Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES), Uncategorized

Style Envie at TALES 2026: Timeless Fashion for Modern Women

You know that thing that happens when someone stops you mid-stride, mid-conversation, mid-anything, just to ask “where did you get that”? That’s not a compliment. That’s a brand being born and the wearer doesn’t even know it yet.

That’s exactly how Style Envie started, and it’s exactly the energy you can expect from Style Envie at TALES 2026 this summer in London.

Meet Kasie Udeichi & The Story Behind Style Envie

Kasie Udeichi is the founder of Style Envie, a ready-to-wear house built for the kind of woman who wants her clothes to do some of the talking for her. Modern. The kind of pieces you can build a whole personality around.

But before any of that had a name, it was just Kasie, designing outfits for herself for special occasions because off-the-rack never quite felt like hers.

“I’ve always loved fashion and expressing myself through style,” she says. “I wanted to create pieces that make women feel confident, elegant, and effortlessly put together, without breaking a bank.”

“Style Envie was born from a very personal place,” she explains. “Before launching the brand, I often designed outfits for myself for special occasions because I wanted pieces that felt unique and reflected my personal style. Whenever I wore them, people would stop me to ask where I got them from.”

Picture the scene. An event. An outfit nobody else in the room is wearing. Someone leans over and asks the question. Then someone else does. Then it happens again at the next event, and the one after that.

That’s not a coincidence. That’s a pattern. And patterns are how brands get born.

“What started as a desire to create beautiful pieces for myself quickly evolved into a brand,” she says, “after realizing there were many women looking for the same balance.”

That’s the whole brand, really. Built from a wardrobe that worked, then shared with everyone who asked.

Kasie Udeichi – Founder, Style Envie

What Style Envie Is Really About

Style Envie isn’t chasing trends, and it says so plainly. As the brand puts it, trends come and go, but true style is and should be enduring.

Kasie designs for the modern woman. Her lifestyle, her confidence, her quiet refusal to disappear into the crowd. “Our ability to blend simplicity with bold femininity,” she says, “pieces that are timeless but still make a statement,” is what sets the brand apart globally.

It’s a careful balance. Not loud for the sake of being loud. Not quiet to the point of forgettable. Just exactly enough of both.

“I want her to feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in her own individuality,” Kasie says of the women who wear Style Envie. Confidence first. Elegance close behind. Everything else follows.

Style Envie: Confidence, Elegance & Comfort

What’s Coming From Style Envie at TALES 2026

Now here’s where it gets exciting for anyone planning to be in that room.

Style Envie recently launched a new collection, but TALES 2026 is getting something even rarer: exclusive previews and brand-new pieces that haven’t been unveiled to the public anywhere else.

“Visitors will have exclusive first access to unreleased Style Envie Summer 2026 designs before anyone else,” Kasie says. That’s not marketing language. That’s a literal first look, in one room, before the rest of the world sees a single piece.

For Kasie, TALES is bigger than the showcase itself. “TALES represents an exciting opportunity to connect with our international community and bring the Style Envie experience directly to our customers abroad,” she explains. It’s a chance to finally meet, in person, the women who’ve only known the brand from a distance.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Style Envie at TALES 2026

If you’ve ever been the person someone stopped to ask, “Where did you get that?” you already understand the appeal of Style Envie. If you’ve ever been the one asking, even better, because Style Envie at TALES 2026 is your chance to get the answer first.

“It’s an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, quality, and femininity that define our brand,” Kasie says, “while discovering pieces designed to make every woman feel confident, elegant, and unforgettable.”

Unreleased pieces. One room. London, this summer.

Shop Style Envie at TALES 2026: July 25 – 26 & August 08

Experience Style Envie:
Follow on Instagram: @styleenvie
Learn more about Bellafricana: bellafricana.com
Register for TALES 2026: tales.bellafricana.co.uk

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Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES), Uncategorized

Austine Mali at TALES 2026: Sustainable African Fashion in London

Some fashion brands start with a sketch. Austine Mali started with a question: how do you let your own culture live in the present without losing its soul? That question is exactly what’s coming to Austine Mali at TALES 2026 this summer in London.

Austine Mali’s Afro-Western aesthetic.

Meet Uche Onyemali, the Creative Director Behind Austine Mali

Uche Onyemali is a Nigerian software engineer based in the UK, and the Creative Director of Austine Mali. Two worlds that don’t usually share a sentence, but somehow they share his week.

“I love the balance of building software and designing clothes that honor my heritage,” he says. “For me, fashion is a celebration of identity, and I’m passionate about creating pieces that help every wearer feel like their truest self.”

It’s an unusual path into fashion, but maybe that’s exactly why Austine Mali doesn’t look like anything else on the rack. A precise mind, applied to something that’s supposed to feel free.

Uche Onyemali – Founder, Austine Mali

Bridging Two Continents Through What You Wear

The idea behind Austine Mali is simple to say and hard to actually pull off: let African heritage sit right alongside high-street and luxury fashion, not as a separate category, but as part of the same wardrobe.

“My vision for Austine Mali is to let African heritage sit right alongside those classic pieces,” Uche explains, “sometimes complementing them, sometimes standing out as something entirely new. I love the idea of two continents coming together through what we wear.”

That’s the whole philosophy, really. Not African fashion as a niche. African fashion as part of the room.

