The journey behind Mashika’s decade-long mission to make African fashion an everyday statement

Onkgopotse Mashika initially planned to pursue a career in accounting before discovering her passion for fashion and wanting to create her own venture. In 2016, she founded ANGALIA Apparel, a brand that aims to make African-inspired fashion a staple in modern women's wardrobes instead of being limited to traditional ceremonies. Mashika had no prior experience in the fashion industry but possessed a strong appreciation for fashion and its power to express individuality and creativity.

She saw an opportunity to merge her love for fashion with a business that celebrated African identity through contemporary designs. Her journey required learning various aspects of the fashion industry, including product development, manufacturing, retail distribution, consumer behavior, and managing production, cash flow, staffing, inventory, and getting garments to customers.

A significant milestone for Mashika was establishing an in-house manufacturing operation, which provided more control over quality, production, and turnaround times while creating employment opportunities and allowing her team to develop their skills. ANGALIA Apparel has since secured stockists in multiple retail locations across South Africa and received recognition for contributing to the creative industry.

Mashika believes that African identity and contemporary fashion should not be seen as opposing ideas. She incorporates African prints into modern silhouettes, flattering cuts, and versatile designs, catering to various occasions. Her best-selling piece, the Mwezi dress, allows women to interpret the garment according to their personalities and the events they attend.

Traditional celebrations also play a role in Mashika's design philosophy, as attire can honor family, bring generations together, and preserve cultural heritage while still allowing for contemporary expression. As the festive season approaches, Mashika expects statement dresses, structured silhouettes, vibrant colors, and modern tailoring to be popular choices.

She advises women to consider the nature of the occasion, dress comfortably, and choose pieces that can be styled beyond a single event. For traditional weddings, she recommends beautifully tailored statement dresses, while for family celebrations and cultural ceremonies, a more relaxed yet polished African-print dress styled with heels or flats is advised.