The Closet Runway with Evelina Kauna Nailenge (S7, E6)

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Elevate your style and gain cutting-edge insights into the fashion-tech industry with our special guest, Evelina Kauna Nailenge , the trailblazing co-founder of The Closet Runway.
This Cape Town-based luxury fashion rental company seamlessly blends affordability, sustainability, and luxury, serving as a beacon for circular fashion. As we journey through Evelina's entrepreneurial adventures, we delve into the company's unique business model, its commitment to diverse representation, and its innovative approach to styling consultation services.
We discuss challenges like shipping, customer base expansion, and the unique dynamics of e-commerce businesses in Africa. She highlights that it's not simple to navigate the intricacies of shipping logistics while adhering to a sustainability mission. Through a candid chat with Evelina, you'll discover how she and her co-founder, Ange Mahoro, have transformed these challenges into opportunities, and how their complementary skills have driven the business to new heights.
Finally, get ready for a rapid-fire session that illuminates the inspirations behind Evelina’s journey, unveiling the people and businesses that have shaped her path. From Mellody Hobson's influence to the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cape Town, Evelina's story is rich with surprising twists.
Join us to uncover the colorful threads that make up the fabric of The Closet Runway, and perhaps find a spark of inspiration for your own fashion-tech dreams.
For a transcript of this conversation, CLICK HERE
LINKS AND MENTIONS
Take A Lot – South Africa’s equivalent to Amazon

Superbalist – online fashion and lifestyle market

Seth Shezi – Art and lifestyle strategist. Travel and Foodie content creator.

Maxhosa Africa - Founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo, the brand is known for its distinct patterns and craftsmanship.

Mmuso Maxwell - Johannesburg-based ready-to-wear fashion brand founded by two partners Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane

Thebe Magugu – South African designer and LVMH Prize winner 2019

Maria McCloy – South African fashion & accessories designer and Publicist

Sweep South – think Uber or Lyft for home cleaning, gardening, and odd jobs around the house. A platform that has taken the gig economy to home care.

Emma Grede – serial entrepreneur, co-founder at Skims with Kim Kardashian and CEO of the inclusive, body positive body clothing brand, Good American.

Mellody Hobson – first black woman to head up a black-owned mut

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1. The Closet Runway with Evelina Kauna Nailenge (S7, E6) (00:00:00)

2. Fashion Meets Tech (00:00:02)

3. Closet Runway (00:08:50)

4. The Rental Fashion Business Model (00:17:54)

5. South African Fashion and Shipping Challenges (00:25:00)

6. Complementary Skills in Business (00:29:11)

7. Connecting With Melody Hobson and Google Runway (00:42:06)