The brand works in textiles with real weight behind them — Adire, Aso Oke, Akwete — woven into contemporary silhouettes that wouldn’t feel out of place on a London high street or a Lagos runway. Sustainability sits underneath all of it, not as a label but as the actual method. Slow fashion, ethical production, low impact. Not a trend Austine Mali is chasing, but the way the brand has chosen to work since the beginning.

A contemporary look rooted in African heritage.

The Collection Made From What Was Almost Thrown Away

Here’s the part of the Austine Mali story that says more about the brand than any tagline could.

Somewhere along the way, someone looked at a pile of leftover fabric and off-cuts, the scraps every fashion house ends up with, and decided they deserved better than the bin. That decision became the One of One collection.

Each piece is built entirely from those leftover materials. Not a design choice made for effect, but a direct result of refusing to waste what was already there. Because of that, no two pieces in the collection are ever exactly alike. Whoever wears one is wearing something that, quite literally, doesn’t exist anywhere else.

It’s a small thing and a big thing at the same time. Small, because it’s just fabric that would have otherwise gone unused. Big, because it turns every single piece into proof that nothing about Austine Mali is accidental.

What to Expect From Austine Mali at TALES 2026

Ask Uche what’s coming to TALES and you’ll get a smile more than an answer. “Curiosity killed the cat,” he says, when asked about exclusive pieces.

What he will say is this: TALES is about community. And he’s blunt about why people should come find Austine Mali in that room. “Their wardrobe needs Austine Mali to make it complete,” he says.

That confidence comes from a brand that’s grown from small beginnings into a real voice in Afro-Western fashion, without losing sight of what it’s actually for. Storytelling through clothes. Creativity that empowers. Fashion that carries integrity all the way through, from the fabric sourcing to the final stitch.

Shop Austine Mali at TALES 2026: July 24 -25

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Austine Mali at TALES 2026

When you wear Austine Mali, the brand wants you to feel something specific. “Royalty, African heritage, expert craftsmanship,” Uche says, describing exactly what he wants people to feel when they experience the brand.

That’s not a small ask, and it’s exactly why this is worth seeing in person, not scrolling past on a feed. The print mixing, the texture of real Adire and Aso Oke, the quiet fact that the piece in your hands might be the only one of its kind in the world — that’s something you feel standing in the room, not from a product photo.

Register for TALES 2026 at tales.bellafricana.uk and follow Austine Mali on Instagram for previews of what’s coming to London.

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Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES)

Ebonimode at TALES 2026: African Craft Meets Modern Fashion

Ebonimode wants you to feel one word above all others: seen. That’s the brand’s answer when asked what a woman should feel in one of its pieces, and it’s exactly the experience waiting at Ebonimode’s showcase at TALES 2026 in London this summer.

Founder Bisola Alaka built the brand from a frustration. African fashion wasn’t taking up the global space it deserved, and she wanted to change that.

Meet Bisola Alaka, the Woman Behind Ebonimode

Bisola Alaka is Nigerian, and the founder and creative director of Ebonimode, a contemporary womenswear brand built around craftsmanship, culture, and elevated femininity.

“It came from a feeling,” she says, of starting the brand. “You know, this quiet frustration of not seeing African fashion occupy the space it deserves on a global scale. I wanted to be part of changing that.”

She describes the brand’s mission plainly. Take what’s deeply familiar, the textiles, the techniques, the stories, and present them in a way that feels refined and current. “Not a costume, not a trend,” she says. “Something timeless. Something a woman reaches for because it simply feels right on her body and true to who she is.”

Bisola Alaka – Founder, Ebonimode

The Part Nobody Sees

Here’s what most people don’t know about an Ebonimode piece: by the time it reaches a hanger, it’s already been through a process most fashion brands skip entirely.

“People see the finished garment, but they rarely see where it starts,” Bisola explains. “Every fabric we use is custom-made. We design the fabrics from scratch, before a single pattern is cut.”

The techniques, hand-dyeing, fabric combination, embroidery, and embellishment aren’t production choices made for effect. They’re things Bisola was drawn to long before the brand had a name.

“In a lot of ways, Ebonimode has always been less about building a business and more about following something that already lived in me,” she says. “The brand just gave it a home.”

That’s not a tagline. That’s the entire reason this brand exists.

Ebonimode: Hand-dyed African fabric

What Shapes an Ebonimode Piece

Ask Bisola what inspires her work, and the answer isn’t trend reports or runway moments. It’s contrast.

“Old and new. Structure and softness. The ornate and the understated,” she says. She’s drawn to the quiet details, texture, the way light falls on fabric, the posture of a woman who has nothing to prove.

Nigerian textile traditions like adire run through the brand’s work, alongside architecture, art, nature, and the way ordinary women move through the world with an elegance they don’t even notice in themselves.

The goal, when a woman puts on an Ebonimode piece, is simple. “Seen,” Bisola says. “That’s the simplest way I can put it. Feeling like it was made with her specifically in mind. Not loud, not trying too hard. Just that quiet confidence that comes from wearing something that genuinely fits who you are.”

What’s Coming to TALES 2026

Ebonimode is bringing exclusive, limited-edition pieces to TALES, crafted from fluid fabrics that carry African history and heritage. “Each piece is designed to move, to tell a story, and to embody culture in motion,” Bisola says. “These are pure art, not just clothing.”

