Today we’d like to introduce you to Salo-Phena Onwonga.
Hi Salo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello everyone! My name is Salo-Phena Onwonga. I am a 19-year-old business owner and college student. I am the founder and CEO of Salo’s African Boutique and a sophomore Finance major at Georgia State University. I am originally from Prince George’s County, MD, but currently reside in Atlanta, GA for school.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I started my business, Salo’s African Boutique in July 2019. At the time, I had just finished my freshman year of high school. One day, my mom, Kemunto showed me different things she brought back from Kenya. It was a lot of traditional foods, handbags, but most importantly waistbeads, bracelets, anklets, and more jewelry. I was so excited when I saw all of it because it was so colorful and pretty.
Both of my parents are Kenyan immigrants, so this is a way that they can keep the culture alive with us in America. I started wearing the waistbands to my high school cheerleading practice and my cheer sisters started asking about them. Many of them wanted to purchase some. That same night after practice, I went home and talked to my mom about it. She inspired me to turn this into a legitimate business. I immediately felt inspired.
By the next day, I had created my business Instagram, website, logo, and business cards. I was really on a roll and knew that this could be something big. I was able to gauge how popular waist beads were becoming in the African-American community and knew that my business would shed a positive light on African culture. My first pop-up shop was at my high school in February 2020. The Black Student Union was hosting a Black History Month event. I made some great sales there and was able to showcase my business to my fellow students, staff, and community.
SAB has been an amazing vessel for me to share my Kenyan culture with the world. Through social media, I have been able to gain supporters from across the country and around the world. It still feels surreal receiving orders from states like California or Texas, and countries like Canada. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has placed an order on my website or bought something at one of my pop-up shops. The support is greatly appreciated and never goes unnoticed.
Each bead holds deep authenticity and significance. During my visit to Kenya in the summer of 2022, I took it upon myself to handpick waistbeads, bracelets, and anklets to ensure impeccable quality and exquisite artistry. Every item featured on the website meets the rigorous standards set by Salo!
Pricing:
- Single Waistbeads: $10
- Double Waistbeads: $15
- Traditional Bracelet/Anklet: $5
- Stretchy Waistbeads: $13
- Stretchy Bracelet/Anklet: $7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salosab.ecwid.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salosafricanboutique/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salo-phenaonwonga/
