Behind The Design - SoundSage

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You are listening to Behind the Design the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 4. I want to thank all of my guests for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys.

We’ve had some truly insightful conversations. And despite the uncertainty that continues to surround us at the time of recording there is a lot of hope and optimism and just getting on with things because we cannot and will not let a pandemic stop us from expressing ourselves and achieving our potential.

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This is episode #5 where I am joined by designer Natsai Audrey Chieza.

ABOUT Natsai:

Natsai is a designer working at the intersection of technology science and nature and society. She is the founder of Faber Futures an R & D agency that is creating new spaces and strategies that relate to climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social structures that underpin our human survival. In our conversation, Natsai explains bio-design talking us through this exciting emerging technology and the implications it has on devising and creating better sustainable design solutions for our world.

We talk about:

The meaning of bio-design and why it matters
Looking at alternatives to harmful materials and substances such as plastic and petroleum
Finding solutions to problematic processes on an environmental and social level
Cultivating and designing with living organisms
What is it like to work with biology in a creative context where you start and what do you do
Working with nature not against it
The correlation between design and science how the two meet
How she got into bio-design
The real-world applications of bio-design and the other materials that can be created and applied
the problems of fashion being a heavily polluting industry
Responsible production in industry
Why Natsai chose to start her company Faber Futures
How having her own practice enables her to explore her ideas and work with the right teams and clients

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

MA Central St Martins
University College London
Adidas x Stella McCartney
Bolt Threads developed Mylo in partnership with Ecovative
TEDTalk Fashion Has A Pollution Problem - Can Biology Fix It?
CooperHewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Design Museum
Gingko BioWorks
Central St Martins MA Biodesign
Bio-Integrated Design (Bio-ID) Bartlett School of Architecture
BioDesign Challenge
Global Community Bio Summit MIT

Where you can go to find out more about Natsai and Faber Futures:

https://faberfutures.com

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode #4 where I am joined by object designer and academic Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri.

ABOUT Pam:

Pam is a multi-award-winning accessories designer, educator, and author, with her own label called Vanhu Vamwe. Her experiences of working with artisans and feeling personally part of the problem of exploiting vulnerable communities led Pam to study a PhD where she could explore the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and how to make the process better by bringing true, sustainable value to these communities.

We talk about:

The struggle with having too many ideas, choosing what to focus on, and managing her time will juggling multiple projects
The creativity of discipline
Quitting her job and going back to university to study fashion
Not being allowed to explore her creativity as a child, and the changing attitudes to pursuing a creative career particularly for those from an African background
The role of culture and the futuristic aspect of her designs
Her thoughts on cultural appropriation and finding common ground
How sustainable design shows up in her work and the need to be transparent in her work with different cultures
The difference between partnerships and collaboration
How your attitude shapes your work
Doing her country proud, and being recognised as a designer and not just a black designer
How accountability partners and her faith help to keep her grounded
Publishing a book
How she challenges herself to grow and develop her craft

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Loughborough University
Nottingham Trent Design School
Abury
A Woman with No Country

Where you can go to find out more about Pam and her work:

Vanhu Vanmwe

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode #3 where I am joined by jewellery designer Audrey Migot-Adholla.

ABOUT AUDREY:

Audrey is the founder of Yala Jewellery an award-winning made in Kenya jewellery brand. In our conversation we talk about the meaning of sustainable luxury, collaborating with her artisan producers across continents, managing a business during a global health crisis, her thoughts on the spotlight being shone on black creatives as a result of Black Lives Matter.

We talk about:

Juggling all the hats in business
What led her to start a jewellery brand
What it is like working the 9-5 then 5-9
The role of mentors in helping her to start and grow her business
Finding brand focus and how she did that
Managing time and energy while going through the process
Perfection - outsourcing weaknesses as much as she can
Successfully working and collaborating with artisans
Harnessing the power of networks to find people to work with
Making the partnerships work across different continents, the role of technology, working out what can be done, and managing quality control
Her sampling process
The importance of sustainable luxury
Getting Certified B Corp
Managing Logistics
Managing a business during a global health crisis
The impact of BLM and the conflicted feelings as a result of the increased attention on black creative businesses
How to stay the course

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Etsy

The Wayback Machine

London College of Fashion

Shopify

Certified B Corporation

The Guardian Newspaper

Ella’s Kitchen

Companies House

What it feels like to keep a small business going during a global health crisis

@influencerpaygap

Where you can go to find out more about Audrey and Yala Jewellery:
www.yalajewellery.com

@yalajewellery

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #2 where I am joined by architect and product designer Tosin Oshinowo.