The brand is also curating something beyond the garments themselves: an immersive experience that lets visitors connect with the craftsmanship behind each piece, not just the finished product.

For Bisola, showing at TALES carries real weight. “It’s an opportunity to share our story on a global platform, celebrate African creativity, and engage with the Bellafricana community,” she says. It’s also a chance for meaningful connection. Other creatives, industry leaders, and the people shaping where fashion goes next.

Shop Ebonimode at TALES 2026: July 24 – 26

Why You Need to See Ebonimode at TALES 2026 in Person

There’s a reason Bisola is adamant about this one: you cannot fully understand this work through a screen.

“The fabric textures, the finishes, the details, and storytelling. They ask to be touched,” she says. “If you care about craft, if you’re drawn to fashion that has something to say, come and stand in front of the pieces. Let them speak to you directly. That’s the only way to really get it.”

Register for TALES 2026 at tales.bellafricana.uk and follow @Ebonimode on Instagram for previews of what’s coming to London.

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Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES)

Deezmundu at TALES 2026: African Wellness and Beauty Ritual

Deezmundu at TALES 2026 is where African wellness, memory, and ritual come together in scent form.

Before you see it, you’ll smell it.

That’s the thing about Deezmundu. It doesn’t announce itself the way fashion does with colour and silhouette and a look that stops you mid-step. Instead, it works differently. It reaches you through something older, something the brain processes before the eyes do. A scent. A memory. A feeling that something familiar is happening, even if you can’t quite name it yet.

That’s the point. That’s always been the point.

Wura: one of Deezmundu’s handcrafted perfume oils, made for longevity.

Meet Hadiza, the Woman Behind Deezmundu

Hadiza is Nigerian, a trained psychotherapist, interior designer, and someone who has worked in the financial sector. She is also the founder of Deezmundu at TALES 2026, one of the most distinctive wellness brands showing this summer.

That background is not incidental. In fact, it is exactly why Deezmundu exists.

“My background is in psychology, trained in psychotherapy, interior design, and I worked in the financial sector — so I understand both people and business deeply,” she says.

Across all those fields, she noticed the same gap. People were being sold products that addressed the surface, while the deeper need to feel grounded and connected to self was left unmet.

As a result, Deezmundu became her answer to that gap.

Hadiza, founder of Deezmundu.

The Brand That Grew Up in Ancient Ingredients

Growing up, Hadiza was surrounded by African beauty rituals — turmeric, baobab, cloves, shea. These were not trends. They were part of everyday life.

“I grew up surrounded by African beauty rituals and natural ingredients that weren’t just about looking good, but about identity, wellness, and community,” she explains.

Later, she realized modern products often miss that deeper connection.

So she built it back.

Deezmundu is a traditional African wellness brand. That word is intentional. Traditional does not mean old-fashioned. Instead, it means rooted in memory, rhythm, and lived knowledge.

Each perfume oil, incense, and body care product carries that philosophy forward.

“Each creation carries memory, identity, and the rhythm of tradition,” she says, “turning everyday care into timeless ceremony.”

Every Deezmundu product is handmade using ingredients rooted in African tradition.

The Secret Most People Don’t Know About Deezmundu

Here’s something most people don’t realise.

Deezmundu is not just about fragrance.

“It is about memory,” Hadiza reveals. “Every oil, incense, and body care product carries whispers of African rituals passed down through generations.”

That is why the experience stays with people. Not just because of scent, but because scent is tied directly to memory.

As a result, when people use Deezmundu, they don’t just smell good. They feel unforgettable.

That is the philosophy behind everything the brand creates.

Bada, Siyu, Ayaan Oud, Faruk: each oil carries a name, a story, and a scent worth remembering.

What TALES 2026 Visitors Can Expect From Deezmundu

At TALES 2026, Deezmundu will present three limited-edition creations: perfume oils, body butters, and scrubs.

These pieces will be available at TALES 2026, making them true collector’s items.

Each product is handmade, sustainable, and designed for longevity. More importantly, each one blends African heritage with modern luxury in a way that feels intentional rather than decorative.

For Hadiza, this moment is significant.

“Showcasing at TALES 2026 is about placing African craftsmanship on the global luxury stage,” she says. “It is proof that heritage, sustainability, and longevity can stand alongside the finest brands in the world.”

IPARA body butter: Smell enticing every minute of the day.

Why You Need to Experience Deezmundu at TALES 2026

You cannot fully experience Deezmundu at TALES 2026 through a screen.

Instead, it asks for presence.

A perfume oil needs to meet your skin. Incense needs to fill a space. These are not products for quick consumption. They are experiences that unfold slowly.

This is where it gets real.

Deezmundu will be at TALES House, 28 Cavendish Square, off Oxford Street, London W1G 0DB, from July 31 to August 1, and August 9 2026, open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Once the moment passes, it will not repeat itself in the same way.

Come ready to feel something.

Deezmundu at TALES House, London: Jul 31, Aug 1 and Aug 9.

Register for TALES 2026 at tales.bellafricana.uk and follow @Deezmundu for previews of what is coming.

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Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES)

Outspok’n at TALES London: Tailoring, Purpose and Style

Outspok’n at TALES London is a celebration of twenty years of tailoring, purpose and style.

Some brands are built from vision boards and business plans.

Outspok’n was built from necessity.

Twenty years later, it has become one of the most compelling menswear brands coming to TALES London this summer.

Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Outspok’n bridges the gap between traditional African fabrics and contemporary design. The pieces are bold, clean, and created for people who understand that what you wear often speaks before you do.

As the brand puts it:

“Fashion is more than what you wear. It’s how you speak without words.”

Outspok’n menswear at TALES London showcasing modern African tailoring

Who Is Behind Outspok’n?

Outspok’n is led by Adesola Balogun, a Lagos-based fashion entrepreneur, business consultant, podcaster, and author.

But before any of those titles, he was a student trying to find a way to stay in school.

“Outspok’n was birthed in 2005,” Adesola explains. “At the time, it was necessary for me to start a business where I could earn an income and support myself through school because my parents were going through some financial difficulties.”

And that is the real origin story of Outspok’n.

Not a fashion week breakthrough. Not a carefully planned business launch.

Just a young man with a challenge to solve and a sharp eye for opportunity.

Adesola Balogun: Founder, Outspok’n Clothiers

The Story Most People Don’t Know

Interestingly, the earliest version of Outspok’n started with shirts.

Adesola noticed that many of his friends admired premium British brands like Thomas Pink and Charles Tyrwhitt. They loved the style but couldn’t always afford the price.

So he created an alternative.

“I provided a more affordable option,” he says, “something that allowed people to look good while still enjoying the style of premium shirts.”

What started as a simple solution eventually became the foundation of something much bigger.

Over time, Outspok’n evolved from just a business that gave him a stipend into something he truly loves, a passionate business that gives him meaning, employs hundreds of Nigerians, and allows him to make a statement about passion.

Today, Outspok’n stands as a testament to what can happen when necessity meets consistency.

Outspok’n linen and Aso-Oke tailoring detail close-up

What Makes Outspok’n Different?

At the heart of Outspok’n is a commitment to thoughtful tailoring and distinctive fabric combinations.

One of the brand’s signatures is the way it blends contemporary fabrics with traditional African textiles.

The way we combine contemporary fabrics, especially linen with Aso-Oke, is something we truly enjoy, Adesola says. “It sets us apart effortlessly.”

Beyond that, this combination brings together the lightness and breathability of linen with the richness and cultural depth of Aso-Oke, creating garments that feel both contemporary and rooted in heritage.

As a result, the brand creates menswear that refuses to choose between tradition and modernity.

“We see our pieces as bold yet comfortable, striking a balance between standing out and feeling at ease,” Adesola explains. “I want people to feel joy and confidence. I want them to feel honoured and feel good.”

What Outspok’n Is Bringing to TALES London

At TALES London, visitors can expect both familiar favourites and something entirely new.

This is what makes Outspok’n one of the most anticipated brands at TALES this summer.

Outspok’n will be bringing back the Skyline Pants and the Omo Oluwabi Pants, while also introducing pieces from its latest release, the Out Rocking Collection.

A few pieces from the new collection will make their debut at TALES, making it the first place you’ll be able to see and shop them in person.

For Adesola, however, the event represents more than a collection launch.

“TALES means community. TALES means enterprise. TALES means my dreams coming through,” he says. “It’s about enjoying the camaraderie among fellow creatives and seeing what we can achieve together.”

This summer, Outspok’n arrives in London with two decades of building behind it.

A new collection.

One room in London.

If you’re planning to attend TALES 2026, this is your chance to experience it in person.

Come Shop Outspok’n at TALES London

Come Experience Outspok’n at TALES London

Outspok’n will be showcasing at TALES House as part of Bellafricana’s celebration of African creative excellence this summer.

TALES House, 28 Cavendish Square, off Oxford Street, London W1G 0DB
July 31 – August 1, and August 9, 2026
11 AM to 8 PM daily

“People should come and experience Outspok’n because it represents freedom, boldness, and confidence,” Adesola says.

If you’re in London this summer, this is your opportunity to experience two decades of craftsmanship, purpose, and style up close.

Learn more about TALES London here: https://tales.bellafricana.uk

Follow @outspok’n for previews and stay connected with @bell_africana for updates on TALES.

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Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES), Uncategorized

Gia 1 Fashion at TALES London: Healing, Heritage, and Style

There’s a kind of fashion that simply covers the body. Then there is another kind that says something true about the woman wearing it.

Gia 1 Fashion belongs to the second category.

This August, the brand arrives at TALES London, Bellafricana’s celebration of African creative excellence. It brings with it a philosophy rooted in storytelling, emotion, and bold expression.

If you have seen even one image from Gia 1 Fashion, you already understand why people are paying attention.

A closer look at the silhouette and storytelling behind Gia 1 Fashion’s design language.

Who Is Behind Gia 1 Fashion?

Gia 1 Fashion is the work of Gloria Anyaehie. She is a designer based between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Her relationship with fashion goes far beyond fabric and silhouette. For her, clothing is not only about dressing women. It is about helping them see themselves again.

“All my life, I’ve used fashion not just to dress women, but to help them rediscover confidence and see themselves again,” she shares.

This is not a tagline. It is the foundation of the brand.

You can see it in every piece. From richly patterned kaftans to structured gowns that move with intention, each design carries presence.

Every detail is intentional, from texture to form, nothing is accidental.

The Story Behind the Brand

Gia 1 Fashion did not begin as a business plan.

It began as survival.

“I started my brand from a place of passion and pain,” Gloria says. “Fashion became my way of healing during difficult seasons of life. I wanted other women to experience that same transformation through fashion and style.”

