Designing woman
Elements by Akirina founder gearing up for a designing master class.
Akirina Tatenda Malunga is an accessories designer who has been involved in this type of designing pretty much her whole life. Her approach to creativity spans multiple mediums incorporating different kinds of accessories including earrings, bracelets and necklaces. “Basically anything that is in the creative sector because I have brides asking me to make bouquets out of pearls or lapel pins for suits, so it is basically anything in the accessories sector,” said Malunga. She was awarded the Favourite Accessories Designer at this year's Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards (SYMLAFA), an achievement she said made her realise that when you follow your passion you always win. She added that she has a full-time job as an IT Business Analyst but does not feel the pressure of having to continue working on a her passion as an accessories designer. “If you do something with passion and love it you will always succeed and success does not only mean that you have to win an award. You will just see yourself going places in the industry that you are in. “I have been contacted by wholesalers expressing their interest in selling my accessories in their shops. That for me is success as well,” said Malunga.
On how Elements by Akirina was born, Malunga narrated that she went to Cape Town on holiday and she had made earrings to wear whilst on holiday for herself. She mentioned that people frequently asked her where she bought them and they would always compliment her. “My boyfriend was like do you realise that so many people ask you where you bought those earrings. Why don't you start making more for business, and that is how Elements by Akirina was born,” Malunga shared. Asked what type of material she uses to make her accessories, Malunga disclosed that she mostly uses beads like pearls, different textured fabrics, artificial flowers and ribbons. “It just depends on what type of accessories I am working on,” she said.
Elements by Akirina is a relatively new brand, however Malunga has big plans for it. She told tjil that she is working hard so that in the near future she can open an Elements by Akirina accessories shop.
She also added that she is looking into expanding the Elements by Akirina brand to other towns. “At the moment people who live outside Windhoek order the accessories and I courier it but I want to make it easier for them by having the accessories at their disposal,” she shared.
She announced that she will host an accessories master class on Saturday, 28 September in Windhoek. She will facilitate the master class where she will teach women how to make earrings, bracelets and neckpieces. Malunga emphasised that she is all about women empowerment so she is looking forward to empowering women so that they can start their own business in this line of work. “Designing accessories has given me so much liberty and financial independence.
“You know the salary is not enough so it covers some bills for me and that is pivotal. It is important for me to share my skills with other people, especially women,” she said. Summing up her conversation with tjil, Malunga advised aspiring accessories designers to not be threatened by someone doing the same thing in the industry. “Your stories, journeys and visions are different from the other person, so just be authentic and follow your passion.
“Never underestimate your talent, I have been making earring for myself since I was 16 but as soon as I had the confidence to share my skills with the world, people responded positively. I believe your talent can always take you places,” she ended.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
On how Elements by Akirina was born, Malunga narrated that she went to Cape Town on holiday and she had made earrings to wear whilst on holiday for herself. She mentioned that people frequently asked her where she bought them and they would always compliment her. “My boyfriend was like do you realise that so many people ask you where you bought those earrings. Why don't you start making more for business, and that is how Elements by Akirina was born,” Malunga shared. Asked what type of material she uses to make her accessories, Malunga disclosed that she mostly uses beads like pearls, different textured fabrics, artificial flowers and ribbons. “It just depends on what type of accessories I am working on,” she said.
Elements by Akirina is a relatively new brand, however Malunga has big plans for it. She told tjil that she is working hard so that in the near future she can open an Elements by Akirina accessories shop.
She also added that she is looking into expanding the Elements by Akirina brand to other towns. “At the moment people who live outside Windhoek order the accessories and I courier it but I want to make it easier for them by having the accessories at their disposal,” she shared.
She announced that she will host an accessories master class on Saturday, 28 September in Windhoek. She will facilitate the master class where she will teach women how to make earrings, bracelets and neckpieces. Malunga emphasised that she is all about women empowerment so she is looking forward to empowering women so that they can start their own business in this line of work. “Designing accessories has given me so much liberty and financial independence.
“You know the salary is not enough so it covers some bills for me and that is pivotal. It is important for me to share my skills with other people, especially women,” she said. Summing up her conversation with tjil, Malunga advised aspiring accessories designers to not be threatened by someone doing the same thing in the industry. “Your stories, journeys and visions are different from the other person, so just be authentic and follow your passion.
“Never underestimate your talent, I have been making earring for myself since I was 16 but as soon as I had the confidence to share my skills with the world, people responded positively. I believe your talent can always take you places,” she ended.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
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