Our Story
Designer Garmai Matthew is an African-American fashion designer that was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. Her great grandfather migrated from Benin to Liberia in search of new opportunities to provide for his family. As a well-seasoned tailor, he rose to the ranks in society by making garments for chiefs of high stature. This inspired Garmai to name her brand "Guwala da Nele" meaning "Strong and Beautiful" in her father and great grandfather's Liberian dialect called Kpelle.
Guwala da Nele is an eco-friendly “zerowaste” fashion house made in Liberia that aims to help girls gain computer literacy skills and pay for towards their education. She has always had a passion for fashion, which has evolved her outlook on the fashion realm to a more eco-friendly approach. As passionate global trailblazer, Garmai takes pride in her culture, her dedication to environmental change and her passion to help propel girls to learn around the globe. Garmai is inspired to continue the legacy of her great grandfather by changing the world one seam at a time.