H&G Final

3. How would you describe your brand’s style and identity in three words? A: Cultural. Bold. Authentic.

Catherine Hayes

1. Are there specific Liberian traditions, fabrics, or symbols that you incorporate into your pieces? If so, why are they meaning- ful to you? A: Yes, definitely. We draw a lot of inspiration from Liberian culture, things like old artifacts, Firestone stamps, and histor- ical figures who made a real impact on Liberia’s story. Those elements are meaningful because they represent pride, her- itage, and resilience. When people wear Bunjee, we want them to feel connected to that cultural history and know there’s a deeper story behind every design. 2. What inspired you to start your clothing brand, and what was your initial vision? Me and my best friend, who’s from New Orleans, started Bun- jee because we realized how similar Liberian and New Orleans cultures are, especially through food, music, and spirit. Both cultures have deep roots, strong communities, and a shared rhythm that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. Our vision was to merge those two worlds into one brand that celebrates heritage, unity, and pride through fashion.

4. What makes your brand different from others in the mar- ket? A: Bunjee is more than just clothing; it’s culture you can wear. Every design tells a story that connects two worlds, the soul of West Africa and the energy of New Orleans. We’re not just following trends; we’re preserving history and turning it into something stylish and meaningful for the next generation. 5. Can you walk us through your design process, from concept to final product? It starts with research and inspiration. We look into Liberi- an history or New Orleans traditions, anything from vintage stamps to local sayings or visuals that speak to both cultures. From there, we sketch out how those ideas could come to life on a shirt or hoodie, experiment with colors and placements, and finalize the design before going into production. Every piece goes through that thoughtful process. 6. How do you build and connect with your target audience or community? We connect through storytelling and authenticity. Whether it’s social media, pop-ups, or collaborations, we always share the meaning behind each design. We want people to feel part of the culture, not just buy into it. Our audience connects with that realness because they can feel that Bunjee represents something bigger than just clothes.

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