was a carpenter. Growing up around all the beautiful woodwork inspired me to use wood to create fashion pieces. Before starting AmanyZ, I had no prior business or fashion experience, just a dream. From when I started, I have been focused on designing unique products that are beautiful and stand the chance of time.
When I started working on the bags, I had to go to different woodworkers and try to create prototypes. It wasn’t an easy idea to pitch but I finally succeeded and started growing the business from there, working other jobs to invest in the business. I was so sure of myself and the final products that I was able to walk into boutiques and sell the bags. From there, I have been growing the business and getting the opportunity to create beautiful pieces for customers, including celebrities like Summer Walker and Blac Chyna. It is amazing to see how far I have come because I have always loved fashion, but immigrating to the United States, I thought I had to do something in the medical field to be successful. Doing something I truly love and actually growing it from the ground up is an amazing thing. I got where I am today with resilience and trust in myself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been so many obstacles along now the way, like any journey. Migrating to the United States, I never thought I would be a fashion designer. I have always loved fashion from childhood, but I was always told you could never be successful in it. After obtaining a Bachelors in science, I decided to take a huge chance on myself and pursue fashion. Choosing to create something that is unique has it obstacles on its own, and finding the right people that believed in the concept was not easy at all. There have been so many struggles growing this business, from having to work a regular job and invest the money I make into my business to avoid loans. Also as a small business owner, I have to do almost everything on my own which can get stressful and tedious. My love is for fashion but I also have to learn the business aspect and everything that comes with running a business to make it successful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
AmanyZ specializes in unique, high-quality wooden handbags with striking color compositions. Every piece is delicate yet bold with an individuality that can only be found in nature. Each silhouette is carefully considered and made with reclaimed wood and minimal hardware molded in Italy, providing longevity for years and even decades to come. Each piece is crafted exclusively in the United States from the beginning of the design process to the packaging of the final product. Our products set themselves apart by their uncommon uniqueness along with a practical and utilitarian nature that succeeds in delivering a minimal alternative to traditional luxury accessories.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is building a legacy and to keep believing in myself. Not everyone knows what their passion is and it is incredible that I found mine. It is important for me to be authentic and keep building my brand, no matter the obstacles. I want to show young girls that anything is possible and that you can make something out of nothing. What matters is making myself and my loved ones proud.
Contact Info:
- Email: Sales@amanyz.com
- Website: Amanyz.com
- Instagram: Thats_amanyz
- Facebook: AmanyZ
