‘It girl’ Sinte Simasiku charts unique creative path
... one Polaroid at a time
How a Namibian teen is turning trendy prints into a thriving brand.
With a sharp eye for aesthetics and an entrepreneurial spirit well beyond her years, 18-year-old Sinte Simasiku is redefining what it means to be a creative in Namibia.
Still in her final year of high school, Simasiku is the founder and creative force behind Itgrl.co, a lifestyle brand that has grown popular for its Polaroid-style prints, aesthetic gifts and inspiring message.
Born in Rundu, raised between Otjiwarongo and Windhoek, and with roots in Katima Mulilo, Simasiku’s story reflects the modern Namibian story: proudly local, digitally fluent and creatively ambitious.
“Itgrl.co began with a simple love for content creation and self-expression,” Simasiku said during a recent interview with tjil. “I wanted to create a space that celebrated individuality through meaningful, aesthetic gifts people could connect with.”
Her brand, which plays on the pop culture term 'It Girl', is about more than just visuals and trendiness. “To me, an ‘It Girl’ isn’t about fashion or beauty,” she said. “It’s about mindset. It’s about prioritising growth, wellness and embracing your authenticity.”
Celebration
Simasiku started by sharing lifestyle, beauty and fashion content on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok – platforms where her clean design sense and emotionally resonant work caught on quickly. Soon after launching Itgrl.co, she began receiving orders and requests, eventually collaborating with some of Namibia’s most recognisable young creatives, including Taimi Nuunyango, Pukuu, The Boy Solange, Athena Souls and Lindiwe Mugena.
“These collaborations helped take the brand to new audiences,” Simasiku said. “But what keeps me going is the positive feedback – when someone tells me how a photo print reminded them of a special moment, that means everything.”
While juggling school and running a business is no small feat, Simasiku has her eyes firmly on the future. “In five years, I want to scale Itgrl.co, build a team, and open branches across Namibia,” she said. “Eventually, I want the brand to go global.”
Simasiku also plans to expand the product line to include more lifestyle merchandise – limited-edition drops, accessories and pieces that reflect the brand’s ethos of individuality and empowerment.
“Itgrl.co isn’t just about making things that look nice,” she explained. “It’s about helping people celebrate themselves and their stories.”
In a country where young creatives often face limited opportunities, Simasiku is carving her own lane– one Polaroid at a time.
Still in her final year of high school, Simasiku is the founder and creative force behind Itgrl.co, a lifestyle brand that has grown popular for its Polaroid-style prints, aesthetic gifts and inspiring message.
Born in Rundu, raised between Otjiwarongo and Windhoek, and with roots in Katima Mulilo, Simasiku’s story reflects the modern Namibian story: proudly local, digitally fluent and creatively ambitious.
“Itgrl.co began with a simple love for content creation and self-expression,” Simasiku said during a recent interview with tjil. “I wanted to create a space that celebrated individuality through meaningful, aesthetic gifts people could connect with.”
Her brand, which plays on the pop culture term 'It Girl', is about more than just visuals and trendiness. “To me, an ‘It Girl’ isn’t about fashion or beauty,” she said. “It’s about mindset. It’s about prioritising growth, wellness and embracing your authenticity.”
Celebration
Simasiku started by sharing lifestyle, beauty and fashion content on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok – platforms where her clean design sense and emotionally resonant work caught on quickly. Soon after launching Itgrl.co, she began receiving orders and requests, eventually collaborating with some of Namibia’s most recognisable young creatives, including Taimi Nuunyango, Pukuu, The Boy Solange, Athena Souls and Lindiwe Mugena.
“These collaborations helped take the brand to new audiences,” Simasiku said. “But what keeps me going is the positive feedback – when someone tells me how a photo print reminded them of a special moment, that means everything.”
While juggling school and running a business is no small feat, Simasiku has her eyes firmly on the future. “In five years, I want to scale Itgrl.co, build a team, and open branches across Namibia,” she said. “Eventually, I want the brand to go global.”
Simasiku also plans to expand the product line to include more lifestyle merchandise – limited-edition drops, accessories and pieces that reflect the brand’s ethos of individuality and empowerment.
“Itgrl.co isn’t just about making things that look nice,” she explained. “It’s about helping people celebrate themselves and their stories.”
In a country where young creatives often face limited opportunities, Simasiku is carving her own lane– one Polaroid at a time.
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