OUR FOUNDER

Mariama Camara

(Mariama Mounir Camara ) is one of the most influential African women in fashion, beauty industry, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship.

A humanitarian, entrepreneur, and fashion/textile designer based in New York City for the past 20 years, originally from the Republic of Guinea, Mariama has dedicated her life to promoting economic empowerment, dignity, and environmental sustainability within the African fashion and beauty industry and the international market for MADE IN AFRICA textiles.

As the founder of Mariama Fashion Production (MFP), the leading African handmade sustainable textiles and accessories company, Mariama has paved the way for sustainable fashion practices. She also designs under her own brand, MARIAMA CAMARA, based in New York City, where she continues to create designs that embody the essence of sustainability.

In 2020, Mariama opened KANAFRIK, Africa’s first sustainable zero waste store, featuring natural food and beauty products for global and local consumers. This groundbreaking initiative showcases Mariama's commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact, diversity and inclusion.

Mariama Camara is not only an entrepreneur but also an activist and public speaker, advocating for women, girls, and artisans' rights on prestigious platforms such as the United Nations, TEDx Talk, Green tech Festival, Oslo Freedom Forum with the Human Rights Foundation, and the African Union Heads of State conference. To amplify the voices of social activists, she founded DESIGNS 4 UNITY to create a platform for global brands in New York City and RAW REAL TALKS, a global talk series platform to discuss pressing issues in the world.

In 2008, Mariama, along with her sister, Aissata Mounir Belgrade Camara, co-founded There Is No Limit Foundation, an international nonprofit organization focused on empowering people living in extreme poverty through access to quality education, health, and economic opportunities. Mariama became the first Guinean to introduce artisan work to global markets, and at New York Fashion Week, she pioneered fair trade practices and women's empowerment through fashion and entrepreneurship.

Mariama's efforts have garnered global recognition, with leading media outlets and organizations such as CNN International, CNN African Voice's “Changemakers,” BBC News, TV5 Monde, Forbes Africa, ELLE, VOGUE, DNA, New York Magazine, the “Cut,” Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Fast Company highlighting her face, story, and impactful work. She has also been honored on prestigious power lists, including being named one of the 500 Most Influential Africans in the world, women trailblazer 2024 power list from Tropics Magazine, and recently received her certificate of business completion from Partner to Empower 4 Weeks Retail Workshop presented by Brookfield Properties and Global Core.

Mariama Camara is based in New York and West Africa, where she continues to inspire positive change through her innovative ventures and unwavering commitment to social and environmental causes.