Meet Melissa Kiguwa | Writer and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Kiguwa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, how do you define success?
I’ve always thought of success as the ability to externalize your internal gifts. Whatever great is in you, if you’re able to let that out in some capacity— that’s success. When you’re able to share the best thing(s) about you, that’s when you tend to feel the most alive and the most purposeful. It doesn’t always mean it’ll feel good or be easy or even that you won’t want to cultivate other gifts and talents as you grow, but being so connected has an aura to it. It’s alluring to be around someone deeply connected to their power. There’s an unspoken magnetism that compels others to want to be around that person. Playing in all of that and showing what you’re made of— that’s success to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I began my career at 19 as a freelance journalist traveling the world. I traveled to China, Guatemala and Kenya. I lived in Uganda for four years and London for two. I then went on to try my hand in Hollywood where I was fortunate enough to work alongside some of the most prolific black talent of our time. Through my experience, regardless of city, locale, or organization, what remained true was this insidious, unspoken rule that women should dress and look far above our pay-grade. I realized this meant fashion and beauty became another “pink tax” we endured to stay in the game. I was tired of being expected to perform a femininity that costs a lot while not being paid enough to maintain the aesthetic. Beauty is glorious, but it shouldn’t be a yoke.

I also felt a tension between purchasing luxury fashion and fashion accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. I thought yes, I’m in Hollywood now and I want to look great, but I don’t want to carelessly consume. The idealistic journalist was still in there.

Obánj is a sustainable, luxury company where members borrow high end jewelry like Dior, YSL, Chanel, Hermés, and more for a monthly membership. I started Obánj because I want conscientious, ambitious women to walk through the world with their heads held high. I also want us to have responsible consumption options. How we move in the world impacts what we demand of the world. It’s all connected.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a city girl in my everyday life, so when I travel I like to explore idyllic, rustic locations. My best friend and I are probably renting a chateau in Cote d’Azur, eating at local small hole in the walls around town, and reveling in the countryside.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother! I get sentimental talking about her, but why wouldn’t I? She’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had! Her love and support over the years have compounded into a really solid foundation for me to take risks and feel audacious enough to build my business.

Website: www.obanj.com

Instagram: instagram.com/obanj.jewelry

Other: I also have a podcast called The Idealists. sponsored by elleSE, the London School of Economics Generate Accelerator for Women Founders. The vision for The Idealists. was born from a deep desire to understand how the world’s most high-achieving women think about the world and their place in it. I span the globe interviewing the world’s most audacious women to learn what insights they’ve gleaned on their journey and the hard-earned wisdom gained along the way. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-idealists/id1519125680

Image Credits
Images of Melissa Kiguwa: photographer – Kenzie Hart Image of model wearing the Lanvin Silk & Crystal Flower Brooch in her hair and Hermés Printed Caleche Narrow Bracelet and Chloé Crystal Pavé Bracelet on her wrists: photographer – Carolina Takahashi