I was the girl they made fun of. The one who used an old sewing machine that my grandma gave me to make clothing under a mango tree. Dreams beyond farming or teaching were viewed as silly in the little community where I grew up. People would laugh as they passed me. They would say, “That village girl believes she is a designer.” Some people would even make a special effort to inform me that I was wasting my time.
However, I couldn’t let go of my enthusiasm for some reason. I’ve always been drawn to patterns, colours, and making something beautiful out of nothing. I had no access to global networks or a fashion school. All I had were my hands, my imagination, and a strong desire to disprove them. I began modestly creating dresses and skirts for young girls attending weddings and religious services, as my designs were bright, vibrant, and steeped in tradition while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. To read more click here