Who is Sharon Wendo? She is the founder CEO and Creative director at Epic African Jewellery, her work is amazing get to know more about her and where you can find her designers
Some of Epic African Jewellery Collection
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?
Sharon Wendo : I realised I wanted to go into jewellery designing about a year and a half ago
How is working in fashion different today than from when you started out?
Sharon Wendo : When I started it was really hard getting people to buy my pieces especially the big bold ones but now guys love it and they want it custom made so right now we are in a very good space
What do you think is the most beautiful jewellery you’ve ever designed?
Sharon Wendo : The most beautiful piece I made was a white with multi-colored tassels beaded body piece I made last year. I love it because I didn’t know the direction I was going with it when I started and it came out beautiful as I wanted to make something bold and a client of mine got to wear to the groove awards this year
Which supermodel do you have the closest relationship with, your favorite one?
Sharon Wendo : Am closest to Sharon Otieno, she is so talented and very professional
Which competitor do you have the most respect for?
Sharon Wendo : I have the outmost respect for Pat Mbela
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Sharon Wendo : Social media plays such a big role especially because I sell online making social media my go to place to get my clients and it has really helped in connecting with clients all over the world
What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?
Sharon Wendo : My biggest fear was failure, going into self-employment and the was no safety net, it was terrifying
What challenges did you face as fashion designer from Africa?
Sharon Wendo : The biggest challenge so far has been getting the brand known, you may have the pieces but getting your name out there is not easy and when it comes to fashion products, people tend to buy brands so getting your brand known is very vital.
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What is your favorite part about being a Kenyan fashion designer?
Sharon Wendo : I love making authentic Kenyan designs and people from all over the world appreciating the pieces and buying them, it makes me really proud to be Kenyan and people appreciating our culture
Who do you consider the important face of the fashion industry in Africa?
Sharon Wendo : Diana Opoti, she has amazing style and I love that she wears African designs a lot and has given a space for African designers in her store
What do you think about Kenya fashion Industry, Do Kenyans designer’s support each other?
Sharon Wendo : The fashion industry is really growing and its amazing, we are at a point where we are embracing our culture and wearing African jewellery on red carpet events and yes there is support from other designers but the is always room to do more in supporting each other and helping others designers to come up
What’s your take about Africa fashion industry and who would you like to work with here in Kenya?
Sharon Wendo : The fashion industry is growing in Africa, we are embracing our culture, we are taking risks when it comes to designing and this is even why Africans are wearing things made in Africa. I would love to work with Pat Mbela, she is an outstanding designer and her designs are very bold and edgy
Where do you see yourself in 5 Year?
Sharon Wendo : I see myself owning a physical store and Epic being a well-known brand all over the world
Where can we find your designs?
Sharon Wendo : I sell online on facebook and instagram, here are the links to the pages
Instagram @epicajewellery Facebook Epic African Jewellery
How would you describe your personal style?
Sharon Wendo : I would describe my style as simple and edgy, I love jeans and I love coupling it with let’s say a crop top or tank top with heels or boots
If you were given opportunity to work with local or international fashion designer who will you love to work with?
Sharon Wendo : I would love to work with Aphiasakyi, a Ghanaian designer. She is very talented and doesn’t play it safe when it comes to their collections. They are very bold and she plays with colors very well
The designs you created are no doubt good enough, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs
Sharon Wendo : Am inspired by our African culture and also when a client wears one of my pieces and just loves it am always inspired to make more pieces
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?
Sharon Wendo : The best advice I can give young designers is not be afraid to start and be bold, get someone who will give you an honest review on your designs so that you can know how to improve your designs
your closing remarks and advice to young upcoming fashion designers
Sharon Wendo : Finally what I have learned is the best thing you can ever do is find something you love and do it because even at your low moments you will still enjoy doing it and to upcoming designers don’t be afraid to try out new things and also approach stylists to use your designs so that you can get your brand out there. Finally you will face rejection but don’t give up continue designing and working, and you will get there.
Content Courtesy Of Epic African Jewellery & Nairobi Fashion Hub