OUR FOUNDER

Mariama Camara (Mariama Mounir Camara) is one of the most influential African women in fashion, beauty, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. A humanitarian, activist for sustainability, women and local artisans, an entrepreneur, and fashion/textile designer based in New York City for the past 23 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 2008, Mariama co-founded the There Is No Limit Foundation with her sister, Aissata Mounir Belgrade Camara, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals living in extreme poverty through access to quality education, health, and economic opportunities. This international initiative has made a profound impact on countless lives.

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, NASDAQ, 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.

Additionally, Mariama has received recognition for her contributions to empowering women and girls. In 2016, she was honored by the Voss Foundation in Hampton, New York, for her dedication to uplifting women and girls in her native Republic of Guinea. She was presented with a special Voss water bottle made specifically for her, featuring her name on it. Cosmopolitan hailed her as a "Fun, Fearless Female" and dubbed her the "Dreamweaver." She was also featured in the "Dreamgirl" film, showcasing the stories of female entrepreneurs, which premiered at the Obama White House in 2016.

Mariama's impact extends to the global stage. In 2017, she presented her spring collection at the United Nations' "Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good" event, where the World Innovative and Creative Day was launched with her image on the cover. In 2023, she was invited by the UN Peace Department, in collaboration with the Department of the Secretary-General, to create the Peace Collection for the International Day of Peace Youth Event, alongside Michael Douglas. This event marked the introduction of her new project, in New York Designs 4 Unity.

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. KANAFRIK is now available in New York.

Mariama Camara resides in New York City, where she persistently pioneers innovative ventures and champions social and environmental causes, inspiring a brighter future for all.