Crafting Stories Through Fashion: The Rimeks Journey

Our journey is one of passion, creativity, with a deep connection and blending of our African roots with the allures of Cape Breton, our new home. What started as a vision to honor African craftsmanship has now transformed into a growing brand, called Rimeks, that celebrates culture, creativity, and individuality in every stitch.

The Beginning of a Dream

Growing up in Nigeria, the founding sisters, Rita Umoren and Elsie Ifon, were surrounded by the beautiful, colorful Ankara cotton fabrics that are a hallmark of African artistry. While exploring the journey to build a new life in Canada, they realized that they couldn’t find utility handbags or accessories that truly reflected the uniqueness of their heritage, the vibrant colors, and the stories woven into every fabric.

It was during a moment of reflection that the "Aha!" moment occurred. Why not combine the beauty of Ankara cotton with modern designs and create bags that not only meet customers’ needs but also empowers individuals to express themselves through fashion? And so, Rimeks was born.

Embracing the Challenges

Navigating a new cultural environment, while also learning how to balance quality, craftsmanship, and market demands threw up some challenges. While taking each setback an opportunity to learn, grow, and perfect the craft, stronger relationships, deeper sense of purpose to make a global impact are continuing to be entrenched.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

By merging traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, Rimeks found a niche that resonated not only with local audiences but with a global customer base.

Infusing the vibrancy of the rich Ankara fabrics into bags, totes, and accessories made them functional yet fashion-forward. With each creation, Rimeks was no longer just about selling bags; it was telling stories through fashion.


Building a Brand with Purpose

As the brand grew, Rimeks commitment to quality and modern designs ensured sourcing the finest materials, working with skilled artisans, and carefully crafted each bag with love and care.

Today, Rimeks is a brand that invites customers to join a community of people who celebrate their unique identities.

Remarkable Support from the Cape Breton Community

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support we’ve received from the welcoming supportive community here in Cape Breton. From the very beginning, we’ve been fortunate to have the guidance and encouragement of local organizations, business networks, and the wonderful people of the Island. Their belief in our mission has fueled our growth and inspired us every step of the way.

Cape Breton Partnership has been a cornerstone of our journey, offering invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging. The support from local organizations, fellow entrepreneurs, and the community have been essential to our success.

We are also deeply grateful for the recognition we recently received, being honored with the Newcomer Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Excellence in Business Awards, sponsored by the Cape Breton Chamber of Commerce and Cape Breton Partnership. This recognition is a testament to the strength of the community we’ve become a part of, and it motivates us to continue striving for excellence.

Our Promise to You

Today, Rimeks Bags & Brands stands strong in Sydney, Nova Scotia, but our vision and reach extend far beyond our local community. We’ve expanded our presence both online and in retail, offering our unique products and services to customers across Canada and beyond. Through it all, we remain committed to creating products that blend African craftsmanship with modern design, products that tell your story, just as they tell ours.

Every bag, every design, and every product we offer reflects our journey—one that is fueled by passion, heritage, and the belief that fashion is more than just what we wear. It’s a way of celebrating who and where we come from and are.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Story

As we continue to grow, we want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey so far. We’ve created Rimeks Bags & Brands with a purpose, and we’re so excited to share that purpose with you. Whether you’re new to our Brand or have been with us from the very beginning, we’re honored to have you along for the ride.

Join Us on Our Journey

We’re just getting started, and there’s so much more to come. As we continue to create and expand, we invite you to explore our collection, share our story, and be part of a growing movement that celebrates creativity, culture, and style.