“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini”
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.
Although we’re from different parts of the world, a shared love for connection and craftsmanship brought Ngākau Clothing and House of Chebet together. This partnership is a celebration of wahine supporting wahine, with Chebet Mutai and our own Charmeyne Te Nana Williams leading the way.
The two met in 2023 at the Denver Landing Pad Programme, where their mutual drive to uplift and support others forged a meaningful bond. This collaboration is built on a shared belief in the power of connection, creativity, and empowering communities through their respective crafts.
Chebet’s inspiring journey is one of determination, creativity, and vision. Initially, she began her entrepreneurial path by importing handbags from Dubai for resale. In 2011, she decided to design and produce her own creations, hand-sewing handbags in her living room. Her goal was about more than craftsmanship; it was about creating jobs, empowering creativity within her community, and addressing youth unemployment in Africa. A trained economist and former World Bank consultant, Chebet understood the transformative power of entrepreneurship to spark positive change.
Now based in Denver, Chebet continues to share her vision through House of Chebet, a boutique that showcases premium, handmade leather goods that honour heritage while embracing modern design. A place where contemporary African design meets ethical production, each piece tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and unity.
Ngākau Clothing is a Māori-owned brand from Aotearoa (New Zealand), shaped by a deep respect for whānau (family) and built on the values of connection, care, and purpose. Ngākau means heart — and that’s how we approach everything, from design to relationships. Our pieces are made with intention, carrying stories of identity and belonging in every stitch.
This collaboration with House of Chebet is more than just our first U.S. boutique experience it’s a shared commitment to meaningful design, community upliftment, and storytelling through craft.
Every piece in our Ngākau Clothing collection carries our heart charm, a small symbol of connection and care. It’s a detail that aligns so well with House of Chebet’s focus on design with meaning. Together, we’re committed to uplifting our communities, backing care as a strength, and championing the journeys that got us here.
If you’re in Denver, we’d love for you to visit House of Chebet at 1141 Larimer St. Suite B. Come see the gorgeous goods Chebet has curated and created, alongside our collection. This partnership is a reflection of what matters most to both of us, people, purpose, and the beauty of shared journeys.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Ngākau Clothing Team
