Tendaji, a Fashion Tech Start-up by Three Hampton Alumni that are “Making Things Happen.”

In this conversation, three Class of 2020 Hampton University Alumni Electrical Engineering majors, Jordan Walls, Daryl “Dj” Riley, and Stanton Ridley, discuss their startup business called Tendaji and their participation in the Black Ambition competition founded by Pharrell Williams. They talk about their backgrounds, the inspiration behind their business, and their challenges. They also discuss their goals for the future and offer advice to current students and Alumni. The Black Ambition competition provides grant funding for startups, and the speakers are hopeful about their chances of winning.

Tendaji, a fashion technology business with its meaning derived from Swahili as “make things happen,” is the focus of three Electrical Engineering Hampton University Alumni, Jordan Walls, Daryl “Dj” Riley, and Stanton Ridley. “Our mission is to integrate the productivity of technology with the style and confidence of fashion. We’re trying to make sure tech needs style,” said DJ Riley. Similar to the built-in technology you see in all your favorite fashion brands like Apple, Nike, and Under Armor, Tendaji seeks to create cutting-edge designs for a new-age revolution of fashion.

This start-up initially began as a design project that Dj, Stanton, and Jordan were a part of during their tenure in college but, with a little spark, expanded outside of the classroom. “We didn’t think that it could just be in the class but also can have a societal benefit,” said Riley. The trio went on to compete in a pitch competition by Forbes called the Futures Icon and won the Future of Fashion section on June 24, 2020. That win sealed the deal for the inception of Tendaji on the day of its founding. The team is currently running for the public voting award, with the chance to win $25,000, and they also have the opportunity to win up to $1 million through the competition. Along this journey, they discuss their challenges, such as doubts from others and the impact of COVID-19, but emphasize their determination to make their business successful. From listening and learning about these three men, we believe that they see themselves as pioneers in the intersection of fashion and technology and hope to inspire others, particularly young black individuals, to pursue their dreams. Tendaji advises current students and Alumni to finish what they started, follow their dreams, and prove themselves right rather than focusing on proving others wrong. They also emphasize the importance of enjoying the journey and staying humble and hungry. With a bright future and a pocket full of dreams, these Hamptonians are optimistic about the future of Tendaji and hope to make it a household name while giving back to their community.