Behind the bold prints and elegant draping is a story of resilience. It is the story of a woman who chose to keep creating, even in difficult seasons.

That choice became Gia 1 Fashion.

After more than twenty years in the fashion industry, Gloria describes showcasing at TALES as deeply meaningful.

“It means legacy, growth, visibility, and connection with other creatives on a deeper level,” she explains. “Standing on a platform like TALES feels like a reminder that my gift has purpose beyond what I can see.”

Fashion as healing — expressed through structure, pattern, and presence.

What Inspires Gia 1 Fashion Designs?

Look closely at a Gia 1 Fashion piece and you will notice a recurring detail. An abstract face appears across different designs, applied into the fabric in varying forms and colourways.

It is striking and intentional.

Gloria draws her inspiration from women.

“Women inspire me. Their strength, softness, journeys, and quiet courage,” she says. “Every piece is created to make a woman feel seen, graceful, and powerful.”

Faith and nature also shape her creative direction. But at the centre of it all is everyday womanhood.

This becomes visible in the final work.

Oversized sleeves move with drama. Prints combine animal and geometric influences. Colour pairings feel unexpected yet deliberate, from bold pinks against grey to deep magenta against blush tones.

The result is not trend-led fashion. It is emotional design.

Strength, softness, and storytelling woven into wearable form.

Why Gia 1 Fashion Feels Global

Gloria’s vision has never been limited to one city.

“Whether in London, Lagos, or New York, women understand the desire to feel confident, elegant, and whole,” she says. “That is what Gia 1 Fashion represents.”

That vision is already visible in the brand’s editorial work. Shot across London landmarks like Oxford Street and its surrounding architecture, the pieces feel at home in both African and global contexts.

They do not belong to one geography.

They move easily across them.

That versatility is part of what makes the brand compelling.

Gia 1 Fashion at TALES London

So what happens when this story steps into a physical space?

Gloria describes the experience as emotional and personal rather than transactional.

“Visitors should expect timeless statement pieces filled with emotion, elegance, and storytelling,” she says. “It will feel warm, personal, and unforgettable.”

Gia 1 Fashion will be showcasing at TALES House, 28 Cavendish Square, just off Oxford Street in London.

It will only be there for a limited time this August.

Once the showcase ends, this exact moment will not repeat itself.

It is part of the wider TALES London experience, a celebration of African creativity curated by Bellafricana. But Gia 1 Fashion stands as its own distinct story within it.

Why This Moment Matters

Gloria puts it simply.

“Gia 1 Fashion is more than a clothing brand. It is a story people can feel. Every piece carries healing, resilience, and the reminder that confidence can always rise again.”

Experience the collection in person this August at TALES House, 28 Cavendish Square.

If you are in London this August, this is a chance to experience that story in person.

To see the craftsmanship up close.

To understand the emotion behind the design.

And to meet the woman behind it.

Because when style heals, confidence rises.

Follow the journey:
@gia1fashion for behind-the-scenes access to the brand and new collections.
@bell_africana for more stories from TALES London and African creative excellence.

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Bellafricana published in The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES)

How to Plan Your Visit to TALES 2026 in London (The African Lifestyle Experience Guide)

How to Plan Your Visit to TALES 2026 by Bellafricana in London (The African Lifestyle Experience Guide)

If you’re looking for things to do in London this summer, especially experiences that celebrate culture, creativity, and unique brands, then TALES 2026 (The African Lifestyle Experience) should be on your list.

Taking place for 30 days in London (July 24 – August 23), TALES brings together some of the most exciting African fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and home brands—all in one curated space.

But TALES isn’t just something you attend.
It’s something you experience.

Here’s how to plan your visit and make the most of it.

What is TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience)?

TALES is a curated retail and cultural experience that showcases African creative brands in London.

It’s where you:

  • Discover unique African fashion and lifestyle products
  • Meet the founders behind the brands
  • Experience the stories behind each piece
  • Shop intentionally and meaningfully

If you’re searching for African pop-up experiences in London, cultural events, or unique shopping experiences, TALES is one to explore.

TALES 2026 Dates & Location

  • Dates: July 24 – August 23, 2026
  • Location: TALES House London, 28 Cavendish Square (Off Oxford Street), London W1G 0DB.

Located in the heart of London, TALES House is easily accessible and perfect for both locals and visitors.

How to Get to TALES House London

TALES House is centrally located on Oxford Street, making it easy to reach:

  • By Tube: Oxford Circus Station or Tottenham Court Road Station
  • By Bus: Multiple routes along Oxford Street
  • By Car: Limited parking available nearby (public transport recommended)

Opening Hours for TALES 2026

10am – 7pm daily

Tip: Visit earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience, or later for a livelier atmosphere.

Plan Your Visit Ahead for TALES 2026

With 30 days to explore, it’s worth planning ahead.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want a quiet browsing experience or a lively one?
  • Are you coming solo, with friends, or with family?
  • Do you want a quick visit or a full experience?

Many visitors come more than once, and for good reason.

Set a Budget (and Stay Open)

Trust me, TALES is full of discovery.

You’ll come across:

  • Unique pieces
  • New brands
  • Items you didn’t plan to buy

Set a budget, but leave a little room for surprises.

Take Your Time

TALES is not a quick stop.

