From Homelessness in Singapore to Founding the First Sierra Leonean Clothing Brand in Malaysia: The Story of Ishmael Brima Koroma

Born in Freetown, Ishmael Brima Koroma is a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, philanthropist, CEO, and FOUNDER of Neeks Fashion, an emerging fashion brand. Ishmael Brima Koroma grew up in Sierra Leone, He did his primary education at the Kankaylay Islamic Primary school Mess-Mess and later moved to the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Boys Senior Secondary School Kissy mess mess where he did his Secondary and senior secondary school.

Born and raised to an extended family, Ishmael’s father married 4 wives and his mother was the third wife. Ishmael’s mother gave birth to 6 male children including him. All five of them passed away, and Ishmael was the only child left. During an interview Salone Messenger, ishamael disclosed why he was the only survivor, “According to traditional believes, male children will be the successful children in his family, so that the reason the village people “witchcraft“ can’t allow the male child to exist in my family”

At the age of 3 years, Ishamael’s stepbrother took him from the village to the capital city where he was raised, since then he never set eyes on his two parents. Ishmael had a lot of difficulties living with his elder brother due to one of the three wives of his brother who was very aggressive to him.

“I remember at one time I was denied food for failing to wake up early to fetch water in the morning before going to school to take my West Africa Examination Council examination so I had to eat toothpaste to change saliva after encountering those challenges I decided to leave my elder brothers house to search for a better life in the western part of the country.

Due to his obedient and submission, Ishmael had the opportunity to meet with a lady who changed his life,  Withsunnette Ayor decided to help him with a job as a freelance to make a living he worked for two years and decided to travel out Sierra Leone to search for a better opportunity.

Ishmael left for Singapore in few days. He ran out of money and became homeless for 27 days struggling and survive on the left-over customers that came to food at the restaurants. Ishamael never lose hope, walking along little India in Singapore. Ishamael came across two Cameroonian football players who helped him buy a ticket to Malaysia where he could further his studies, Not knowing anyone in Malaysia, Ishmael became homeless for a few days. At bukit bintag called “ reggae bar “ Ishmael met some Africans where he was fortunate to meet with one of his Sierra Leonean brothers who took him to his house for few months and he later started working in an African mini mart

Despite of all the challenges he went through growing up, fashion has always been his passion. It comes to him naturally. As a kid, growing up, Ishmael used to spice up clothing with his own design using scissors and needles to redesign. Today He intends to use fashion and his brand to create opportunities for people who are creative in the field of fashion and to spice up the existing fashion designs. Ishmael’s goal is to redefine the world of fashion with unique and authentic designs.

In 2011, Ishmael took up a job as a Clearing and Forwarding Officer at a logistics company. After a while, He was not sure if that was what he wanted to do with his life. Besides, He was not sure how quickly that path would take him to the top. Ishmael then considered that setting up his own business would enable him to achieve greater success much faster than working for someone else. He then ventured out to start his own business and brand.

During an interview with blogprocess, Ishmael for the first time disclosed the secret behind his brand name

“This is a huge trade secret, and I am humbled to share it publicly for the first time. The name NEEKS is an abbreviation of my kid’s names Nathaniel, Emily, Emela, Koroma, and Shagbay “Neeks”. My kids are bold, loving, and cheerful people. These unique and amiable attributes are what I try to depict in my fashion statements. It is my belief that through this initiative, other young people will find their identity and fulfill their dreams and aspirations.” He noted

As way of giving back to his country, Ishmael gives his contribution though donation, among his many donations. As a former pipul of the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress secondary school, he donated football kids to the pupils of the school.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9c1KhypBwygauiulFdj_mfEDo6xM8eKnMJJNg0/

Ishmael has also been involved in cleaning exercises in the country at Lumley station by supporting the police officers in cleaning the Lumley community, He is embarking on such activities to raise awareness to Sierra Leoneans living abroad to do the same when visit home

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“Never quit! Believe in your dreams and pursue it with focus and discipline. Success requires perseverance and hard work. With dedication, every dream can be a reality. So, dreamlike “crazy”; work like a “bull” to make it come to pass. Aspire to leave a footprint.” Ishamael advises young people.

Follow the brand on social media

Personal Instagram: Ishmael Brima Koroma
Business Instagram: Neek Fashion
Website: Neek Fashion

Homelessness Singapore  Clothing Brand Malaysia Ishmael Brima Koroma