ABOUT TOSIN:

Tosin is an architect with her own architectural practice called C M Design Atelier. She is also a product designer designing furniture using local fabrics under the brand Ilé Ilà. In our conversation, we talk about establishing her name as an architect in an industry with a notoriously high barrier to entry, cultivating the confidence needed to win contracts and the business support essentials that have enabled her to start and managing multiple businesses.

We talk about:

What inspired her interest in architecture and led her to set up her architectural studio C M Design Atelier
The process of establishing herself as an architect
How working from a place of insecurity is a strength
The importance of presentation to build trust
The importance of understanding the basics of setting up a business, being honest about your capabilities, and getting the skills you need
Having a circle of people she can call on for help and advice
Managing client and money relationships
The types of projects she works on and developing her design signature
Designing for the local environment and being aware of how people use space
Her thoughts on the development of architecture across the African continent
The impact of Covid on her practice and the local architecture/construction industry
Embracing multiple income streams
The opportunity that led to the creation of her chair design business
Navigating the process of getting product to market
Managing multiple businesses

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Maryland Mall

Kingston University

University College London (UCL)

OMA

Where you can go to find out more about Tosin, CMD Atelier and Ilé Ilà:
www.cmdesign-atelier.com

@cmdesign_atelier

www.ile-ila.com

@ile.ila

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #1 where I am joined by textile designer Eno Jonah.

ABOUT ENO:
Eno is the founder of Nzuri Textiles, a brand of exquisitely handcrafted textiles with a focus on sustainable luxury. In our conversation Eno talks about the inspiration behind her designs, what sustainable luxury means to her, preserving artisan skills, and takes us on the journey from an idea through to finished textile.

We talk about:

Travelling and learning from other cultures
Finding also that last and can be recycled
The stories behind her designs
The journey of a textile from an idea to finished product
The meaning of sustainable luxury
The journey of setting up a business
Connecting to showrooms and how to find reps
Getting her name out there and building visibility
The impact of Black Lives Matter, and the need to keep the conversation going
How she keeps challenging herself to grow as a designer

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Atelier Qubere New York Gallery
Moyi Magazine
Maker Amsterdam

Where you can go to find out more about Eno and Nzuri Textiles:
https://nzuritextiles.com/

@nzuritextiles1217

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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A warm welcome to Season 4 of Behind the Design. Introducing another stellar line up my guests this season come from the worlds of textiles, architecture, product, and fashion design. Not to mention delving into academia, science and technology and their influences on design practice and the future of design.

Just before launching this season atelier 55 my platform behind the podcast reached a significant milestone, by marking a decade of blogging curating and writing about contemporary design from Africa and beyond. Without atelier 55 and the amazing journey, it has led me on this podcast may not have come to light. Whilst celebrating the milestone and recording the season 4 episodes it almost slipped my mind that It has been a year since Behind the Design launched. Another milestone to celebrate and a huge thank you to you for downloading and listening, and may you be inspired by the season 4 conversations.

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You are listening to Behind the Design episode #7 the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 3. I want to thank all of my guests for taking the time to chat especially during the circumstances we currently find ourselves in to give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. They like most of us have experienced the upheaval and uncertainty of navigating their way through a pandemic and having to continually adapt as the world finds its way towards some sense of stability. And while we can never be sure about what tomorrow will bring their hope, optimism and can-do attitude helps them cut through the challenges.

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This is episode #6 where I am joined by fashion designer and entrepreneur Mariatu Turay-Akar.

