Maveja Maombokere (23) is building a ministry through fashion. Born and bred in Okanguindi in the Okakarara constituency, Maombokere is a young Christian entrepreneur and the founder of 'The Cross Culture,' a faith-based clothing brand.
Maombokere's journey into clothing design began when she recognised the power of fashion as a form of communication.
"What we wear often speaks before we do," she said. She sees these shirts as more than fabric and transformed them into tools to glorify God and spread the gospel. This then pushed her to start a business, merging creativity, purpose and survival.
The idea behind biblical quotes came from her desire to make faith visible in everyday spaces. "Biblical quotes carry truth, hope, and encouragement, and I wanted to make them visible in everyday life while pointing people back to the gospel," she said.
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The key verse featured on her designs is 'Romans 6:23,' which she chose for its message of salvation. Rather than one defining moment, she describes the inspiration to start her business, 'The Cross Culture,' as "a growing conviction" to live out the call to share the gospel in a relatable way.
Running a faith-based business has shaped her spiritually and emotionally, stating that it's not only about sales but also about leaving a lasting good impact as well as obedience and discipline
She adds that slow seasons did not stop her; rather, they strengthened her faith, adding, "On days when sales are low, I'm reminded to trust Him completely," she said.
Like many other young entrepreneurs, Maombokere too faced challenges like fear, self-doubt, and limited resources while trying to build her business. Her first customers came through word of mouth and social media, particularly TikTok. "People who believed in me shared the brand, and that support made a big difference," she said.
Today, she uses her business to cover personal expenses and help at home when able to, giving her a sense of independence and responsibility.
She hopes to grow her brand bigger and collaborate with other local faith influencers; she also plans to expand by creating new designs and venturing into other faith-inspired products.
