Hello there! My  name is Joanna MEFIRE Atemnkeng from Cameroon. I fell in love with the self-expressive nature of fashion, particularly colourful fashion at a very early age. My mum’s elegant dresses and attention to detail had the biggest impact on me. Vibrant “African” batik/wax fabrics sewn in stylish designs by local tailors defined my youth. However, it is only after moving to Germany in 2007 and completing my Master’s degree in Biological Sciences that I decided to follow my heart’s desire to become a pattern maker and fashion designer. I then ventured into getting professional training in fashion illustration and design & garment pattern making (amongst others) from the Modeinstitut Gabriel in Frankfurt. At the heart of my journey, I have always been astonished by the lack of "African" prints in diverse fabrics, the fit deficiencies many women of African origins face with mainstream fashion and the unethical practices common in the fashion industry. Following my passion & talent, training experience, and desire to make a difference, I created MEFIRE. 

I love sharing my entrepreneurial journey on podcasts & with other creatives, contact me to have me speak at your next event!