Give yourself time to:

  • Walk through the space
  • Revisit brands
  • Explore different sections

Some of the best finds happen when you slow down.

Don’t Just Shop, Engage

One of the most unique parts of TALES is the opportunity to connect directly with founders.

Ask questions like:

  • What inspired this piece?
  • How was this created?
  • What does this collection mean?

These conversations make your purchases more meaningful.

Capture and Share the Experience

TALES is a beautiful, vibrant space, perfect for photos and content.

Feel free to:

  • Take pictures
  • Share your experience
  • Tag the brands and @bellafricanauk

Who Should Attend TALES 2026?

TALES is for:

  • Shoppers looking for unique and meaningful products
  • Creatives and entrepreneurs seeking inspiration
  • Buyers and collaborators exploring new brands
  • Anyone interested in African culture and creativity

If you enjoy discovering something different, you’ll feel right at home.

Payment Options

Most brands will accept:

  • Card and contactless payments
  • Some may accept cash

It’s always helpful to come prepared with multiple options.

Best Times to Visit TALES

  • Weekdays (Daytime): Quieter, more relaxed
  • Evenings & Weekends: Busier, more vibrant

Choose based on the kind of experience you want.

Final Thoughts

TALES is more than a market.
More than a pop-up.
More than a shopping trip.

It’s a space where you:

  • Discover
  • Connect
  • Experience

And the way you show up… will shape what you take away.

📍 Plan Your Visit

TALES 2026
July 24 – August 23
28 Cavendish Square (Off Oxford Street), London W1G 0DB.
Follow along: @bellafricanauk

We can’t wait to welcome you at TALES 2026.

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Bellafricana published in #ForTheLoveOfCreatives, 100 outstanding creatives in africa, 100 Visionary African Creatives, africa visionary creatives, African Creatives & Entrepreneurs,

Building Systems, Not in Isolation: Inside the Bellafricana Community for Creative Entrepreneurs

The Bellafricana community for creative entrepreneurs exists to help fashion, beauty, and lifestyle founders build sustainable systems — not in isolation, but together.

Over the past few days, Bellafricana hosted Ready, Set, Goal Reset in Lagos, Accra, and London, bringing together a growing community of creative entrepreneurs committed to clarity, alignment, and collective growth.

Bellafricana community for creative entrepreneurs gathering at the Reset event
Bellafricana creative entrepreneur community gathering at the Reset event

Why We Created the Bellafricana Reset for Creative Entrepreneurs

As the year began, a question kept coming up in conversations with creatives:

“How do I move differently this year?”

Many had goals.
Many had vision boards.
But what were missing were systems and more importantly, people to walk the journey with them.

Inspired by Atomic Habits and years of lived experience, the Bellafricana Reset was designed to help creative entrepreneurs move beyond goal-setting into system-building, with community as the anchor.

Because goals give direction, but systems create progress.

And one of the most powerful systems a creative entrepreneur can build is community.

Lagos: Building Systems Through Creative Community

Lagos Bellafricana community for creative entrepreneurs Reset session
Lagos Bellafricana creative entrepreneur community Reset session

The Lagos Reset was hosted by the Bellafricana community alongside the team on ground, and the energy in the room was undeniable.

From the moment creatives arrived, there was a sense of familiarity. Conversations flowed easily. People were generous with ideas, feedback, and encouragement.

This wasn’t surface-level networking.
It was creatives sitting together, sharing goals honestly, and asking real questions like:

  • What systems do I need to sustain this?

  • Who do I need around me this year?

  • What habits must change if growth is the goal?

Lagos reminded us that when creatives gather with intention, clarity follows.

Accra: Community as a System, Not a Bonus

How the Bellafricana Creative Entrepreneur Community Showed Up in Accra
Accra Bellafricana creative entrepreneur community discussion

Accra Bellafricana creative entrepreneur community discussion

Accra was special in a deeply personal way.

This reset was fully hosted by the community itself — creatives opening their arms to one another and creating a safe, thoughtful space for growth.

There was depth in the conversations.
There was vulnerability in the sharing.
There was joy in realising, “I’m not alone in this.”

One attendee shared how being surrounded by people who understood her industry immediately reduced the anxiety she’d been carrying into the year.

That’s the power of a creative business community — it carries you when systems feel heavy and goals feel big.

London: Intentional Growth Within the Bellafricana Community

London Bellafricana creative entrepreneur community meetup
London Bellafricana creative entrepreneur community meetup

London started small, just a handful of women, and then grew organically into a full room of creative entrepreneurs.

Hosted by Bukky, the founder of Bellafricana, the London Reset was intimate, reflective, and deeply practical.

Creatives shared:

  • One word for the year

  • One system they were committing to

  • One way they planned to lean into the community more intentionally

There was laughter.
There was honesty.
There was clarity.

It was a reminder that no matter the city, creative entrepreneurs across Africa and the UK are asking the same questions — and looking for the same support.

Why Community Is the Most Powerful System for Creative Entrepreneurs

African creative entrepreneurs building systems through Bellafricana community

Across all three cities, one truth was consistent:

Creative entrepreneurs don’t just need more information.
They need connection, accountability, and shared wisdom.

At Bellafricana, we’ve seen this time and time again:

  • A fashion founder borrowing mannequins for a pop-up from someone she met in the community

  • A beauty entrepreneur is gaining confidence simply by being welcomed into the room

  • A lifestyle brand refining strategy through honest peer feedback

This is why Bellafricana exists — to build a sustainable community for creative entrepreneurs, where growth is shared and systems are supported.

