Esengo is a modern African fashion online store founded in 2023, with a mission to bring more color to Finnish women’s wardrobes. Our design combines Nordic aesthetics with bold African prints.
The idea for the online store came from my own struggles to find modern, everyday African fashion in Finland. For years, I had to order my clothes from London or have my mother sew them for me. Seeing the clear demand and interest in this style, I decided to launch my own online store in the spring of 2023.
Our brand name, ESENGO, means joy in the Lingala language. Through our clothing, we want to bring joy not only to those who wear our garments but also to those who make them.
Most of our products are made in West Africa, Ghana, in collaboration with a women-led small sewing workshop in Accra. The workshop is owned by a young female tailor, Esi, with whom we have worked closely throughout the entire production process. In the spring, we had the opportunity to visit the workshop, meet the tailors, and see the working conditions firsthand. The workshop employs seven full-time tailors—four women and three men.
Some of our garments are also made here in Finland, lovingly sewn by my wonderful mother.
Every piece of clothing is handcrafted by a skilled artisan using a sewing machine. All our products are made from 100% cotton, traditional African Ankara fabric, which we source from female entrepreneurs in Ghana and the Congo.
Our goal is to empower and bring joy to both the wearers of our clothing and the talented individuals who create them.
We warmly welcome you to visit us and get to know our brand!
