What were the first steps of your professional career ?

I began by an internship with a designer, than I launched myself with another student from Lisaa, Sabrina Hamische. We showed our first collection last year and we sold by word of mouth. This year, I worked alone and launched my label as an association : Zenka Influences.

Why an association ?

The association status allows me to reinvest all my earnings for future designs. When I feel ready, I will start a company. Right now, I am looking to develop Zenka Influences as an artist collective : a jewelry designer has joined us and I work with musicians and theater people …

What type of clothes do you create ?

I work in an Afro-urban style for good quality, yet financially accessible ethnic streetwear. My ambition is to create everyday clothes which ordinary people can afford. I don’t want to sell only to a moneyed clientele.

What are your principal influences ?

Africa, of course, as well as the Middle East and North Africa. What interests me is a cultural blend. I live in Menilmontant and my neighborhood inspires me a lot. I also work in the music world : I dress soul, jazz and African singers … I make more professional contacts in the music world than in the fashion world.