What’s Next for the Bellafricana Creative Entrepreneur Community

The Reset may be over, but the work continues.

Bellafricana remains committed to:

  • Supporting African creative entrepreneurs

  • Building systems that prioritise sustainability

  • Creating spaces where fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creatives can grow — together

If there’s one takeaway from the Reset, it’s this:

You don’t have to build alone.
And you were never meant to.

Join the Bellafricana Creative Entrepreneur Community

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your creative business, Bellafricana is a place to find clarity, connection, and support.

Because when creatives build with community, they build better.

Membership packages

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Bellafricana published in African Creatives, bellafricana

Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped

Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped

Before we rush into a new year, we wanted to pause and share Bellafricana 2025 wrapped.

2025 wasn’t just a year of numbers or events, it was a year of learning, community, resilience, and shared wins. From conversations that stretched us, to moments that reminded us why Bellafricana exists; to build, spotlight, and scale African creative businesses through community, visibility, and shared knowledge. This year shaped us in ways we won’t forget.

As we reflect, we’re deeply grateful for every creative, partner, and supporter who walked this journey with us.

Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped: Building a Global Community for African Creatives

Bellafricana 2025 WrappedCommunity growth remained one of the strongest indicators of impact in 2025.

  • Bellafricana crossed 30,000 followers on Instagram and over 50,000 followers across all social platforms, reflecting a growing global audience intentionally supporting African creativity.
  • Instagram emerged as our most engaged platform, where conversations, storytelling, and community interaction thrived.
  • Our email list grew by 13,834 subscribers, each sign-up representing a creative choosing to stay informed, inspired, and connected.

These numbers represent more than growth; they represent trust.

Empowering Creatives Through Education and Knowledge Sharing

Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped
Education has always been central to Bellafricana’s mission to support African creative businesses.

Through webinars, masterclasses, blog content, and shared resources, we provided practical guidance on:

  • Creative business pricing
  • Marketing and brand visibility
  • Growth strategies for creative entrepreneurs
  • Navigating business challenges sustainably

One of our most impactful educational moments came from our article and social content titled:

“How to Price Your Handmade Product Without Underselling, which became Bellafricana’s most engaged post of the year, generating:

  • Over 1,000 likes
  • More than 40,000 impressions

This reinforced the importance of actionable, relevant education for creative founders.

Community Moments That Defined Bellafricana in 2025

Not all meaningful moments in the African creative community can be measured by numbers.

When the Bellafricana Nigeria Instagram page was temporarily suspended for nearly a month, the very first comment after its restoration came from @bootsbymetal.

That single interaction reminded us that beyond platforms and algorithms, what truly sustains African creative businesses is community loyalty, trust, and shared belief. It reaffirmed that community remains Bellafricana’s greatest asset.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion for African Creative Businesses

2025 marked an important chapter in Bellafricana’s global journey.

We welcomed our first strategic UK partner, New West End Company, strengthening Bellafricana’s international presence and opening new pathways for African creatives to access global markets.

In addition, over 20 partners collaborated with us to support TALES by Bellafricana, helping expand its reach, credibility, and economic impact.

These partnerships reinforced Bellafricana’s role as a bridge between African creative businesses and global opportunities, ensuring that local talent can thrive on international stages.

Purpose-Driven Campaigns Supporting African Creatives

Purpose-led storytelling remained central to how Bellafricana supported African creative entrepreneurs throughout 2025.

For the Love of Creative Campaign

In partnership with CLEVA, Bellafricana launched the “For the Love of Creative” campaign, spotlighting 100 African creatives across different industries.

The campaign celebrated:

  • Creative courage

  • Consistency in building

  • Long-term commitment to craft

It highlighted the realities of building African creative businesses while honouring the resilience behind every brand.

Bellafricana Gratitude Campaign

The Bellafricana Gratitude Campaign invited creatives to pause, reflect on their journeys, celebrate milestones, and express gratitude for growth and resilience.

It became a meaningful way to close the year grounded in appreciation rather than pressure reinforcing the emotional strength of the creative community in Africa.

TALES by Bellafricana 2025: Driving Real Economic Impact

TALES by Bellafricana continued to demonstrate the power of community-led creative markets in supporting African creative businesses.

In 2025:

  • TALES generated over £180,000 in sales within 10 days

  • More than 10,000 physical attendees showed up to shop, support, and celebrate African brands

TALES reaffirmed Bellafricana’s commitment to creating genuine commercial opportunities for creative entrepreneurs in Africa, beyond mere visibility.

Going Global: Creative Community Meet-Ups Across Continents

In 2025, Bellafricana hosted creative community meet-ups in three key cities:

  • Lagos, Nigeria

  • Accra, Ghana

  • London, United Kingdom

These gatherings strengthened cross-border collaboration, deepened relationships, and reinforced the global reach of African creativity and African creative businesses.

Celebrating Community Wins by African Creative Entrepreneurs

Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped

Some standout community wins in 2025 include:

  • Massassi B launching a new signature fashion style, “The Coat.”

  • Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka, celebrating 10 years of resilience and expanding into the UK market.

  • Bola Lasisi opening a new retail storefront in Grays, UK, and exhibiting at the Good Food Show.

