The Commonwealth Chamber is delighted to present its inaugural webinar of 2025, focusing on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in emerging economies. This engaging event will celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Sierra Leone’s fashion industry and its bold strides towards eco-conscious design.
Join us as we spotlight the remarkable success of Trippies, a budding fashion and design startup from Sierra Leone, and its visionary female founder, Denise King. This webinar promises to be an inspiring journey into Sierra Leone’s vibrant fashion heritage and the innovative approaches being adopted in sustainable design.
Nestled on the West African coast, Sierra Leone is a nation of over 8 million people, boasting a rich cultural tapestry woven from diverse ethnic groups and traditions. Despite its modest size of 71,740 km², the country offers immense potential for entrepreneurs. The capital, Freetown, is home to the world’s largest natural harbour, symbolising the nation’s capacity for growth and connection to the wider world.
Sierra Leone’s youthful population, with 60% under 25 years old, represents a dynamic workforce eager to contribute to the country’s development. The textile industry, a vital part of the economy, provides employment to many, especially women who are the custodians of age-old weaving and dyeing techniques.
Event Details:
Date: 27th January 2025
Time: 5 pm HKT / 9 am GMT
Learning:
- The journey of building a successful startup in a small African nation
- Overcoming challenges unique to Sierra Leone’s business landscape
- Empowering local artisans and contributing to the country’s economic growth
- Innovative approaches to sustainable fashion and design
Why Attend?
- Gain insights into women’s entrepreneurship in developing economies
- Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in Sierra Leone’s business ecosystem
- Discover how fashion and design can drive economic growth and cultural exchange
Join us in celebrating the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Sierra Leone’s fashion industry. Together, we’ll explore how sustainable design practices are shaping the future of fashion in this vibrant West African nation.
Speaker:
Denise King
CEO and Founder of Trippies Clothing
Trippies is a Sierra Leonean fashion brand launched to showcase the country’s artistry and empower local youth through employment and skills development.
Denise is a passionate advocate for women in business, having participated in international workshops on e-commerce and creative design in the Maldives and China. Her leadership in sustainable fashion reflects her dedication to preserving cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
Moderator
Julia Charlton
Chairman, Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce
Julia is the founding and managing partner of Charltons, an award winning Hong Kong corporate finance Hong Kong law firm. Julia is admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong, England and Wales and the BVI. She practises in the field of corporate finance, including M&A, private equity, securities, virtual assets and funds.
Julia is a member of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC)’s Global Advisory Council. She is also a member of several Hong Kong boards and committees, most notably The Takeovers and Mergers Panel and the Takeovers Appeals Committee of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and the Listing Review Committee of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Julia is also a Senior Fellow of the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute.