"I want to Give Back to the Maasai For Helping Me Build An Empire."
"What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”, was according to Shakespeare.However, one talk with MAASAI Activewear designer Bojana Gajic and the power of a name does more than brand, it defines a lifestyle and deeper significance. A native of Perth, Australia, Ana (as friends know her), found her calling in fitness wear after a long pregnancy. Realizing there were little options for women in terms of quality active wear, this need propelled her to begin designing her own line of clothing.After the concept was solidified the next crucial step began for Ana; finding a name to not only allows her brand stand out but to embody the mission of female empowerment and strength. With Africa as her muse, Ana quickly decided on the name MAASAI for her label.The Maasai are a warrior tribe in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania that Ana always felt drawn to on her many visits to Africa. Through her travels on the vast landscape that is Africa and the thousands of tribes, languages, and cultures she encountered, the Maasai demeanor and confidence resonated with something inside Ana. An easy choice, Ana wants women to not only buy and wear her line as a brand but to embody the confident lifestyle of the Maasai people.Within two months of the launch of the brand, MAASAI has become one of the fastest selling activewears. Ana’s line can be seen globally, most famously an unprompted Instagram photo of Khloe Kardashian endorsing a MAASAI sports bra. Fans of the famous Kardashian sister quickly jumped on the trend and began ordering the line, skyrocketing Ana to success. For Ana, this moment felt like she had finally succeeded and made a career for herself. A Kardashian fan herself, Ana felt no greater joy than finding someone she admired in turn share that admiration for Ana herself.And while a story of a strong woman pursuing her dreams and creating a beautiful line of clothing, Ana is forever indebted to the continent of Africa. The colors in her line are the greens of the savanna, the blues of the lakes and rivers, and the reds of the passion of the people. These bold colors were directly inspired through her travels, and as Ana describe the greatness of the African people.
And Ana does not greedily take from Africa. In addition to being a high quality brand, Ana is equally socially conscious. Many in the Maasai tribe live in poverty without access to everyday needs such as water, food, and general education. For a society that has inspired Ana, she now donates a portion of each sale back to the Maasai tribe to begin to address some of their needs while raising awareness:"I want to give back to the Maasai people. I could be where I am without the inspiration I drew from their culture and way of life. But I dont know where to start or who to contact. Can you help me?"With each new purchase, Ana finds more and more customers inquiring with genuine interest in the origin of the name. Ana continues to share the story of the Maasai and her travels in Africa; a love story of the Kenyan food, the diverse and rich heritage of the Kikuyu community, and its generous and strong people. It is not just a clothing brand; it is a call for international women to find their strength and global and active empowerment.Get A Copy of the June-August Issue of African Warrior Magazine for Other Stories Touching on Diaspora