ABOUT MARITAU:
You are listening to episode number 6 of season 3. And joining me on the show is Mariatu Turay-Akar. Mariatu is the founder of Gitas Portal a London-based mid-luxury fashion brand that uses vibrant African wax cloth textiles to celebrate and promote cultural diversity. We talk about using fashion to inspire and empower women to be bold, how her faith helps her to stay motivated and push past the challenges of running a business, and how Gitas Portal has become a place of connectivity and healing for her clients. So let’s begin…

We talk about:

Gitas Portal a platform to empower women and using it to tell the stories of women
Her role in promoting a positive image of brand Africa and telling our own stories
What led to her starting her own business
The politics of African fashion and prints
The impact wearing colour has on ourselves and those around us
Managing the negativity and flipping that into positive
Growing up with role models who were fighters in what they believe in
Standing her ground
Staying relevant in changing times
How nurturing and listening to her customers has helped her stay relevant
Practicing self-care in business
The meaning behind the name Gitas Portal?
Realising when it was time to leave her business
Recognising the signs that you are meant to be doing something

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Where you can go to find out more about Mariatu and Gitas Portal:
https://www.gitasportal.com

@gitasportal

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode #5 of season 3 Where I am joined by furniture and product designer Jomo Tariku.

ABOUT JOMO:

You are listening to episode number 5 of season 3. And joining me on the show is Jomo Tariku. Jomo is an Ethiopian / American artist and furniture designer. His company Jomo Furnitures creates pieces inspired by classical African design icons reinterpreting the forms for modern living.

We talk about:

The inspiration behind his designs and celebrating the diversity in African creativity
What being a member of The Black Artists and Designers Guild, has had on raising awareness of his work
Having a full-time day job and how he makes time to work on Jomo Furniture
Finding suitable manufacturers to work with to realise his designs
His thoughts on African design looking back on when he started to where he is now
Underrepresentation of African design and black designers in general in the global design industry

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Kansas University

Addis Design Week

Dubai Design Week

Contemporary Design Africa

Malene Barnett

Black Artists and Designers Guild

Milan Design Week

Where you can go to find out more about Jomo Furniture:

www.jomofurniture.com

@jomofurniture

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #4 of season 3 where I am joined by textile designer Chrissa Amuah.

ABOUT CHRISSA:

Chrissa is a textile designer and the founder of AMWA Designs a brand of handmade textiles and print designs for the home. She is also the founder of Africa by Design a platform bringing together and creating opportunities for African designers.

We talk about:

Her thoughts on the future of Africa’s design, and how design can help the African continent to realign and re-navigate its future
The motivation behind launching Africa by Design, and the impact has it had on shining the light on African design
Celebrating and highlighting the diversity in African design
How she discovered her love for textile design
Being authentic in telling her story
The need to dream bigger for ourselves
The challenges she has faced in building her brand and learning to push boundaries with limited means
The importance of sustainable design not designing for trends but designing for meaning

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Africa by Design - https://www.africabydesign.org

Nubuke Foundation Gallery - https://www.nubukefoundation.org

Chelsea College of Art and Design - https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/chelsea-college-of-arts

Milan Design Week + Salone Satellite - https://www.salonemilano.it/en/

Marva Griffin - https://www.luminaire.com/illuminate/marva-griffin-mentor-to-young-designers/

Dominique L’Olive - https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/short-courses/stories/studying-with-dominique-lolive-in-the-studio-and-online-csm

Adinkra Symbols - https://www.atelier55design.com/adinkra-symbols-writing-traditions-connecting-the-verbal-and-visual/

Central St Martins - https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins

El Anatsui - https://www.atelier55design.com/art-ghana-el-anatsui-cascading-metal-wall-sculptures/

Bernhardt Design - https://bernhardtdesign.com

London Design Biennale - https://www.londondesignbiennale.com

Alice Asafu-Adjaye - https://www.mustardarch.com/about

Where you can go to find out more about AMWA Designs:

www.amwadesigns.com

@amwadesigns

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode #3 of season 3 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Lani Adeoye.

ABOUT LANI:

Lani is an award-winning sculptural lighting and product designer and design strategist, and the founder of Studio Lani.

We talk about:

How her interest in design developed organically and going from a corporate non-creative role to studying design and founding her business
Visiting design shows before she started to see what was out there and learn about design
Having the confidence to put yourself out there
Transitioning from working a full-time day job to freelancing to running her business full-time
Moving to Nigeria to bring her closer to the artisans she works with
Juggling the different roles that come with owning your own business
How long it takes to bring a collection from concept to finished design
Harnessing creative thinking to overcome challenges and find solutions that can bring her designs to life
Showcasing heritage through contemporary lenses
Staying true to what you believe, but being open to evolve
Nurturing creativity in young children

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Interior Design Show Toronto

International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)

Aṣa

NYCxDesign

Wanted Design

Architectural Digest

Elle Decor International Women of Design

Simon Sinek book Start With Why

Where you can go to find out more about Studio Lani:

www.studiolani.com

@studiolani

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #2 of season 3 where I am joined by clay healer Andile Dyalvane.

