Breaking Barriers About Africans
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog that highlights stories of black women’s struggles and success.
By Hadiatou Wann | 04/26/19
Carmen Nkounkou was born in the Republic of the Congo and at 4 months moved to the United states. Growing up, she struggled with her identity. Once she figured out who she was and her passion, she made sure that her work represented Africa beautifully.
Her father was a diplomat and mother a midwife back home. Once they settled in America, her mother raised her and her siblings while taking GED. She waited until Carmen finished high school to go for her Associates and then Bachelor’s in nursing. Watching her parents struggle to rebuild their lives in another country taught her the significance of hard work.
In school, people teased Carmen because they thought that being African meant that you were contagious. That experience fueled her to embrace the very thing she was being bullied about—she became comfortable being African.
Initially Carmen went to Virginia Union University to study Psychology. She found Psychology interesting, but couldn’t see herself doing that for the rest of her life. Since Carmen always showed up to school “jeweled up,” her peers insisted she go into fashion.
When she transferred to the University of Bridgeport, she found herself doing what she was meant to do. She studied Fashion Merchandising and learned about marketing and advertising—this would later become handy.
While in college, she was unable to move to the next semester because she couldn’t afford tuition. She took time off from school, and it pushed her to tap into her creative side. She ended up making bracelets and sold them to her peers. In a short period, she was able to save enough and pay off her tuition.
Amazed by how much people loved the Afrocentric jewelry she made, Carmen launched “Broken Limits.” She turned her hobby into a business. She “wanted to take part in breaking barriers about Africans,” and it was her way of showcasing her culture. Although she knew people who had businesses, she never thought that she would one day become a business owner.
In 2015, Carmen graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising. From 2016 to 2017, she worked as a jewelry sample maker for a company that provided jewelry for big brands like Macy’s, Bloomingdales and more. She was very good at her job. One day, a customer felt the owner didn’t understand her and asked to see the person who made the samples (Carmen). After that day, the owner cut off Carmen’s hours and eventually laid her off.
Carmen felt she was doing her job to the best of her ability and was laid off because the owner “didn’t want to pay her what she was worth.” At first, she could not stomach the fact that she was laid off and was discouraged about jewelry making. But, she later recognized that the skills she gained from working as a jewelry sample maker helped her enhance her own business.
Kabrea Thomas, Carmen’s college friend and now business partner, says: “Carmen is one of the most creative individuals i’ve come in contact with. Her work is like a breath of fresh air, and i’m so happy that she’s sharing it with the world. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!”
Her affordable handmade jewelry line “Broken Limits” has promoted Africa in ways she never imagined. More people have embraced the African culture through her jewelry line. Every piece she makes is a reflection of her taste. “I didn’t want to make jewelry that I didn’t want to wear myself,” said the entrepreneur. Some have given propositions on what Carmen should incorporate in her jewelry, but she is adamant about staying true to her vision.
At the end of the month, Carmen will launch “Ring Game Therapy,” a pop up ring-making workshop put together for clients who want to relax after a long day of work. For this Congolese, what started off as a hobby turned into a business that promotes Africa. Through jewelry-making, she not only introduced the beauty of Africa to a different market, she is also turning it into a therapy session that will keep many from lashing out their frustrations on others.
Welcome to Carmen Nkounkou’s World
“A strong woman is someone who doesn’t let difficulties and the things that she’s been through define her. She knows that she’s human, and get past it and become a better person.”
Made by Carmen
Made by Carmen
Made by Carmen
Made by Carmen
Made by Carmen
Carmen loves dancing to Hip Hop, Afrobeat, and Congolese music. She enrolled in Hip Hop dance classes when she was 10 years old.
Made by Carmen
“My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is that I get to do things on my own terms.”
Made by Carmen
“Opportunities may come your way. It may not be what you thought it would be. Learn to be open to it.”
Connect with Carmen:
Facebook: Carmen Nkounkou
Instagram: @brokenlimits
Email: brokenlimits.carmen@gmail.com
Website: www.shop-brokenlimits.com
Read other success stories here: www.www.iamafricanandican.info/blog.com/blog
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