I am a professional musician and the founder of KNQR Lifestyle Brand. When KNQR first came into the scene, people initially thought of it as a street wear brand, but it's so much more than just clothing to us. We kicked things off with clothing, creating everything from hoodies and t-shirts to caps, sweatshirts, and even fragrances. We even made history as the first local brand to sponsor a kit manufacturer for a local sports team.
Our vision goes beyond fashion. We aim to see our national teams, whether it's football or netball, proudly wearing 100% Malawian-made clothes. For us, KNQR isn't a company that decided on a mission; it's a mission that gave birth to a company. We used clothing as a medium to express our mindset and aspirations. When you see someone rocking a KNQR T-shirt or hoodie, you know they are projecting their ambitions and dreams.
But making this vision a reality hasn't been without its challenges. Especially in the beginning, getting capital was a huge hurdle. I started with just two T-shirts that I sold to my sister. She believed in my brand and gave me the starting funds to kick things off. From there, it was a journey of growth, from two shirts to four, then eight, and eventually hundreds. Our sales were fueling our progress, and since our inception in 2017, we have seen steady growth year after year.
The challenges were real, though. I was personally funding the whole operation, and as demand grew, so did the financial pressure. We have come a long way since then and now employ around 10 to 15 people in various roles, from production to sales, marketing, and graphic design. We are proudly a 100% Malawian organization, and we are deeply committed to giving back. We have been supporting the Courageous Kids Foundation, an orphanage in Chilobwe, for nearly three years now. Additionally, we have been working with Samaritan Trust to assist street kids in various ways, both financially and emotionally.
Our dream doesn't stop at Malawi's borders. We aim to make KNQR an African global brand, competing on the same level as giants like Nike and Puma. As an artist myself, I'm passionate about putting Malawi on the map through my work.
When I first spelled Conquer with a KN and QR, many skeptics said it wouldn't work because it wouldn't be understood. But in my eyes, greatness isn't about being understood; it's about being felt. Despite the doubts, everyone now knows what KNQR stands for. Greatness isn't something you grasp with your mind; it's something you feel deep within. It's an infectious energy that spreads from one person to another.
To me, greatness is about positivity, overcoming challenges, and taking control of your life. It's about understanding your worth and the positive impact you can make on your community, society, friends, family, and beyond. Being great means being the best version of yourself and fulfilling the responsibilities that have been entrusted to you.
So, remember my name: Hayze Engola. Let's inspire greatness together
Inspiring Stories.
Ted Kwelepeta
Greatness embodies living a life filled with purpose and passion. It's about discovering your purpose, which guides you towards meaningful endeavors.
Rose Chisowa
Many young people, especially women, are now involved in farming. I offer free advice on farming, and I have also mentored many students.
Hayze Engola
Our vision goes beyond fashion. We aim to see our national teams, whether it's football or netball, proudly wearing 100% Malawian-made clothes.
David Kasenza
The competition posed by imported furniture has been a significant obstacle. However, I remain steadfast in my determination to shift this perception.
Chimango Munthali
I strongly believe that sports, especially football, can turn socially disadvantaged children into confident and capable individuals in their society and careers.
Tell us your story
What does Greatness mean to you and how are you impacting others. Tell us your story and motivate and inspire others to make them grow. Share your story with us.