ONE ON ONE WITH THE CEO DHVEN TOUCH
1.Could you share the vision and story behind the founding of your fashion brand?
Answer: I didn’t set out to start a fashion brand. I just picked up sewing to pass the time—something I enjoyed quietly because I’ve always loved fashion. But the more I sewed, the more I saw how much it meant to me. It became more than a hobby—it became a way to express myself. That’s how my brand started: one stitch at a time, turning something I did for fun into something with meaning and purpose
2. What sets your brand apart from others in the fashion industry?
Answer : What makes my brand different is how personal it is. I don’t just design clothes—I tell stories through them. My work blends tradition with modern styles, staying true to my roots while still pushing forward. Pieces like "Ande" and "Temi" show how I bring Afrocentric ideas into modern menswear, and collections like "Activa" and "Power Play" celebrate bold feminine energy in unique ways. I also focus on making fashion that’s both affordable and sustainable, not just trendy.
3. What significant challenges have you faced in growing and sustaining your brand, and how have you overcome them?
Answer: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is figuring things out as I go. I didn’t have everything planned or all the skills from the start—I’m still learning every day. There were moments I felt stuck or unsure, but I kept going, improving one piece at a time. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and trust the process. Growth hasn’t been fast or perfect, but it’s been real—and that’s what matters most to me. it’s been a learning process. But I’ve grown through the mistakes. I take each collection as a chance to improve. It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to give myself grace and keep showing up.
4.Can you discuss the creative process behind the design of your collections?
Answer : My creative process starts with a feeling or message I want to express. Sometimes it's something personal I’m going through, other times it's inspired by culture, music, or even fabric itself. I sketch out ideas, play around with textures and colors, and think about how each piece can tell a story. I also consider how the design will make someone feel when they wear it—strong, confident, or connected to their roots. Every collection has its own vibe, but the goal is always to be meaningful and true to me.
5. How does your brand cater to diverse body types and sizes?
Answer : From the beginning, I’ve always wanted my brand to make people feel seen—no matter their shape or size. I design with real bodies in mind, not just runway figures. I pay attention to fit, comfort, and confidence. I try to make sure every piece can be adapted to different body types without losing style or meaning.
6.Can you discuss any collaborations or partnerships your brand has engaged in and their impact?
Answer : Yes, my brand has had the chance to collaborate on projects that celebrate culture and individuality. For example, the “Ande” and “Temi” menswear pieces were highlighted in partnership with platforms that focus on Afrocentric identity. These collaborations have helped the brand grow by reaching new audiences while staying true to our purpose. They’ve also pushed me creatively and helped me explore new ideas, all while keeping things authentic. We look forward to more meaningful collaborations in the future that continue to celebrate culture and creativity.
7. What is your brand’s approach to incorporating trends while maintaining a timeless appeal?
Answer ; I like to keep a balance between trends and timelessness. I pay attention to what’s happening in fashion, but I don’t chase every trend. Instead, I focus on pieces that tell a story and can be worn for a long time. I blend modern styles with traditional elements, so my designs feel fresh but also classic. This way, my collections stay meaningful and wearable beyond just one season.
8. How does your brand stay relevant in an ever-changing industry and market?
Answer : To stay relevant, I focus on listening—to my customers, to culture, and to myself. I’m always learning and adapting, but I don’t lose sight of what makes my brand unique: authenticity and meaningful storytelling. I pay attention to new ideas and shifts in the industry, but I bring them through my own lens. This helps me keep the brand fresh while staying true to my vision. I also believe in creating pieces that connect emotionally, so people want to keep coming back.
9. What are the key values and principles that guide your brand’s business decisions?
Answer: The key values that guide my brand are authenticity, sustainability, and respect for culture. want everything I create to be honest and true to who I am and where I come from.
Sustainability is important—I focus on making pieces that last and using materials responsibly. Respect for culture means honoring my roots and sharing stories through fashion without losing their meaning. These values help me make decisions that feel right, not just popular.
