Meet Mikobi N’Dala | Brand Owner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikobi N’Dala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikobi, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always believed that my life was meant to be unorthodox. I have always known that the chances I will have as a result of my profession will allow me to continuously rethink what it means to positively contribute to society. I’ve always used clothes as a means of communication and self-expression. I developed a profound understanding of how people utilize garments and fashion to express themselves in different ways as I traveled and lived in many countries from DR Congo to my stay in Antwerp, Amsterdam and London. I have always felt more in touch with my purpose when I am creative. I have been fortunate to receive the help I need to turn my passion into a career, but I’m not sure I would be where I am now without networking and meeting individuals who shared my enthusiasm for fashion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art and expression have always had a touch of inspiration based on where I come from. I’ve utilized my artwork to draw attention to my Congolese ancestors who forged the path for leadership, social justice, and entertainment. I am most proud of my Bantu culture, and I am glad that my most recent line, which debuted at Denver Fashion Week’s winter show, emphasized this. I find it exciting to be able to inform people about my culture or at the very least to pique their interest in it. It thrills me to communicate with the world that I hail from wonderful people.
Getting where I am now professionally, took some time. I networked extensively when I was modeling to discover how brand owners were able to carry out their vision, and I had to seize every learning opportunity, regardless of whether I felt prepared or not. The journey has not been simple at all, especially when it comes to overcoming self-doubt. I have acquired the virtues of patience, resiliency, and having big dreams thanks to this experience. I’ve come to realize that my decisions will determine whether or not my vision is realized. As I often say, “as the tribe grows, the village gets stronger” and every day is a fresh start. I hope that MDC STXDIO can establish itself as a center where artists can practice self-confidence and take chances.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It would be really busy if this individual arrived in the summer. We would start by eating, preferably at a black-owned establishment like Mimosas on Welton. Then, to enjoy some fantastic music and network with new people, we would stop by some afternoon events like Vibes in the Park or Goodness. After leaving the crowd, we would go to one of Denver’s many interactive attractions, like MeowWolf or the Clyfford Still Museum. If not one of these, we might easily be at a comedy or concert at one of our many performance venues. We would have tacos from various street taco carts or from genuine Mexican restaurants to cap off the evening. During this person’s stay, we would have to do at least one minor hike to really give them a view of the Colorado scenery and we would have to find an afrobeat event to make sure they experience all of the best Denver crowds.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother deserves special mention first. My passion for fashion and style was first noticed by her. She allowed me the space to continue exploring this passion, she did so by disrupting my game night to have me help her select her next look. While working as an intern at Ralph Lauren, I was mentored by someone who encouraged me to have great dreams and to see myself in terms of where I wanted to be rather than where I was at the time. It has always been a tremendous source of motivation for me to follow in the footsteps of other creatives because seeing them persevere through the challenges of bringing their ideas to life inspires me to do the same. Last but not least, I want to thank my Chief of Operations Awah, an amazing person inside out but also someone who has an excellent taste. Someone who’s opinion is extremely valued, someone who has been crucial in offering input and bringing the brand’s look to life in many ways. My dear friend Kyle, who gave me one of my first looks and has helped me feel confident enough to start developing my brand.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/mdcstxdio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mxkobi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxkobi?lang=eu