Interview with Ihsani Culture
Today's interview is with the Design Director of Ihsani Culture. She champions the spirit of Afri-love as she breathes and has been inspiring and encouraging me since the day we virtually met! I'm so happy to present to you her passion, and her fashion…
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What's your passion?
My passion is Africa – just making use of my gifts, and any I pick up along the way, to impact Africa.What inspired Ihsani Culture?
Ihsani Culture is inspired by a desire to make beautiful what was considered mediocre or ugly. It is inspired by God – a creator of infinite beauty, not limited to one standard as people are. The December Collection was inspired by African/Dry Lace, an embroidered fabric that usually looks pretty ugly/mediocre in the way it's usually wrapped or worn.
What has been your greatest obstacle/challenge in establishing Ihsani Culture?
My greatest obstacle has been learning to let go of control. With the people I work with (who run their own businesses), with the designs I make (which usually morph into something different from the sketches) with the client (who is usually not certain), with God (who has a bigger, deeper purpose than I often see).
How have you dealt with/overcome it?
Faith and trust. It works for all of the above. I have the most hardworking, talented team I could have prayed or asked for.What has your greatest achievement been?
My greatest achievement is BEGINNING the work. I'm thirty. 30 years of seeking purpose.Where will you be in 10 years?
I really dont know. But Ihsani will be all over Africa, with its base in Nairobi, and in boutiques across the world.How does Africa inspire you?
Africa is who I am and it's Africa that raised me – the rest of the world just barely touched me. So everything that flows out of me is Africa – whether its basic components look or do not look overtly or stereotypically African.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Ihsani is based on the premise that 'beauty flows naturally from within'' – It is the women who make the clothes come to life beautifully.
Anything we should look out for in the coming weeks/months/year?
Look out for more innovation and beauty from Ihsani and all the designers sprouting up in Africa. I am not alone or unique in my mission. Look out for African clothing for the cold July weather from Ihsani.
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Images courtesy of Ihsani Culture