JANS – Since settling in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2019, Jackson, MS native Carmen DeCharisse has moved onto the world stage with her luxury and lifestyle brand, DeCarmenAfrik.
“I’ve always had dreams of moving abroad but never knew exactly how. After a few visits to Africa on vacation, I decided to chase my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and moving abroad,” said Carmen, the daughter of James and Charmaine Smith. Named for her aunt, Carmen Brocks, a retired Jackson firefighter, Carmen is also affectionately referred to by her nickname, Peanut. However, the only shell you’ll see her wearing is one she’s designed!
DeCarmenAfrik specializes in women’s fashion, created by female seamstresses. According to Carmen, “As much as the sustainable materials we use, our values and ethics are woven into producing the authentic small batches of apparel. Most importantly, we’re making women from all backgrounds feel beautiful in our affordable luxury garments. Our goal is to rewrite the narrative about the continent Africa through fashion. Many think you can only get quality clothing in the Western Hemisphere, but DeCarmenAfrik is here to change that mindset.”
Carmen, a product of Jackson Public Schools, is on a mission to share her story to inspire high schoolers and college students with similar life experiences growing up in urban communities to realize everything begins with a dream!
To learn more about the brand, visit:
decarmenafrik.com, Instagram: @decarmenafrik Pinterest: @decarmenafrik Facebook: @decarmenafrik
