Meet Amaka Nkele of AfroStyle Magazine

Amaka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had an interest in fashion [even worked at a well known retail company for a few years], but did not know I would find myself creating a magazine. However, as time went on, I realized life in the retail business was no longer of interest to me and during some time away from the job, I started to reflect on my interests, my goals, my dreams and my passion – and they all came down to one thing – starting AfroStyle Magazine- a decision I came to realize at 3 am one morning.

Despite some setbacks and challenges, I proceeded to start the magazine with a goal in mind to celebrate the African Continent in culture, fashion, art, traditions, social issues and more; and also celebrate other cultures and shedding light on issues in other continents – thereby celebrating and exploring diversity. It was a slow start but as time went on, the notoriety of AfroStyle Magazine picked up and has expanded beyond my imagination. The appreciation for AfroStyle Magazine from readers and followers of different races has been amazing, and for that I am grateful.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was not a smooth road. Starting out, I did not have anyone to turn to for guidance or assistance on how to proceed. Though I had an educational background in journalism, I never worked or interned for a magazine because the initial plan was to go to law school. I reached out to other magazine platforms and to individuals to possibly seek out a little advice or ideas but got no response. Since there was no interest from anyone I initially reached out to, I did quite a bit of research to aid in carving out a niche for the magazine. I finally started the process to get the ball rolling – (and I think I started backwards) with a photoshoot with the help of a friend Ken Pivak who in turn was kind enough to introduce to other people.

It was quite overwhelming because I got to see first hand how much work is put into photo shoots, editorials and other factors that make up a good fashion magazine. It is still a lot of work, but with each issue that rolls out, I am very proud of, as I witness how far it has come. In addition, it says a lot when readers show their appreciation for AfroStyle Magazine.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of AfroStyle Magazine and oversee the entire workings & content of each issue.

AfroStyle Magazine is an African inspired Multicultural & Multiracial Fashion Editorial Online Magazine. I am very proud of how inclusive the magazine is. I think that is what sets the magazine apart. The magazine recognizes the diversity and complexities of the human race and their unique cultural style – African and Non-African because every culture has a rich, deep breath or style that cannot be ignored or marginalized.

The spirit of a nation can be found in her style and we identify the similarities, the differences and the value of every cultural fashion statement. Since many believe life started in Africa, to ignore a nation’s style is akin to cultural suppression. Thus, AfroStyle Magazine embraces and showcases the way a culture chooses to design their dreams or visions of flare and dignity through fashion, art, culture, tradition and social issues.

What were you like growing up?
I was always the laidback kid. I had a small group of friends that I hung out with and had more of acquaintances. I was in the high school choir and wrote a few songs (I forget the lyrics). It is via the choir I got more notoriety because that is where classmates got to know I could hold a tune – yet I never sought the limelight even at that. I think I am the same way now actually.

I always had a creative side. I remember I had a thick catalog I created when I was about 10 or 11 years. The catalog contained a cut out of black and white fashion illustrations that I would color. I think that was my started my interest in fashion. I do not know whatever happened to the catalog but it is sort of a full circle given what I am doing now with AfroStyle Magazine.