Becoming a Kinsman: Lessons from the Nbari Journey

I always wanted to grow. I wanted to see more, do better, and understand more about creativity and design. So when my mentor sent me the link to check out Nbari, I went through the Instagram page and social media. I immediately knew this was the next step for me. Joining Nbari was transformational. It opened my eyes to creativity and design in a way I had never experienced before. I thought I understood design, but after my very first Brand Strategy and Experience (BSE) class, I realized my knowledge was only surface-level. That class showed me what next-level branding and strategy really looked like.

I remembered a Kia video our tutor Ferricool shared with us, and I finally saw how words like Vision, Mission, and Core Values come alive in real campaigns. I was so amazed that I spent the night watching brand campaigns from Guinness 99, Dove, Coca Cola, Old Spice, Red Bull, and more. That experience changed the way I see design. The BSE classes were practical and exploratory. We practiced together and applied what we learned immediately. That made the lessons stick. I also learned that in design, there is no absolute right or wrong. There are simply different ways to solve problems, and sometimes the simplest ideas can go the farthest.

My Nbari Project: Asher

I’ve always been drawn to African-inspired ideas, themes, and businesses. So when it was time to work on my project, I wanted something that reflected that. I’ve also always loved shoes, from sneakers to office classics. Then the idea came to me: sell classic shoes with an African touch. That idea became Asher. Working on Asher helped me understand strategy on a deeper level, but it also sharpened my storytelling. It made me realize I could sell more than just products, I could sell meaning.

Naming Asher was tough. It took me a long time to settle on it, but I didn’t give up. Our tutor guided us step by step, making the process easier. Even though it was difficult, I made sure the project stayed aligned with the vision I had for it. One key lesson I’ll never forget is Logic and Magic. Logic is the structure, but Magic is what convinces people and creates brand differentiation. That insight has stayed with me and I now apply it daily.

Meeting Inspiring People

Another highlight was meeting my classmates. Everyone had such unique and creative minds. Being surrounded by people who think differently was refreshing and inspiring. I learned a lot from them, and I am grateful for those connections.

Life After Nbari

Today, I apply strategy not just in design but in daily life. Nbari has made me more intentional about creativity and problem-solving. One of my goals now is to encourage more people to take Nbari courses because the experience and guidance are priceless.

I am excited to use what I’ve learned to create solutions that are not only visually appealing but also deeply impactful. I look forward to collaborating with fellow kinsmen and telling the African story, one project at a time.

Becoming a kinsman is one of the highlights of my year, and it is only the beginning.