  • Aguma Tea relaunching its website to strengthen digital visibility.

  • Adesola Balogun (Outspok’n) launching the “Omoluabi” collection and showcasing it in the UK and Dubai.

These achievements highlight the ripple effect of visibility, education, and community support for African creative businesses.

What 2025 Taught Us About Supporting African Creative Businesses

2025 reinforced a powerful truth:

When African creatives are equipped with the right knowledge, surrounded by a supportive community, and given visibility, sustainable growth follows.

As we move forward, Bellafricana remains committed to building ecosystems where African creative businesses can thrive locally and globally.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped

View the full Bellafricana 2025 Wrapped Recap on our Instagram page here

Also Read: Bellafricana Year 2024 Round Up

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Bellafricana published in African Creativity & Innovation, Business & Entrepreneurship, Lifestyle & Inspiration

Top Creative Business Ideas for African Entrepreneurs

Have you ever sat down with creative business ideas and wondered whether it’s just a dream… or your next big business? If you’re a creative African entrepreneur, designer, artist, content creator, fashion visionary, or craft-maker, your moment is now. The creative economy in Africa is not just growing; it’s exploding with opportunity.

In this post, I’m breaking down six (or more) smart, creative business ideas you can actually start today. These aren’t just trendy side hustles; they’re ideas with real demand, real impact, and real potential to scale.

African shop

The Big Picture: Why Creative Businesses in Africa Are Booming

Before we dive into specific ideas, here’s why now is such a powerful time to build:

  • Tech + Creativity: Tools like AI, content platforms, and digital marketing are increasingly accessible, making it easier for creatives to launch business ideas.

  • Growing Middle Class: More Africans have disposable income, which means more demand for design-led products, local fashion, artisanal crafts, and unique experiences.

  • Sustainability Momentum: Eco‑friendly fashion, upcycled crafts, and socially responsible businesses are resonating more than ever.

  • Digital Markets: E-commerce is booming, Africans are buying online, and creatives can reach global audiences.

7 Creative Business Ideas to Explore

Creative business ideas Africa Branding and Packaging

Here are some of the most compelling and relevant creative business ideas you can start today in Africa:

  1. AI‑Powered Creative Services

    • Offer automated content tools, chatbots, or design automation to other small businesses. According to Jangaan Tech, African businesses are looking for AI solutions that save time and money.

    • Use no-code AI tools to help local creatives or entrepreneurs scale their operations.

  2. Digital Marketing & Content Creation Agency

    • Many African small businesses don’t yet know how to leverage social media, SEO, or email. Starting a specialised agency (for, say, fashion brands, artists, or craft businesses) can be massively valuable.

    • Combine storytelling + design to help clients build a brand, not just run ads.

  3. Online Learning & Skills Training Platform

    • Create courses for in-demand creative skills: graphic design, video editing, digital art, business for creatives, etc.

    • Offer this in local languages or via WhatsApp-based micro‑courses to reach underserved communities.

  4. Packaged African Food & Craft Manufacturing

    • Leverage local flavours. As urbanisation rises, there’s a huge opportunity for food startups that process and package local products.

    • On the craft side: turn traditional textiles, pottery, or recycled materials into globally sellable goods.

  5. Sustainable Fashion / Upcycled Accessory Brands

    • Use deadstock fabrics, recycled materials, or artisan techniques to build ethical fashion. Botswana’s Xita brand is a great example.

    • This kind of business resonates deeply with consumers who care about culture and the planet.

  6. Creative Fintech for SMEs

    • Create fintech solutions tailored for creativepreneurs: easy payments, micro-loans, and wallets for artisans.

    • Think voice-based interfaces or mobile-first tools, especially relevant in regions where smartphone and voice tech are strong. (Emerging research supports voice‑interface tools for SMBs.)

    • Artisanal Homeware & Heritage Crafts

    • Work with local artisans to create heritage-inspired pieces (baskets, ceramics, weaving) that appeal globally.

    • This taps into both the cultural value and the growing global market for ethically made, handcrafted goods.

Also Read: How The African Creative Business Is Turning Vision Into Legacy

How to Choose the Right Business Idea (For You)

 

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick which of the ideas above is the best path for your creative self:

  • Match to your skill + passion: What are you already talented at? What do you enjoy doing day in, day out?

  • Research local demand: Who are your potential customers? Are there gaps in your community or online that you can uniquely serve?

  • Start small, validate quickly: Build a minimum viable product (MVP), test it locally or online, and see how people respond.

  • Think scalability: Can the idea grow? For example, will your upcycled fashion brand scale across borders?

  • Leverage partnerships & networks: Collaborate with other creatives, hubs, or platforms so you don’t always go it alone.

Success Stories & Inspiration

To bring this to life, think about creators like One Rapelana of Xita (Botswana), who turned recycled clothing materials into bold, wearable art.

Also, there are creative hubs and social enterprises across Africa partnering with artisans, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. These networks are becoming more powerful, and you can tap into them.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered whether your creative work could become more than a side hustle, whether it could grow into a brand, a movement, or even a business, this is your sign. The ideas above aren’t just dreams: they’re practical, timely, and deeply rooted in what the African creative economy needs right now.

If one of these ideas sparked something in you, start planning today. Pick one, research, test, and refine. Your talent can be more than a hobby it can become a thriving business. And remember, the right network and global perspective can accelerate every step of your journey.

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