ABOUT ANDILE:

Andile Dyalvane is the co-founder of the Imiso a high-end brand of bespoke, conversational, and collectibles ceramics.

We talk about:

How his interest in clay began
How culture and heritage influences his design
His thoughts on the acceptance of art as a career
Using clay as a way of connecting with Mother Earth, with ancestry, and his heritage
The responsibility bestowed on him by his elders of being chosen to bring back dignity to his community through his art
The journey of setting up Imiso, and the challenges of having to develop business skills fast
How residences have helped him grow and develop as an artist and helps with getting back to what matters
Being a mentor to those following in his footsteps, and why having someone to look up to matters
Developing or finding a design identity
Dealing with self-doubt
Knowing your purpose and accepting that not everyone will understand or like what he does, and that’s ok
Following and embracing his creativity, which fuels his spiritual growth

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Cape Craft and Design Institute

Katherine Glenday

Clay Adventures

Ceramic Studio

Nelson Mandela University of Technology

The Old Biscuit Mill

Design Network Africa

Southern Guild

Where you can go to find out more about Imiso:
www.imiso.com

Instagram: @imiso

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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Welcome to episode 1 of the third season of Behind The Design. This season I bring you more great conversation and insight into the work of amazing creative talent from across Africa and in the diaspora.

As excited as I am to be welcoming you to the season it was recorded against the backdrop of the biggest seismic shifts our world has faced in recent times. I am feeling the weight of a period of fear, turmoil, uncertainty, frustration, and just plain overwhelming tiredness. My guests also reflect this uncertainty. But through the current challenges, there is hope, and there is optimism.

So I hope you will find this season inspiring, and I am looking forward to welcoming you to each episode.

Tapiwa

You can find the full show notes for all the episodes at:

atelier | 55 - www.atelier55design.com

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You are listening to Behind the Design episode #7 the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 2. It has been another inspiring season, and I thank all my guests for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. I’ve loved discovering their motivations and the challenges and rewards that come from doing what they do.

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This is episode #6 where I am joined by sustainable design entrepreneur Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro.

ABOUT ACHENYO:

You are listening to episode number 6 of season 2. And joining me on the show is Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro. Achenyo is the founder of MitiMeth. An award-winning social enterprise based in Nigeria. Working with local communities MitiMeth takes water hyacinth, an evasive destructive weed, and upcycles it into personal and interior accessories.

We talk about:

Going from a corporate computer science career to starting a business the creative industry
What drew her to consulting in the green space
Being born and raised in the US and making the decision to move to Nigeria her country of heritage to start her business
Why she chose to work with water hyacinth, and looking at how local solutions could be applied globally
The process for harvesting and turning this weed into a material that she can work with
The impact transforming water hyacinth s had on the local communities Mitimeth works with
How she identified the communities she wanted to work with
How she decides on what products to create
How she generates brand awareness
Being a Cartier Women’s Initiative finalist and the impact this has had on her business and her as a leader
How she keeps challenging herself to grow and develop your business and craft?

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

United Nations Environment Programme - https://www.unenvironment.org

The UN Global goals - https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

Cartier Women’s Initiative - https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/candidate/achenyo-idachaba

Vital Voices and Pond's Fellowship - https://www.vitalvoices.org/what-we-do/signature-programs/vvlead/

Where you can go to find out more about Achenyo and MitiMeth:

https://www.mitimeth.com

@mitimeth.ng - https://www.instagram.com/mitimeth.ng/

https://www.facebook.com/MitiMeth-Handcrafted-Home-Decor-and-Personal-Accessories-183239771748672/

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #5 where I am joined by lighting and product designer Dounia Tamri-Loeper.

ABOUT DOUNIA:

You are listening to episode number 5 of season 2. And joining me on the show is Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Dounia is the designer and founder of Dounia Home. A lighting company that is based in the US and Morocco. Dounia Home is on a mission to modernise Moroccan design reimagining the traditional techniques and craftsmanship into sophisticated collections that have sustainability at their heart.

