This blog post provides a summarized version of our conversation with Samira Salifu, featuring key highlights with slight alterations for readability. To listen to the full discussion, check out our podcast on Spotify and Amazon Music.
Julia Lach: Welcome to a brand-new episode of Luxe AI Highlights, where we explore cutting-edge trends at the intersection of high-end brands, premium and luxury, and innovative technologies. Today, we have a special guest: Samira Salifu, co-founder and CEO of Masari Tech, a rising fashion tech startup with a mission to make shopping smarter and more sustainable. We’ll dive into Samira’s journey, Masari Tech’s vision, and the role of AI in driving sustainability in fashion. Let’s get started! Welcome, Samira!
Samira Salifu: Thank you so much, Julia! That was such a lovely introduction.
Samira’s Journey into Tech and Entrepreneurship
Julia Lach: Let’s start with your background. Did you always know you’d end up in tech, or was there a defining moment that sparked your interest?
Samira Salifu: I actually started as a pre-med major, everyone thought I’d become a doctor! But I realized that I didn’t want to spend long hours in a hospital. I wanted to work for myself and make an impact sooner. My brother, who works in tech, introduced me to new technologies, and I found I was naturally good at it. Eventually, I switched to computer science, knowing I wanted to start my own business. Fashion has always been a passion, and it holds a deep personal connection with my mother. Combining tech and fashion felt like the perfect fit.
Julia Lach: That’s such an interesting shift from medicine to tech! It sounds like you’ve truly found your purpose.
Samira Salifu: Yes! It’s a fast-growing industry, and I love the constant learning.
Building Masari Tech & Its Mission
Julia Lach: You co-founded Masari Tech while still in university. What inspired you to take that leap?
Samira Salifu: My passion for sustainability started early. I was the vice president of the United Nations Club in high school, organizing events around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After my mom passed away, I wanted to reconnect with her through fashion. That’s when I realized I could merge sustainability and technology to make a real impact. Masari Tech was born from that vision.
Julia Lach: That’s such a beautiful way to honor her memory.
Samira Salifu: Thank you, Julia.
Juggling University and Running a Startup
Julia Lach: Balancing studies and a startup must be tough. How do you manage it?
Samira Salifu: It’s a struggle, but I believe in the power of now. Being a student gives me access to resources, professors, and networks that I won’t have after graduating. I make sure to schedule my day ahead of time and time-block for studies, friends, and work. The biggest challenge was doing everything alone at first. But since finding my co-founder, Rukaya, things have moved much faster!
The Role of AI in Sustainable Fashion
Julia Lach: AI is transforming industries, including fashion. How do you see AI reshaping sustainability efforts?
Samira Salifu: AI is a powerful tool. It enhances efficiency and enables sustainability by helping brands predict demand more accurately, preventing overproduction. I’m excited about AI-powered personalization, which tailors shopping experiences and reduces waste. AI-driven test-and-react models also allow brands to produce in smaller batches, minimizing excess inventory.
The Story Behind Masari Tech’s Name
Julia Lach: Masari is such a unique name. Is there a story behind it?
Samira Salifu: Yes! It took me six months to find the perfect name. I wanted something that reflected my journey. ‘Masari’ means ‘my path’, symbolizing my past, present, and future. And fun fact, if you play around with the letters, you get ‘Samira’!
Julia Lach: That’s so cool! Definitely meant to be.
Exciting AI Trends in Fashion
Julia Lach: What AI-driven trends are you most excited about?
Samira Salifu: AI-powered personalization excites me the most. Masari Tech is working on using AI to help brands move excess stock sustainably rather than incinerating it. With upcoming EU regulations requiring brands to account for excess inventory, we’re developing solutions to help them manage and repurpose unsold stock responsibly
Masari Tech’s Recognition & Future Plans
Julia Lach: Masari Tech was selected for the Foundess Accelerator out of 700+ applicants! What does this mean for your company?
Samira Salifu: It’s a huge opportunity! Foundess supports women entrepreneurs, only 2% of founders are women, and they want to change that. If we make it to the top teams, we’ll fly to San Francisco to pitch to investors. We’re currently working hard to gain traction and prove that people care about sustainable fashion.
Julia Lach: What’s next for Masari Tech?
Samira Salifu: We have three major projects: tackling excess stock, supporting emerging designers, and developing 3D body-fit technology. We’re also working with an amazing mentor, Kathleen Argyro from the Fashion Institute of Technology, who has 20+ years of industry experience.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Julia Lach: For students looking to start their own tech startups, what advice would you give?
Samira Salifu: Ask yourself: If it took 30 failures to reach your goal, would you still start? If the answer is yes, then do it. Don’t let fear hold you back. Time moves fast, if you wait, you’ll look back in five years and regret not starting sooner. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Dream Collaboration
Julia Lach: If you could collaborate with any fashion brand, who would it be and why?
Samira Salifu: Brunello Cucinelli. Their commitment to ethical luxury aligns with Masari Tech’s mission. A collaboration could focus on AI-powered supply chain solutions and sustainable production models. Brunello, if you’re listening—I’d love to work with you!
Julia Lach: A huge thank you, Samira, for joining us today. Your journey is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see Masari Tech’s impact on the fashion industry. Listeners, don’t forget to subscribe and follow Masari Tech for updates!
Samira Salifu: Thank you, Julia! And thank you, listeners!