Campaign Story

The Problem
Across Africa, young people face an impossible choice when it comes to fashion accessories.
International luxury brands — Zara, Coach, Michael Kors — are priced far beyond what most
Africans can afford. A single imported handbag can cost more than a month’s salary. The
alternative? Cheap imports from China that fall apart after a few weeks, or market knockoffs
with peeling faux leather and broken zippers. There is no middle ground. No brand that says:
you deserve real quality, beautiful design, and lasting craftsmanship — at a price that respects
your reality.
Meanwhile, Africa is home to some of the most talented leather workers, fabric designers, and
artisans on the planet. But without infrastructure, branding, and distribution, their skills remain
invisible to the world. The global fashion industry extracts African aesthetics for profit while
African creators struggle to sell online.
The Solution — Mak Nisy
Mak Nisy was founded in 2011 in Abuja, Nigeria by Nneamaka “Amaka” Nwosisi to solve
exactly this problem. The brand designs and produces premium handmade bags, shoes, and
accessories using locally sourced leather and African fabrics — delivering luxury aesthetics at
accessible prices.
Every Mak Nisy product is handcrafted by skilled Nigerian artisans who pay meticulous attention
to quality, stitching, and finish. The result is a bag that looks and feels like it belongs in a luxury
boutique window — but costs a fraction of what imported brands charge.
Current product range: Sunset Bag (₦35,500), Zikora Bag (₦24,500), Mezie Bag (₦10,500),
GALIS Bag (₦15,500), MICRO URE (₦13,500), Girl’s Top Handle (₦18,500), and more.
Collections span women’s bags, kids’ accessories, corporate gifts, and custom-designed
pieces.
Mak Nisy sells online through maknisy.com (built on Bumpa e-commerce) and via direct
WhatsApp orders, with headquarters at 15B Yalinga Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria.
What Makes Mak Nisy Different
African-designed, African-made: Every bag is designed and handcrafted in Nigeria. No
outsourced factories. No mass production. Real artisanal quality.
Luxury for Less: Premium materials, beautiful design, lasting durability — at prices 70–80%
lower than imported luxury brands.
Community impact: Mak Nisy employs young men and women in Abuja as skilled artisans,
directly creating sustainable livelihoods through fashion.
Brand legacy: Operating since 2011 — over a decade of proven quality, customer trust, and
brand recognition across Nigeria.
Collaborations & recognition: Featured on BellaNaija (HeleJané luxury fashion collaboration),
recognized as a top Nigerian leather bag brand by Tribe and Elan, and described as “Africa’s
biggest Nigerian handbag brand” on social media.
Traction & Credibility
• Operating profitably since 2011 — 15 years of track record
• Loyal customer base across Nigeria and the diaspora
• Featured on BellaNaija in luxury fashion collaboration with HeleJané
• Listed among top 20 Nigerian leather bag brands by Tribe and Elan
• Active on Instagram (@maknisy), Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
• Founder is a Mandela Washington Fellow (US Dept of State program for outstanding young
African leaders)
How Funds Will Be Used
Mak Nisy is raising 40,00,000 ( 40 Lakh / approximately $4,800 USD) on JustStartUP to fuel ₹ ₹
the next phase of growth:
Production scaling ( 16,00,000 / 40%): ₹ New materials, tools, and hiring additional artisans to
meet growing demand and reduce production wait times.
International expansion ( 8,00,000 / 20%): ₹ Shipping infrastructure, international payment
integration, and entry into the UK, US, and UAE diaspora markets.
Brand & marketing ( 8,00,000 / 20%): ₹ Professional product photography, social media
campaigns, influencer partnerships, and participation in African fashion exhibitions.
E-commerce upgrade ( 4,00,000 / 10%): ₹ Upgraded online storefront with better product
presentation, size guides, and customer experience features.
Working capital ( 4,00,000 / 10%): ₹ Inventory management, raw material procurement, and
operational expenses during the scaling period.
Why Star Backers Should Care
Mak Nisy isn’t a startup idea on a whiteboard. It’s a 15-year-old brand with real customers, real
products, and a real founder who started from nothing and built something Nigeria is proud of.
Backing Mak Nisy means investing in African craftsmanship, women-led entrepreneurship, and
the proof that luxury can be homegrown.
Star Backers receive lifetime discounts on all products, exclusive early access to new
collections, a limited-edition Star Backer bag, permanent recognition on the Mak Nisy Founders
Wall, and voting rights on which international markets Mak Nisy expands to next.