The power of being passionate

Choosing a career does not have to come from reading about it or seeing something that interests you on TV. Sometimes it can be born from being shy or even, frustration. One person who agrees with this is fashion designer Olivia Shishando, founder of Olivia Fashions, whose career started off way out of the ordinary. When she was 14 and going through puberty, Olivia was embarrassed to tell her stepmother that she wanted a bra because her breasts were developing. She decided to cut out an old red skirt and some underwear to make a bra for herself. Fast forward to today and she is a full-time designer who wants to break barriers and make her brand go international. Olivia officially started her career in 2010. Without a sewing machine, she insisted on designing a few outfits for her friend and using someone else's sewing machine. During these days she managed to get a full-time job but she hated it, and later quit. “I asked my father to buy me a sewing machine because I really hated that job and I was sort of getting an idea of what I wanted to do - make clothing. He agreed on condition that I pay him every cent he used and that's how I officially started off my career,” she said.Olivia who was based in Otjiwarongo decided to move to Windhoek as her brand was growing slowly. She packed her bags last year and risked it all in the name of fashion and believing in her abilities. According to her it is because being a fashion designer means so much to her and seeing her clients happy wearing the clothes she made is worth more than living comfortably.“I had clients in Windhoek and making garments for them would take time, as the outfits would need to be delivered. It made the whole process long. Making someone feel and look good matters. My brand is for people who want to look great and they can do it at a very affordable price. Many people spend so much on the outfit that they don't even enjoy wearing it because of all the money spent,” she said.Olivia Fashions has made its name and is well-known for pulling off literally anything with African print material. This includes dresses mixed with softer fabrics for matric farewells to something to look great in at a meeting. With the just-ended third edition of the Windhoek Fashion Week, Olivia says the rate at which the fashion and design industry is growing is worth applauding. The designer says she was not ready to take part in fashion week but she looks forward to soon. To date, she has dressed personalities such as radio presenter Raiza Kweyo, singer Tunakie and all-rounder Uejaa Kazondunge. “Back in the day, clients only came to designers if they had a function to attend like a wedding. Today people come to us just because they want to look good at work. This shows that we are getting somewhere. Designers and models are one and the same and both are having such a great platform and more opportunities too, and it is worth recognising and praising,” she said.Nothing great comes easy and Olivia says that up-and-coming models need to grow a thick skin for survival in the industry. She recalls wanting to give up as she was unable to sustain her expenses and had to live with her friend as she could not pay her rent. “If I have to be honest, design is about passion. I never studied fashion and nobody taught me anything, I taught myself. School will help, yes, but with the economic situation in the country I would not advise anyone to study fashion. Rather study something that will sustain you and while you do that, you design on the side. It is really hard,” she said.In 2019, she will be challenging herself and will start making bridal garments and also menswear, including blazers. She also said she is looking to working on collaboration designs should the opportunity present itself. “Men really struggle to get African-themed blazers and this is a market I am aware of. I will start off there and see how far I can go. It will be very Namibian too, meaning traditional styles like Odelela infused with a western style,” she said.Olivia Fashions is currently working on a collection for a beauty pageant fashion show, Beauty with Brains, which will take place in December. June Shimuoshili

The power of being passionate

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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The power of being passionate

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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