Wilglory Tanjong, a 25-year-old MBA student at The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, has turned her passion for fashion into a thriving luxury handbag brand, Anima Iris. With over $725,000 in sales in less than two years, CNBC shares her journey and entrepreneurial spirit.
Key Takeaways
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Wilglory’s journey from a fashion enthusiast to a successful business owner.
- Community Impact: Anima Iris supports artisans in Senegal, providing economic opportunities.
- Resilience: Overcoming personal hardships to achieve financial independence.
- Growth Strategy: Leveraging social media and celebrity endorsements for brand visibility.
The Birth of Anima Iris
Wilglory Tanjong always had a flair for fashion. Friends frequently asked her about her outfits, sparking the idea that she could turn her passion into a business. Despite lacking a formal background in fashion, she recognized an opportunity to create a brand that showcased her style and told Black stories.
In February 2020, she launched Anima Iris, a luxury handbag brand emphasizing African cultural heritage. The bags are handcrafted by artisans in Dakar, Senegal, where Wilglory has established a production facility capable of manufacturing over 500 bags a month.
Overcoming Challenges
Wilglory’s journey was not without its challenges. Growing up in Maryland, her family faced financial instability after her parents separated. At 14, she experienced the harsh reality of needing food stamps, a moment that motivated her to strive for financial independence.
Her first job was at a skating rink, where she earned minimum wage. This experience fueled her determination to never earn so little again. Wilglory excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to Princeton University and becoming a first-generation college graduate.
Tragedy struck during her senior year when her mother passed away from breast cancer. This loss deeply affected her, but she channeled her grief into her studies and future ambitions.
The Turning Point
After graduating in 2018, Wilglory worked as an operational manager, earning a comfortable salary. However, she soon realized that financial success did not equate to happiness. In June 2019, she took a leave of absence to focus on her mental health, which led her back to Africa.
During her travels, she connected with small business owners and artisans, which inspired her to create her first handbag. With a small investment from her savings, she produced 50 bags, which she sold online. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, she boldly decided to quit her job and fully commit to Anima Iris.
Rapid Growth and Recognition
In March 2020, a Vogue editor featured Anima Iris, leading to a surge in sales. The brand quickly gained traction, with Wilglory reporting over $23,000 in sales in a single day after a celebrity endorsement from Beyoncé. This moment marked a significant turning point for the brand, solidifying its place in the luxury market.
By the end of 2021, Anima Iris had generated over $600,000 in sales, with November alone bringing in $168,000. The brand’s success is attributed to its unique designs, quality craftsmanship, and effective marketing strategies.
Balancing Business and Education
Despite her success, Wilglory continues to pursue her MBA. She believes the knowledge gained from her studies will help her grow Anima Iris into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. Currently, she manages her time between classes and running her business, all while navigating the challenges of student debt.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Wilglory plans to expand Anima Iris beyond e-commerce, aiming to sell in high-end retail stores like Saks Fifth Avenue. Her ultimate goal is to create a lifestyle brand that remains committed to its African roots, showcasing the talent and craftsmanship of artisans.
Wilglory’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone can turn their dreams into reality with determination, creativity, and a willingness to embrace challenges. She encourages others to reach out and find their path, emphasizing that living life to the fullest, regardless of one’s background is possible.