We talk about:

Taking decision to leave her job to start her own business
Researching her idea and spending time in Morocco travelling the country and getting to know the different crafts from a a designer perspective
Using her designer’s eye to modernise the old styles
Leveraging trade shows to build her brand name, awareness and credibility
The importance of knowing her audience and getting in front of them
Managing a business between the US and Morocco, and why a process is key
Producing in Morocco and working with artisan groups
How government support has helped develop and grow her business
Designing for sustainability and not trends
Finding and attracting collaborations
Looking to the future of design
Being bold and not being afraid to reach out for opportunities
What being in business has taught her about herself

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Maison de l’artisan - http://www.maisonartisan.ma

Elle Decor - https://www.elledecor.com

House Beautiful - https://www.housebeautiful.com

Handmade Contemporary Fair (HmC) - http://www.artlogic.co.za/fairs

Aphrochic - https://www.aphrochic.com

Where you can go to find out more about Dounia and Dounia Home:

https://www.douniahome.com

@douniahome - https://www.instagram.com/douniahome/

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #4 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Thabisa Mjo.

ABOUT THABISA:

Thabisa is the designer, behind Mash.T an award-winning Johannesburg based design studio that is contributing to the continuing evolution of a home-grown contemporary South African design aesthetic.

We talk about:

The reasons for working for herself
The challenges is access to market
Appreciating the value of social capital
The importance of having systems in place to stop you working harder than is actually necessary
Not letting failure stop her
Being aware of the privilege of being able to have her own business and the responsibilities that come with this
Breaking through the barrier of gatekeeping - The challenges of overcoming a system that is designed to keep people out
How she did not come to design the traditional way
Taking the initiative to go out there and ask for work, for the opportunities
The importance of doing your research
Having confidence, determination and self-belief
Respecting the deep roots of generational knowhow and the people you work with
Changing the way people think about African design

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - https://www.thoughtco.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4582571

Sketchup - https://www.sketchup.com

Oprah Magazine South Africa - now closed

Estee Lauder South Africa - https://www.esteelauder.co.za

Veuve Clicquot South Africa - https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-gb

Tracy Lynch - https://www.leelynch.co.za

Nando’s Hot Young Designer - http://hotyoungdesigner.co.za

Louise Mcann - http://thecontentstudio.co.za/

Chandelle Lighting - http://www.chandelle-lighting.co.za

Where you can go to find out more about Thabisa and Mash T:

@mashtdesignstudio - https://www.instagram.com/mashtdesignstudio/?hl=en

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #3 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Audrey Forson.

ABOUT AUDREY:

Audrey is a furniture designer, and the managing director of Tekura, her family’s business in Ghana. Tekura was started by her parents and Audrey is continuing the legacy by taking the business to the next level.

We talk about:

Stepping in to take over the family business
How interning at the business while still at school helped her to learn the different aspects of the business
Leaning on the job as a self-taught creative and designer
The stories Tekura is telling and how the business has a deep link to her heritage
The importance of market awareness
The production cycle and tailoring products for the different audiences
Nurturing the next generation of designers by giving back and sharing her advice and experiences
The importance of understanding the business side of design
Why legacy matters, creating businesses that can be passed onto the next generations to each take forward

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Cheick Diallo

Hamed Ouattara - https://www.coroflot.com/hamedouattara

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology - Rural Arts - https://www.facebook.com/KNUSTksi/

NOTE: The audio has been edited but you will experience some background noise

Where you can go to find out more about Audrey and Tekura:

https://www.designtekura.com

@tekura_designs - https://www.instagram.com/tekura_designs/

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on:

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This is episode #2 of season 2 where I am joined by fashion designer Lola Ukinamemen.

ABOUT LOLA: Lola is the founder of the fashion and lifestyle brand, Agnes & Lola, a UK-based platform which pioneered the retail of African fashion to international audiences.

We talk about:

Spotting a gap in the market to retail African fashion
How Agnes & Lola became a journey of discovery of self
The naivety of starting out with passion but not doing the due diligence required to start a business
Being unprepared for the visibility that comes with PR recognition
Acknowledging when things were not working and knowing it was time to step away
Experiencing the shame of stopping and feeling like she was letting everyone down
Recognising what went wrong the first time round
Appreciating the importance of family, in particular what she could have learned from her grandmother
Choosing to revive Agnes & Lola
Regaining her passion and sense of identity in the new version of Agnes & Lola

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Chichia - https://www.notjustalabel.com/chichia-london

CNN - https://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/11/19/african.fashion.agnes.lola/index.html

Shopify - https://www.shopify.co.uk

Squarespace - https://www.squarespace.com

Myleek Teele - https://mytaughtyou.com/podcast-page/

Finding Paula -

Where you can go to find out more about Agnes & Lola:
https://www.agnesandlola.com

@agnesamdlola - https://www.instagram.com/agnesandlola/

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

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Welcome to episode 1 of the second season of Behind The Design. This season I bring you more great conversation and insight into the work of amazing creative talent from across Africa and in the diaspora. And I must say thank you for the comments I have received so for about episodes in the first season. I am so glad to hear how much some of the conversations have resonated and inspired you. And I have passed the comments onto my guests. I hope you will find this season just as inspiring, and I am looking forward to welcoming you to each episode.

Tapiwa

You can find the full show notes for all the episodes at:

atelier | 55 - www.atelier55design.com

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You are listening to episode #9 of Behind The Design, and this episode brings us to the end of the season. I want to thank all my guests for taking time out of their busy schedules. I had a wonderful time chatting with each of them and getting a glimpse into their different businesses. I don’t know about you but I learned so much and more importantly I came away from each interview feeling invigorated, experiencing a boost of motivation for wanting to do and be better.

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This is episode 8 where I am joined by product designer Olubunmi Adeyemi.

ABOUT OLUBUNMI:

Lagos based, Nigerian born designer, Olubunmi Adeyemi is an internationally recognized designer, interior architect and lifestyle entrepreneur, He is the founder of AFROMINIMA™ a design and lifestyle movement inspired by minimalism, and The DÅ brand. He has studied design in both London and South Africa. An alumni of the prestigious Lagos Business School, he is currently pursuing a masters at Central St Martins, in London, UK.

We talk about:

His focus on minimal design, what drew him to it and the difficulty in achieving a minimalist aesthetic
Creating his own design aesthetic and how that is helping to develop his business and make him a better designer
How culture impacts design, and the importance of seeing things from different cultural perspectives
His thoughts on inspiration and appropriation
Getting your products stocked in high profile outlets and how to attract opportunities
The importance of connections to grow and develop your business
How his jewellery design collaboration with Adele Dejak came about and what it has been like designing fashion accessories

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

British Council Nigeria - https://www.britishcouncil.org.ng

Central St Martins - Applied Imaginations in the Creative Industries - https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/business-and-management-and-science/postgraduate/ma-applied-imagination-in-the-creative-industries-csm

Adele Dejak - https://www.adeledejak.com

Sanlam HmC - http://www.artlogic.co.za/fairs

Where you can go to find out more about Bunmi

https://afrominima.wixsite.com/

Instagram: @afrominima - https://www.instagram.com/afrominima/?hl=en

Instagram: @the.da.brand - https://www.instagram.com/the.da.brand/?hl=en

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 7 where I am joined by digital marketing expert and t-shirt brand founder Kwabena Oppong Boateng.

ABOUT KWABENA:

Kwabena Oppong Boateng is a dynamic communications professional with extensive social media, telecommunications and advertising experience across public, private and corporate sectors in Ghana, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He is the founder of Kayobi clothing, and Nkanee, a 21st century strategy consultancy based Accra, Ghana that specialises in innovative physical and digital experiences powered by ideas and creativity.

We talk about:

His LinkedIn article, Blackout, which discusses social media outages in Ghana, and the effect this has on businesses and sales
The dangers of using social media platforms as the sole place to run a business
The difficulty for African brands and access to reliable commerce solutions and the solutions
Why having a website even if it is a simple webpage matters, and the advantages of having your own platform
The importance of using offline in your marketing strategy
The value of collecting customer data and cultivating real relationships with your customers
How to create a business marketing strategy that works for your business
Analytics and how to use them in your business
Attracting attention to your your business

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Blackout LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kboateng?originalSubdomain=gh

Jumia - https://group.jumia.com

Shopify - https://www.shopify.co.uk

Bigcartel - https://www.bigcartel.com

Bigcommerce - https://www.bigcommerce.co.uk

Orijin Culture - https://orijinstore.com

Christie Brown - https://www.christiebrownonline.com

Duro Olowu - https://www.duroolowu.com

Quicksell App - quicksell.co

Where you can go to find out more about Kwabena

http://www.koboateng.com

http://www.nkanee.com

https://www.kayobiclothing.com/collection.html

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 6 where I am joined by fashion accessories designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi.

