Ri.Ch Factory was founded by Rina Chunga, a Zambian-born, South African creator who grew up in Botswana. Her work is shaped by a life lived between cultures, landscapes and stories. Rina’s parents moved to Botswana during the country’s call for skilled professionals to help build its young economy. Growing up in that environment meant living in a truly international community. Her childhood was filled with friends and neighbours from across the world — families from Mauritius, Canada, Uganda and many other places who had all arrived in Botswana to build new lives. It was an upbringing that exposed her early to a richness of cultures, perspectives and ways of living. That experience quietly shaped the way she sees the world today — curious, open and deeply inspired by cultural exchange. Alongside that global exposure was the influence of her own African heritage, which continues to ground and guide her work. From the beginning, Rina has been drawn to beauty — not only in clothing, but in the way spaces and experiences can make people feel. She believes her calling is to bring people joy, healing and hope through creating beautiful products, spaces and experiences. The Beginning Ri.Ch Factory began in 2007 in Polokwane, South Africa, during Rina’s gap year when she first learned how to sew. What started as curiosity quickly became purpose. When she later enrolled in fashion school, the small business became a practical way to support her studies. She designed and made matric farewell dresses, graduation outfits and bridesmaid gowns, working closely with clients and learning the craft of creating garments that made women feel confident on important days. It was intimate, hands-on work — and the beginning of a brand built on personal connection. By the time she completed her studies, Rina had already built a small but growing circle of loyal clients. The timing was perfect. Instagram was just beginning to reshape fashion culture and the hashtag #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) was everywhere. Women were searching for pieces that felt unique, expressive and proudly local. Ri.Ch Factory leaned into that moment. A Brand Finds Its Voice In 2013, the brand introduced African print skirts, which quickly gained popularity. Soon after came the Infinity Dress, a versatile design that had not yet appeared widely on the local market and would go on to become one of the brand’s most loved pieces. Sales happened everywhere — on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and through pop-up shops across South Africa. It was organic, community-driven growth — the kind that happens when people genuinely love what they’re wearing. By 2015, Rina began styling celebrity photoshoots and often used her own designs in the process. These collaborations gave the brand visibility while strengthening its aesthetic identity. Demand continued to grow. In December 2016, Ri.Ch Factory opened its flagship store in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, marking a new chapter for the brand and its growing community of clients. A Space Where Women Exhale Over time, something unexpected began happening inside the Ri.Ch Factory space. Women would come in to browse a dress or collect an order — and then stay. Conversations would unfold. Stories would be shared. Some women would sit on the couch just to rest for a moment. Occasionally someone would even fall asleep, finally feeling safe enough to pause in the middle of a busy life. For many clients, purchasing a Ri.Ch Factory garment is not simply shopping. It is a moment of self-recognition — a treat, a celebration, something they have waited for, sometimes for months, to spoil themselves with. Women often share deeply personal stories about their lives, their journeys and the pressures they carry. Listening to these stories transformed the way Rina understood the role of the brand. Ri.Ch Factory was not just creating clothing. It was creating space. Space for women to feel beautiful. Space for women to rest. Space for women to experience joy. And in a world where Black women often carry enormous responsibility — emotionally, socially and economically — that space matters deeply. A Global African Perspective In 2021, Ri.Ch Factory underwent a bold rebrand and repositioning. The brand evolved from bespoke African contemporary fashion into a ready-to-wear premium resort wear label, reflecting a larger vision: bringing an authentic African perspective into the global fashion conversation. For too long, African fashion has been seen only through the lens of craft or tradition, while global ready-to-wear markets have been dominated by Western brands. Ri.Ch Factory exists to challenge that narrative. Our goal is to design, produce and manufacture premium garments locally on the African continent, creating jobs while demonstrating that African creativity, craftsmanship and materials can compete with the world’s leading luxury brands. Each piece is created with the intention that it can travel - from Johannesburg to Zanzibar, from Cape Town to Miami, from Bali to Lagos. Africa to the world. Our Philosophy of Sustainability For Ri.Ch Factory, sustainability goes beyond fabric choices or production methods. Our sustainability is rooted in the sustainability of a beautiful life for Black women. Across the world, Black women carry immense responsibility while facing disproportionate levels of stress-related illness - including high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety and autoimmune conditions. We believe fashion can play a role in shifting that narrative. Ri.Ch Factory creates garments, spaces and experiences that allow women to slow down, celebrate themselves and experience joy. Because joy is not frivolous. Joy is restorative. Joy is life-giving. When a woman feels beautiful, confident and seen, she moves through the world differently - and the world changes because of it. Supporting the well-being, creativity and self-expression of Black women is our contribution to a more joyful and balanced future. This is our definition of sustainability. A Living Brand Today, Ri.Ch Factory continues to evolve - rooted in African heritage while embracing a global outlook. Each collection reflects a lifestyle of travel, leisure and self-expression. Our pieces are designed not just to be worn, but to be experienced. They are love letters to women who choose beauty, softness and intention. And to the world they are helping to create. ✨