Jersey City designer seeks 'Shark Tank' funding and mentorship to amplify women artisans
Kahindo Mateene, founder and CEO of the ethical luxury womenswear brand KAHINDO, is a finalist in the nationwide Entrepreneur of Impact Competition.
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A Jersey City fashion designer is chasing a national opportunity that could expand her mission to uplift female artisans across Africa.
Kahindo Mateene, founder and CEO of the ethical luxury womenswear brand KAHINDO, is a finalist in the nationwide Entrepreneur of Impact Competition. The winner will receive a $25,000 grant and mentorship from "Shark Tank" investor Daymond John.
Mateene immigrated to the United States nearly 30 years ago, bringing with her her Congolese heritage and a belief that fashion could be a powerful tool for social change. Today, she works closely with female artisans in Africa, many of them single mothers, helping bring their craftsmanship to a global stage.
She founded KAHINDO nine years ago, creating an ethical luxury brand focused on sustainability, fair wages, and global representation. Her collections are handcrafted by skilled female artisans and are sold at major retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
For Mateene, the impact reaches far beyond fashion.
“I work with female artisans to really put their work on a global stage,” she said. “I want to give that back to women who don’t have the same opportunities.”
The brand creates sustainable employment and financial independence for women whose work has often gone unrecognized.
“Sustainability also means treating people fairly,” Mateene added. “Making sure their artisanship is celebrated and paid fairly.”
Now, the competition presents a chance to scale that mission even further.
“Winning this would be a dream come true,” Mateene said. “I have big goals, and someone like Daymond John — whose built a multimillion-dollar business — would be the perfect person to help me reach them.”
Public voting is open through the end of the month, and supporters can vote daily here.