ABOUT AKOSUA:

You are listening to episode #6. And joining me on the show is Akosua Afriyie-Kumi the founder of A A K S, a fashion accessories brand that tells an exciting story of Ghana, and offers a different perspective of Africa as a whole. A A K S’s raffia bags are handmade by a women’s cooperative in Northern Ghana, and uses ethical processes inspired by old-age craft traditions. Through her brand Akosua wants the world to see how luxury and quality can grow from traditional designs and is using AAKS bags to change perceptions of Africa through fashion. She has been shortlisted as an emerging designer from Africa by Vogue Italia and has been featured in leading press titles and the A A K S collections are stocked in 20 countries and 70 stores worldwide.

We talk about:

Moving from the UK back to Ghana to explore her idea and start her business
Her desire to build on traditional crafts and give them a place in the modern world
Finding weavers to work with and overcoming communication barriers to develop her design ideas
The process from concept to getting her first saleable bag, and how she plans and develops a collection
Building an authentic brand in a content noisy world
How she retains her ethical values whilst meeting commercial demands
The challenges of business in balancing passion and purpose with making a living
Her big break and her experiences of working with stockists
Creating a brand and developing her brand aesthetic
The relevance of having a website to attract stockists

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Kingston University UK - https://www.kingston.ac.uk

British Library Business & IP Centre - https://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre

Anthropologie - https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/

British Council - https://www.britishcouncil.org

Design Network Africa - https://designnetworkafrica.wordpress.com

Lagos Fashion Week - http://lagosfashionweek.ng

Pitti Trade show Milan - http://www.pittimmagine.com/en/corporate/fairs.html

She Trades - https://www.shetrades.com/en

UNHCR Weaving for Change - https://www.aaksonline.com/blog/2018/2/11/weaving-for-change

Where you can go to find out more about Akosua

www.aaksonline.com

Instagram: @a.a.k.s

Facebook: @aakshandcrafted

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 5 where I am joined by textile designer Eva Sonaike.

ABOUT EVA:

Eva Sonaike is the founder of Eva Sonaike, a London-based interiors and lifestyle brand creating luxurious textiles and home décor products. Eva, who was born and raised in Germany and is of Nigerian heritage, has taken the best elements of these two cultures to inspire her work. The result being designs that bring the vibrancy of African colours and aesthetics to the luxury home décor and accessories market.

We talk about:

What led her to starting a textile design business, and the journey of turning a hobby into a full-time business
How her first collection attracted the attention of Selfridges and Liberty London, two prestigious London department stores. How being in the right place at the right time has led to some of her biggest opportunities.
Celebrating ten years of Eva Sonaike and what has this journey taught her about herself and as a business leader
Developing the characteristics of a textile designer and the importance of business acumen
Using trade shows to help get her brand exposure, and what participation has taught her about branding and building a world-class brand
Why you shouldn’t say yes to every opportunity
The perception of luxury African Design in a western market
Getting her products into African countries, the ease of doing business
Overcoming discouragement and seasons of doubt
Balancing family and business

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Selfridges - https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/

Liberty London - https://www.libertylondon.com

Fenwick - https://www.fenwick.co.uk

The Observer Magazine - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/may/06/african-express-how-bright-textiles-brought-one-london-home-to-life

Alara - @alaralagos https://www.instagram.com/alaralagos/?hl=en

Temple Muse - http://www.temple-muse.com

Concept Store in Rwanda get name

Eki Orleans - https://ekisilk.com

Lisa Folawiyo - http://www.lisafolawiyo.com

Aburi Gardens Ghana - https://touringghana.com/aburi-botanical-gardens/

Google Analytics - https://analytics.google.com//

Where you can go to find out more about Eva

https://www.evasonaike.com

Instagram: @evasonaike - https://www.instagram.com/evasonaike/

Facebook: @evasonaike - https://www.facebook.com/evasonaike/

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 4 where I am joined by user interaction designer and tech conference organiser Farai Madzima.

ABOUT FARAI: Farai Madzima is a UX Lead at Shopify in Ottawa, Canada. Born in Zimbabwe, Farai has spent the last 14 years helping to design and build products and teams in the UK, South Africa and Canada. He is the organiser of Pixel Up!, a series of UX and design conferences and meetups in South Africa created to connect designers and developers in Africa with their peers around the world.

