Against the roused rabble of a noisy fashion world at PROJECT Las Vegas 2024, some figures shine with a cacophony of talents and experiences that beat back the noise—Wassa Coulibaly. From her roots as a self-taught artisan to the dazzling heights of the Cirque du Soleil stage, Wassa’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, adaptability, and resilience.
A Journey of Discovery
Wassa’s voyage into the realm of fashion commenced against the backdrop of Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant streets, where her African heritage infused her earliest creations with soul and spirit. However, it was the neon-lit expanse of Las Vegas that beckoned, promising new vistas of expression and possibility.
“When I first came here, I wanted to go shopping. Find something to wear. Walking into department stores to see what they offered, I’m like, no,” Wassa recalls, reflecting on her initial disillusionment with the mainstream offerings in her adopted city.
Driven by a desire to infuse her wardrobe with authenticity, Wassa embarked on a path of self-discovery, crafting garments that resonated with her unique vision and heritage. “I started making my own pants, skirts, dresses…” she shares, recounting the genesis of her creative journey.
Building Bridges to Opportunity
Wassa’s creations soon garnered attention from friends and fellow performers backstage at Cirque du Soleil, igniting a spark of inspiration that would propel her towards entrepreneurship. “When I would go backstage, all the girls wanted what I had made,” she recalls, reminiscing about the enthusiastic reception her designs received.
It was this outpouring of support that emboldened Wassa to take the leap into entrepreneurship, establishing her eponymous boutique as a beacon of creativity and culture. “I opened a retail store 11 years ago,” she reveals, a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in the wake of a previously unseen opportunity.
Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Yet, for all its triumphs, the path of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, a reality that Wassa knows all too well. “I took a break for a while, and now, I’m back again,” she shares candidly, reflecting on the ebb and flow of her entrepreneurial journey.
As a small business owner, Wassa embraces the duality of her craft—the intimacy of personalized service juxtaposed with the demands of scale. “I’m still a very small company just making stuff literally at my house,” she recalls, highlighting the resourcefulness that defines her approach to entrepreneurship.
Looking to the Future with Optimism
Looking ahead, Wassa remains undeterred by the ever-shifting currents of the fashion landscape. “I still feel like I’m a baby at this, learning every day,” she shares, a testament to her boundless curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit.
In a world clamoring for authenticity and individuality, Wassa Coulibaly stands for the creativity and culture she so passionately exudes, her designs a celebration of the human spirit in all its diversity and vibrancy.
As she eloquently puts it, “I want people to feel good when they wear my clothes. I want them to feel like they are wearing art.” And with Wassa, the journey is just beginning—a testament to the enduring power of creativity, passion, and possibility.
It was a pleasure meeting you at MAGIC, alongside my beautiful friend Wassa.
This article really speaks to her passion to create art.