Saturday 31 January 2015

Person to Look out for: Imaan Sokhela

We come across a lot of people in our lives daily. People who do amazing things, make amazing things and people who need to be exposed for who they are and what they do (in a good way of course ;-) ). One such person is Imaan Sokhela.

She is a beautiful 27 year old from sunny Kwazulu Natal. Imaan has an Honours Degree in Psychology and works for a company called Khulisa Social Solution and she hopes to get an MBA in Psychology soon in'sha Allah. I got an opportunity to interview her and this is how it went.


What is the name of your collection and when did you start?
The name of my brand is called Tapestry Accessories. I started making the accessories more than 14 years ago, but only started marketing the creations in March of 2014.

The name, Tapestry Accessories, where did you get it from?
I just understood that it's a special type of cloth... and I thought, well, why not use it?!

Why did you start making these accessories, I mean you could have done something else?Growing up as a child, I fell in love with fashion and the concept of designing things and making them from scratch. However, when it was time to choose a course to study, my mom felt that fashion or designing would never give me a steady income. While I was studying, I would make things and sell and whatever small thing I made, it would sell fast. When I make these items, I feel happy and relaxed. I don't know if I'm making sense, but designing for me is not a career, but I believe its my talent and something I'm very passionate about.

What type of resources (fabrics/materials) do you use and are they easily accessible?
For the jewelry, I use beads and wires a lot and some material. They are not easily accessible because I usually travel to cities to get material. For the bags, I use leather and it's also not easily accessible because there are very few people selling it and it's very expensive.

Seeing that you're resources are quite costly, are your pieces affordable? Who is your target market?
Yes, they are affordable. I'm targeting mostly middle class and anyone who thinks they can relate in anyway with my work.

Where do you see yourself and Tapestry Accessories in a year or two?
I see myself having accessed markets in African countries and also employing at least two people and supplying to shops. Most importantly, I see Tapestry Accessories running smoothly with a healthy cash flow in'sha Allah.

Now I know you can't wait to see some of her pieces, so... behold...


Need a funky belt to accentuate the waistline? Why not try these?


These neck pieces will turn any dull outfit into something extraordinary 






Now I don't know about you, but where have you been all my life?!
Every fashionista needs to rock African print and design.



Don't let anyone tell you that you'v got too much baggage. I need you in my life, Miss-Oh-so-stunning-smooth-leathery-chunky purse.


Well, that's all I have for you.. be sure to visit Tapestry Accessories for more of Imaan's creations. I really must get myself that body jewelry. Oh, I didn't show you? Click on the link NOW, if you want to see more.

Till my next post: peace , love and unity :) Mwahugs :)

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