Ramouna Shipunda

Winning the Simply You Magazine Award for best accessory designer not so long ago was just the tip of the iceberg for Mwaalwa Justine Shikongo, who aims to make it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and for her MJ Creations brand to be recognised internationally.

MJ Creations is an online shop that offers a wide variety of customised products, such as bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings, cellphone cases and photo frames. Shikongo started the business as a source of income for lunch and taxi fare in 2019 while she was a second-year student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

“I like designing because I have a passion for gifting. I desire to create a platform that allows others to express themselves through customised and personalised gifting,” she told VIBEZ!. Shikongo is particularly proud that people trust her with designing items for their loved ones.

Having previously imported her products, Shikongo now produces them locally. “We have a designer who is specialised in designing – and sometimes, our team comes up with the products.”

The engraving is also done in Namibia, and it takes between 5 to 10 days for delivery. Custom-made jewellery usually takes 20 to 28 days, depending on the line of orders. The company recently introduced to the collection the MJ Kids range, providing jewellery for children.

With the excitement of turning five next year, the young entrepreneur said it “will be a big year, full of opportunities – and a lot is coming”. The Forbes 30 Under 30 list recognises visionaries of change and catalysts of innovation.Namibians made it to the prestigious list again this year through medical doctor and poet Esperance Luvindao after fashion designer Luis Munana and stylist Reinhard Mahalie in previous years.

- ramounashipunda@gmail.com

Photo: MJ