We talk about:

What is UX design and why it matters to business
Why product and service creators need to see the product and user experience from the customer’s perspective
The increasing effect that technologies such as voice activated platforms will have on businesses and the user experience and how to prepare for the change
His talk ‘Can Being African Make You A Bad Designer?’ and how it explores the understanding of culture and how that shows up in us at work
The lessons learnt from being fired from one of his first jobs and how the experience helped him to grow into leadership
Managing teams where age differences and cultural expectations could be an issue
His thoughts on the future of Africa’s tech industries

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Andela - https://andela.com

Udemy online courses - https://www.udemy.com

Figma - https://www.figma.com/africa/

forloop - https://forloop.africa

Udacity courses - https://www.udacity.com

Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) - https://www.interaction-design.org

Can Being African Make You A Bad Designer? - https://interaction18.ixda.org/program/talk-can-being-african-make-you-a-bad-designer----cultural-bias-in-design-madzima-farai/

Where you can go to find out more about Farai

https://faraimadzima.com

https://pixelup.co.za

https://www.linkedin.com/in/farai/

Twitter: @farai_uxguy

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 3 where I am joined by textile and product designer Edith Tialeu.

ABOUT EDITH:

Edith Tialeu is on a mission to share the rich craft heritage of her home country, Cameroon and the wider continent with the world through her brand Frida 54, which produces collections of woven textiles and lifestyle accessories such ceramics handcrafted in collaboration with the local artisans she seeks out, many of whom are women. Through her brand, Edith seeks to define a new African aesthetic, one which exists between tradition and contemporary style and upholds creativity, human input, and know-how.

We talk about:

Moving from Paris to her home country of Cameroon to start her design brand, and how she prepared for the transition
Overcoming resistance from family who wanted her to do something else
How she went about identifying and finding the different kinds of artisanal talent in Cameroon
The significance and meaning behind the name Frida, and the connection to her African heritage
How she works with artisans, the relationships she has created and why it was important to learn hand on how they work to help her better understand the types of products that could be created
Why preserving local artisanal skills is important, and the importance of taking on young interns to help pass on the skills
The costs and challenges of logistics, getting stock and products into the hands of her customers
Taking part in trade shows and learning from the experiences to make her business better
What being in business has taught her about herself

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Le Grand Palais - https://www.grandpalais.fr/en/programmation

Where you can go to find out more about Edith and Frida 54

www.frida-54.com

Instagram: @frida_54

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 2 where I am joined by interior and furniture designer Siyanda Mbele.

ABOUT SIYANDA: Siyanda Mbele is the founder of Pinda Design, the design studio he set up in his hometown of Durban, South Africa. He designs and manufactures hand-painted furniture inspired by South Africa’s diverse cultures.

We talk about:

The financial implications of starting design business - finding funding and getting support from family to support his dream
The costs of manufacturing, and finding the right manufacturers to work with
Who turns to for advice and business support
The early mistakes he made and how he fixed them
Learning to connect and negotiate with global buyers
The challenges of getting his product to market, logistics shipping internationally from the continent and how he works around the challenges
The role of culture in design, the impact it has on society, and why it's important for him to express his culture in his designs
Cultural shifts in South Africa, and the emergence and impact of young black furniture and product designers making a name for themselves and contributing to the South African design aesthetic, and what has changed to make this possible

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Durban University Of Technology - https://www.dut.ac.za/course/bachelor_of_technology_interior_design/

Design Indaba - https://www.designindaba.com

SABS Design Institute - http://design.sabs.co.za

Where you can go to find out more about Siyanda

Instagram: @pindadesign | @siyandambele

https://www.behance.net/Pindabysiyandambele

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

This podcast is brought to you by atelier 55

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This is episode 1 and a warm welcome to the Behind The Design podcast, hosted by me, Tapiwa Matsinde. Starting a podcast that shares the stories of designers and creatives from across Africa and in the diaspora has been a dream of my mine for a while, and having finally taken the steps to do so I am delighted to introduce you to the first season.

In this episode I share:

A bit about myself, as the voice behind the Podcast;
The work I do in supporting the African design industry through my platform atelier | 55;
The purpose behind the Podcast, and
My hopes on how the Podcast will benefit you.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

atelier | 55 - www.atelier55design.com

Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast

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