Today we’d like to introduce you to Lutaline Njweipi-Fosah.
Lutaline, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am an immigrant from West Africa -Cameroon where I was born and raised alongside my siblings. Cameroon is the land of my birth and Bamenda especially is where I grew up and attended most of my education. I then moved to the United States in search of “greener pastures “and “The American Dream” with my husband. Moving into a new country was exciting but also had some setbacks because I lived in a community where I had no friends while trying to adapt to a new culture and climate was very tough for me. Our family began to grow almost immediately when I moved out here. it was tough trying to navigate and find my bearings in a new land with very little help and also raising young children with very little help. it made me compare what I had seen when other women in Cameroon had babies – there is a community ready to hold, feed and shower the baby and bring food to the new mother, meanwhile, in the US I was all alone almost to the point of depression.
What made it even stressful was the fact that my husband and I were both enrolled in school at the same time at some point. It was stressful, to say the least, but God has always been our source and the kids are growing so fast! Raising a young family is demanding and so many women like myself lose ourselves in the process, we don’t see “us “, all we see are the people who depend on us and our energy is so focused on them and that was my story. it’s hard to find a balance between you and raising a family, especially for moms. In the mid of 2016 I started to experience excruciating back pain and sciatic pain to the extent I had to stand up in class because sitting down put so much pressure on my back and legs that was unbearable. On a scheduled visit to my PCP for my regular check-ups, and some lab work is done with results showing that I had high cholesterol my blood pressure was also on the rise partly also because I was raising three young children under the age of five (still trying to put it on my kids as because that’s what moms do right). Anyway, I was told I was overweight because I weighed over 200 plus pounds for a person who is 5.2.
Truth is I was not really surprised because I could feel it inwardly, I felt different anxious, also out of energy especially as I was caring for three toddlers at the same time, self-esteem was down the drain, my mood was poor, etc. Hearing I had to wake up and do something about my weight was my last straw because I came back determined. I started by making little changes on my own and later decided to join a gym.
In the process of trying to become a “better me,” it was hard to find workout clothes that fitted my body frame and also support my “mama Pouch”. I stumbled on some that could fit but they were a fortune. This got me thinking because I knew I was not the only woman with these kinds of problems, and to me finding a solution is key and not just talking about the problem. TribeStrong was born during this period, I wanted to help other women who had similar problems, I wanted any women that I came across to be empowered. I wanted women to love themselves while trying to make a positive change towards them. I want women to know they are valuable; they are important and that “yes they can”. I want women to dare their dreams
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh No! it has not been a smooth ride at all, I have had so many challenges and still face some such as manufacturers delivering within dateline, stuff happens in the process of manufacturing and sometimes they are delays while your customers are anxiously waiting for their products. My manufacturer that started producing TribeStrong Leggins actually passed away (may His soul Rest in peace) I had no idea because for months I kept writing to him and waiting for my products to be shipped and to make matters worse I had customers who have pre-ordered. I had to plead and try to return some of their money because I felt guilty and disappointed not only with the manufacturing company but also with myself for not having a backup plan. With the pandemic, there is an increase in the prices and especially shipping of goods and low stock of some of the fabrics that we love to use and these and other factors make production and delivery of goods slow.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with TRIBESTRONG – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company is called TRIBESTRONG and it is a health and fitness company with a goal of empowering females to become the best versions of themselves mentally, physically by incorporating a healthy lifestyle. TribeStrong just like the name seeks to change the narrative, it advocates for women to find a meaningful Tribe (circle) of other women who support one another, women who empower each other. TribeStrong is a brand created to be inclusive, it’s a brand created by a black woman to empower other women especially other black women and especially the young girl to go for their dreams, to know that their dreams are valid, that they matter, we want them to :dare: to come out of their comfort zone and become who they were created to become. We want women to know they are valuable, that they are not second-class citizens. Women were not just created to raise families or sit on the sidelines, we were created to matter, to “grow and thrive in every area of our lives” our brand seeks the best interest of very the woman not just physically but also mentally and spiritually, financially. We want to raise strong women, strong girls to grow up with a positive mindset and to know the importance of a good “Tribe”
I am most proud of the number of women (sisters) I have been able and still inspired daily. Because I dared to share my story and my journey, they were motivated to begin their own journey My heart sets me apart from others. We are more than a clothing brand. I do it because it truly blesses and makes me feel fulfilled when I see another woman make certain changes, to see another woman win, to see her smile and say “Lulu” I had no idea I could look and feel this way like I do now. I am proud of every woman who has given their life a try, who has dared to be different who has made some lifestyle changes. I am proud of every woman who has purchased any of our products. I am so proud I did not give up and continue to fight daily to empower women and young girls. I am even more excited about what God holds for TribeStrong in the future. I have seen so many changes around my community and I am happy to see women live their dreams, their health a try, I want more women to belong to the Tribe, I want more women empowered and more women to dare.
I am proud of the next project that I am working on -The Girl Child The project which should lunch in the Winter, we will definitely keep your magazine in the know. This is going to be a mentoring program for young girls because I believe that it starts with them, they are the future women, mothers, and leaders, so it is important to drill and imprint the blueprint of success into them at a young age.
It will be a place where they can be mentored to stand out in society without subjecting to the windmills. A place where they can learn at an early age about who they are and love every fiber of their being. A place where they can learn life skills, build a tough mindset to be able to glide through life easily.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the demographic nature of Dallas; I love the people of Dallas they are friendly and welcoming. I so love how the city is laid out. I love the cultural inclusiveness and diversity. I dislike the traffic and long commutes (LOL).
Pricing:
- Single leggins 35 dollars
- Two piece set 59.99
- Tank tops 20
- Fanny waist bags 12.99
- Cotton shirts 25
Contact Info:
- Address Abilene Texas
- Website: www.betribestrong.com
- Phone: 8312149450
- Email: betribestrong@gmail.com
- Instagram: Tribstrong
- Facebook: Tribestrong and Lutherln Fosah
- Twitter: betribestrong
- Twitter: Tribestrong1
- Yelp: IG Tribstrong
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