Johanne Gnagne

Introduction and Divine Connections

Taryell Simmons: Welcome back to another episode of the Rise Urban Nation podcast, where we highlight trailblazing Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs making waves in their industries today. I am thrilled to introduce my sister, Johanne. Although we have not known each other for very long, God has brought us together in divine ways. We were just talking about spirituality and how things happen for a reason. Before we were introduced, shout-out to Pam, who is a special mentor for both of us. Johanne, how did you first meet Pam?

Johanne Gnagne: I met Pam through the SBDC network. She has been my mentor from the beginning, coaching me on branding and social media. She is an amazing person, and I feel truly privileged to work with her as a mentee.

Taryell Simmons: Pam is a beautiful soul. She hosts the Café con Pam podcast, highlighting brilliant leaders, especially in the Latino community. I originally met Pam through Marquis, who used to run the SBDC. When I started this podcast, Marquis introduced me to Pam for coaching. Over time, life got busy and we fell out of touch, but we reconnected recently because she introduced you to me. Right around that time, I took on a new professional role, and our worlds quickly intertwined. What was that experience like on your end?

Johanne Gnagne: It has been amazing to witness what God is doing. He knows the future ahead of us and connects us with the right people at the right time. I always say that the biggest wealth a person can wish for is connection. Connecting with human beings and having a great support system is true wealth—money is nothing in comparison. We need to treat those around us with care, gratitude, and respect, whether they are spouses, friends, mentors, coaches, or colleagues.

Taryell Simmons: Getting in touch with your spirituality makes a profound difference in the world when it enables us to connect with people on a deeper level.

Background and the Founding of Klamann & Co.

Taryell Simmons: Before we dive into the festival details, could you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start Klamann & Co.?

Johanne Gnagne: From a young age, I have always been passionate about African culture. I was born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in Côte d'Ivoire, a French-speaking country in West Africa. We traveled across different countries and continents throughout my youth. When I returned to Canada at age seventeen, I earned my bachelor's degree in business with a major in finance, followed by a master's degree in international business. I then worked for the Canadian government as a program manager in the Ministry of Health, ensuring underserved communities in remote areas had equal healthcare access. Twelve years ago, I moved to San Diego, where I now work as a project manager at UC San Diego School of Medicine, overseeing international programs.

Johanne Gnagne: Traveling connects people with different cultures through food, music, dance, and vibrant energy. During the pandemic, when travel was restricted, I realized many people were unable to experience Africa firsthand. While traveling abroad is a wonderful experience, I wanted to provide an opportunity for our local community to experience authentic African culture right here without breaking the bank.

Taryell Simmons: California is a multicultural melting pot, but African representation has often been underrepresented. What inspired you to bridge that gap?

Johanne Gnagne: California represents many diverse communities, but the African community needed stronger representation. Africa consists of fifty-four countries, and traveling there requires significant time and financial resources, which is not always accessible, especially for children. Klamann & Co. was created as a platform where people of all backgrounds can come together and experience African culture. It is essential for our children and the wider community to be exposed to this rich heritage.

Overcoming Challenges Through Faith and Perseverance

Taryell Simmons: Starting an organization that authentically represents African culture must have presented unique hurdles. What was a significant challenge you faced in the early stages, and how did you overcome it?

Johanne Gnagne: The greatest hurdle was starting completely from scratch. Because there was no existing platform for African cultural representation, we had to build everything from the ground up. Nobody rolls out the red carpet for you—you have to introduce yourself, share your vision, and explain why working together advances the community. Funding was certainly a challenge with no initial sponsors, but perseverance kept us moving forward.

Johanne Gnagne: If God places a vision in your heart, you already possess what it takes to bring it to fruition. While money is necessary, the right connections and people open doors. Instead of solely praying for financial resources, pray for the right partners and skilled people. Walking by faith requires trusting the process completely, knowing that the one who gave you the vision will see it through to completion.

Project Management and Discovering Purpose

Taryell Simmons: How did your background shape your approach to organizing major cultural events like the African Vibe Festival?

Johanne Gnagne: I leverage over fifteen years of project management experience from working in government and academic institutions. I have always naturally enjoyed planning, organizing, and designing memorable experiences where people can come together and have a wonderful time. Back in 2019, I surveyed close friends and family asking about my strengths, weaknesses, and core values. During the pandemic, as I prayed about how to make a meaningful difference, I revisited those responses and realized that event management, community building, and cultural celebration were my true callings.

The African Vibe Festival and World Design Experience

Taryell Simmons: Let us discuss the upcoming Klamann African Vibe Festival, which was selected as part of the prestigious World Design Experience. San Diego and Tijuana were chosen together as the World Design Capital. What strategies are you implementing to make this event stand out on a global platform?

Johanne Gnagne: We have partnered with top organizations in the region. UCSD Park & Market in downtown San Diego is our premier venue partner for the event on Saturday, September 21st. We are also collaborating with Fashion Week San Diego for an exquisite fashion show, and the Visions Museum of Textile Art, centering our theme around Textile Art from Africa to the World.

Taryell Simmons: Can you give our listeners a preview of what attendees can expect at the festival?

Johanne Gnagne: From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, we host a family-friendly cultural experience with retail vendors, food stalls, live performances, and interactive workshops welcoming youth, parents, and grandparents. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts into a sophisticated cultural immersion featuring networking, a silent auction, culinary tastings, a fashion show, and live musical performances spanning Afro-Caribbean, Afrofusion, Afro-Rumba, and Jazz. We even have a fashion designer host and an actress joining us from Los Angeles.

Key Lessons and the CARE Approach for Entrepreneurs

Taryell Simmons: What key lessons would you share with aspiring Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs aiming to launch impactful community initiatives?

Johanne Gnagne: First, believe unwaveringly in your vision. Second, remain perseverant through challenges such as limited resources. Third, if you lack specific skills, partner with knowledgeable individuals or organizations to bring your vision to life. Fourth, never underestimate the power of networking and connection. People who believe in your mission will help carry it further than you can on your own.

Johanne Gnagne: Most importantly, do not work in silos. At Klamann & Co., we live by our CARE values: Collaboration, Authenticity, Respect, and Excellence. Understand what others in your industry are doing, celebrate their work, and seek mutually beneficial collaborations. When you focus on making an impact in others' lives, they will pour into yours as well.

Unifying the Diaspora and How to Attend

Taryell Simmons: Centering community is what allows initiatives to thrive long-term. Klamann & Co. serves as a powerful unifying space for the entire Pan-African diaspora.

Johanne Gnagne: Absolutely. When we speak about African cultural representation, it encompasses the entire global diaspora—including Afro-descendants from Cuba, Brazil, the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and Latin America. It is an inclusive platform for everyone to celebrate heritage and showcase talent.

Taryell Simmons: How can listeners get involved, support your work, and attend the festival?

Johanne Gnagne: Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21st, at UCSD Park & Market. You can find full details and purchase tickets at our website, https://klaman.co, by navigating to Klamann Events and selecting the African Vibe Festival. Early bird ticket pricing ends on August 31st, so reserve your spot early for this one-of-a-kind experience.

Taryell Simmons: Thank you so much, Johanne, for sharing your story and wisdom with us today. Make sure to grab your tickets, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode. Until next time, keep rising.

Johanne Gnagne: Peace.

Taryell Simmons: Peace.