Exclusive interview with founder and CEO of Adira Creations Khui Karanja She is a stylist, image consultant, blogger and fashion designer check out her brand Adira Creations home of fashion hacks, for best style tips and some awesome randomness.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?Khui Karanja: I think the urge to pursue design started in highschool. I used to sketch designs on my revision books when I was bored and loved dressing up my classmates during beauty pageans in school, I wasn’t aware there were fashion course in Kenya, especially a degree program I really tried to get a scholarship to go to London school of fashion until I was called to University of Machakos where I am currently in my final year of my fashion degree.

How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?

Khui Karanja: I can’t say there’s much difference since I started out late last year. That’sa question I’ll probably answer in a few years haha lol.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

Khui Karanja: I think social media plays a huge role in making trends and  marketing.

Back when social media wasn’t as big as it is now, we depended on the likes of Sylvia Njoki and Wambui Kibue to keep us the know of what the years trends were.

But now I can easily just google or check on instagram.

In terms of marketing, well now as a designer or stylist you’re not pressured to have a physical shop because you can just open up an online store on Facebook or on your website that also acts as your portfolio that markets your work.

What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?

Khui Karanja: My biggest fear was the uncertainty of whether people would understand my style and ideas.

What challenges do you face as Kenyan Designer?

Khui Karanja: My biggest challenge was getting clients and having them trust my work was good because I didn’t have a big portfolio since I was just starting out.

I also didn’t know or rather understand the business of fashion so I ended up doing a lot of work for waay less, hence making zero profit after putting in a lot of work.

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What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer?

Khui Karanja: My favourite part of being a designer is that I get to speak my truths and my style through my designs and styling, Since I’m not just a designer but a stylist and a blogger too.What do you think about Kenya fashion Indusr

ty Do kenya desingers support each other?

Khui Karanja: The Kenya fashion industry need a lot more unity, designers are more of publicity friends but not true friends, I feel like each designer should be confident with who they are and what they are about and be able to embrace each other. I have been able to work in collaboration with a few designers who are just amazing and I feel there’s room for unity to grow.

Where do you see yourself in 2 Year?

Khui Karanja: In 2 years I want to have released a couple of collections, have my brand Adira Creations as a trend setter not just in Kenya but internationally.

Where can we find your designs?Khui Karanja: My business is entirely online therefore, my designs can be found on my Facebook page Adira Creations.

How would you describe your personal style?Khui Karanja: My personal style is elegant, playful and edgy. I experiment and DIY a lot of my outfits so uniqueness is a major part of my style.

Some of Adira Collections you can find more of her work on Instagram & Facebook 

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If you were given opportunity to work with local or international fashion desinger who will you love to with?Khui Karanja: Since I’m both a stylist and a designer, I have 2 of each, Locally I’d love to work with renown stylist Brian Babu and designer Naomi Ng’ang’a

Internationally I’d love to work with Ugo Mozie (stylist), Kollin Carter also a stylist and Naeem Khan (designer)

The designs you created are no doubt good enough, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs

Khui Karanja: So most of the work I’ve done is a combination of styling and designing. My inspiration has been sass and attitude. Just bringing out the fire in a woman.

There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

Khui Karanja: Advice I’d give is just be you, do you and trust your art and your craft. Do not compare or feel inferior when you look at other people’s work. Get inspired ,work on your art and be the best at your craft.

Your closing remarks.

Khui Karanja: Whatever follows “I am” will come seeking you, so speak blessings and positive vybes over your life and career.

Content Courtesy Of Adria Creations & Nairobi Fashion Hub