10. How do you navigate the balance between maintaining brand identity and adapting to evolving consumer preferences?
Answer : I stay true to my brand identity by always keeping the core story and values front and center—things like authenticity, culture, and meaningful design. At the same time, I listen carefully to what my customers want and how their tastes change. When I adapt, I do it in a way that fits with my vision, not just following the crowd. It’s about blending what my brand stands for with what people need now, so the brand feels both familiar and fresh. You can see this balance in how my collections grow but never lose their heart.
11.Can you share the strategies your brand employs to connect with and engage its target audience?
Answer : To connect with my audience, I focus on telling honest stories through my designs and sharing them openly. I use social media and events to show the journey behind each collection, so people feel part of it. I also listen a lot—taking in feedback and learning what matters to my customers. Creating affordable, sustainable fashion helps too, because it shows I care about them and the world we live in. Building real relationships over time is the key for me.
12. How does your brand approach pricing to ensure both accessibility and quality?
Answer; I believe fashion should be accessible without sacrificing quality. So, I work hard to find a balance—using good materials and careful craftsmanship while keeping prices fair. I want my clothes to last and feel special, but also to be affordable enough that more people can enjoy them. It’s about making thoughtful choices in sourcing and production, so I can offer the best value without cutting corners.
13. How do you see your brand evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Answer : Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see my brand growing deeper in its purpose and reach. I want to keep learning and improving, creating collections that celebrate culture, sustainability, and individuality even more. I hope to collaborate with more artists and creators to bring fresh ideas, while still staying true to my roots. Ultimately, I want my brand to inspire people everywhere to feel confident and connected through fashion that tells a story.
14.Can you discuss any unique or signature elements that consistently appear in your designs?
Answer; One thing that shows up in all my designs is the mix of tradition and modern style. I love using fabrics, patterns, or details that connect to my culture but presenting them in fresh, unexpected ways. Another signature is how I focus on storytelling—every piece isn’t just about looks but about meaning. You’ll also notice attention to fit and comfort, so my clothes don’t just look good but feel good too.
Answer : While my brand is deeply rooted in tradition and storytelling, I also embrace technology to improve how I work and create. I use digital tools for designing and pattern making, which helps me experiment faster and be more precise. Technology also helps with managing production and reaching customers online, making my process smoother and more efficient. Even as I stay true to handcraft and culture, technology lets me grow and adapt in today’s world.
16. What are some defining moments in your brand’s history that have shaped its identity and trajectory?
Answer ;Some of the most defining moments for my brand go beyond just making clothes. Sewing started as a way for me to pass time and find peace, especially during challenging moments like the pandemic. Those times taught me patience and resilience. During the End SARS protests, fashion became a powerful way to express strength, identity, and unity. Launching collections like “Ande” and “Temi” helped me celebrate Afrocentric heritage in a modern way, while “Activa” focused on bold feminine energy. These experiences and collections have shaped the heart of my brand, making it about more than just style—it’s about storytelling, culture, and healing.
17.Can you share any upcoming projects or endeavors your brand is particularly excited about?
Answer : I’m really excited about the projects coming up that will keep pushing the brand’s story forward. We’re working on new collections that blend sustainability with fresh Afrocentric designs, aiming to make fashion that’s both meaningful and responsible.
There are also plans for collaborations with other creatives who share our values—this will help us reach more people and bring new energy to the brand. Overall, I’m focused on growing in a way that stays true to our roots while exploring new ideas and opportunities.
18. What are some long-term goals and aspirations your brand is working toward?
Answer :My long-term goals are to build a brand that’s known for celebrating culture, creativity, and sustainability. I want Dhven Touch to inspire people to embrace their identity and feel confident through fashion. Growing the brand to reach more local and international audiences is important, but I also want to keep it personal and authentic. I hope to create spaces for other creatives to collaborate and learn, helping build a stronger community around what we do. Ultimately, I want the brand to leave a lasting impact beyond just clothes.
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