ANDRE MBAKA ON'OKOKO
A Life Curated Through Craft, Culture, and Care
The story begins in Kinshasa, Zaire, in 1985—a city pulsing with energy, where a newborn named Andre On’okoko took his first breath. At the time, the world had no idea who he would become. But through quiet ambition, curiosity, and a relentless dedication to growth, Andre has designed a life that reflects creativity, discipline, and heart. His journey weaves through diverse roles: beloved son and brother, devoted husband, music curator, eyewear aficionado, advocate of Afro-optimism, and, above all, a Life Designer. Each role is approached with intention, threading meaning through the fabric of his life.
Andre’s education is a story of perseverance and purpose. After building a foundation in personality development with One Team, he pursued a master's degree in Life Design from the globally respected PEIRATES Institution. His journey didn’t stop there—along the way, he accumulated an array of degrees and certifications, from a BTS OL in Opticianry to advanced management studies, ultimately earning the title of NYS Licensed Optician. These accomplishments are not badges of honor to boast but markers of a deeper commitment to curiosity and self-improvement.
A turning point came in Toulouse, France, where Andre’s encounter with the visionary world of Anne et Valentin reshaped his career and purpose. “It was a masterclass in more than just craftsmanship,” he reflects. “I learned how precision can intersect with empathy, and that nurturing people is just as important as developing skills.” Toulouse provided not only technical expertise but a mindset—one that values collaboration over competition and embraces the beauty of small, deliberate details.
Now based in New York, Andre blends his French upbringing with the electric pulse of the city. His life is a curated experience, balancing precision with fluidity, ambition with gratitude. He sees himself not as a “jack of all trades,” but as someone committed to exploring passions with depth—whether it’s music, eyewear, or shaping narratives that promote Afro-optimism. His interdisciplinary approach is not merely a strategy but a reflection of who he is: a global citizen who moves through the world with ease, blending perspectives and cultures with grace.
In today’s fast-paced world, where the push for specialization can feel overwhelming, Andre’s story is a quiet rebellion. It’s a reminder that success is not about arriving at a destination but about evolving—patiently, intentionally, and with care. For him, each chapter is an opportunity to build something meaningful, not just for himself but for others. “Mastery,” Andre says, “is not about titles. It’s about knowing when to lead, when to listen, and when to let things unfold.”
There is humility in how Andre approaches his achievements: each milestone feels less like a trophy and more like a steppingstone to the next chapter. As he moves forward, he carries with him the lessons from Toulouse and the vibrancy of Kinshasa, embracing the future with love, creativity, and the belief that life is something to be crafted, not chased.
Andre On’okoko’s journey reminds us that success is an ongoing act of creation. It isn’t a sprint—it’s a carefully composed melody, a piece of eyewear that fits just right, a conversation that leaves you better than before. His story is an invitation to imagine what’s possible when ambition meets gratitude, and when every step is taken with purpose.
Here’s to the next chapter—a future designed with intention, shaped by love, and fueled by the endless possibilities that await those who dare to live authentically.
Design your life like an art director!
Our very existence depends on interaction - to live is to converse. But choose your words with care, for they are the threads that weave the tapestry of life, the key to thriving in a world where we are all interconnected.
Les usines à nuages tournent à plein gaz, la musique m'emporte sur ses vagues à travers l’univers et la matière.
SHOOTING VICTOR GARZON
https://www.instagram.com/victorgarzon/