Hidden Gems: Meet Chimnedum “OMEGA” Nga of EKPEN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chimnedum “OMEGA” Nga.

Hi Chimnedum, “OMEGA,” we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of OMEGA and EKPEN starts in what is known as the south-south region of Nigeria, where I was born. My father and mother were both born and raised in southern Nigeria. I then immigrated to the USA with my family and landed in New York City. My time spent in The Big Apple was brief, but I still consider it my USA hometown since NYC is the first place I lived in the USA. We moved to Seattle, Washington, where I grew up. We moved a lot, but I spent most of my time in the Sea-Tac and South Seattle areas. Seattle is where I first truly realized my talents as an artist.

I always enjoyed drawing (one of my earliest memories is my mother teaching me how to draw). However, I never thought to focus my talents until after I won a district-wide art competition in 4th grade. I was probably around 10 or 11 years old. I got into graffiti and anime-style artwork shortly afterward, and drawing has been a dedicated hobby of mine ever since. During a visit to Nigeria around 14 I noticed how my parents got clothes made while they were in Nigeria and then brought them to the USA. I always thought it would be interesting to find a tailor with the ability to make my creations and finally bring my designs to life. “One day I will,” is what I always told myself. I finally got the opportunity in 2019 while on vacation in Lagos, Nigeria. I was able to commission the creation of some of my most cherished designs and bring them back to the USA. The response I got from my friends and followers was nothing but positive! That was all the encouragement I needed to start EKPEN and build it into a legitimate fashion business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Founding and maintaining EKPEN has been anything but a smooth road. Every day brings its unique challenges. My dedication to the foundational idea behind EKPEN, bringing my culture to the world stage for all to experience, fuels my unwavering resolve to grow EKPEN into the most prominent afro-centric brand the world has ever known. One major hurdle we have had to overcome is supply chain issues. EKPEN was founded in the middle of the pandemic, so we have not had an opportunity to travel back to Nigeria since 2019. We have still been able to commission cut and sew projects in Nigeria. Still, the logistics and cost of research & development, designing, production, and shipping are enough to make any person who is not fully dedicated quit.

As you know, we’re big fans of EKPEN. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
EKPEN brand borrows our personality from the Leopard. We are a brand that values creative liberty & perseverance, and we are not afraid to show our spots (aka our most unique attributes like our rare fabrics or gender-bending designs). EKPEN is in business to creatively inspire all that move toward the horizon without hesitation. Our purpose is to give creatively inspired individuals from our unique communities the opportunity to fully express themselves by wearing our designs and eventually having the opportunity to create designs for EKPEN. Being born in Nigeria and raised in America gave me a unique fashion perspective: In a traditional sense, what is considered fashionable in Nigeria is incredibly different from what is considered fashionable in the United States. I grew up in a Nigerian community in the USA, and this difference was apparent almost daily. This raised a question: Why does modern American men’s fashion remain uninspired while contemporary African men’s fashion is just as creatively inspired as African women’s fashion? This was when I knew I had to create EKPEN, the fashion brand that creates garments for ultra-modern men. EKPEN’s creation is the bridge between the uniquely bold contemporary man and a fashion-forward future.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. I constantly reference the book and have read it multiple times. Other than that, my most useful resources are my parents and relatives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ekpen.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekpen.shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EKPEN.shop/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ekpen_ 

Image Credits
Images by Jaron Quach Media