Q & A With Swanilenga; Sister of 'On The Couch with Swanilenga' Featuring International Inspirational Figureheads on a weekly basis in Property, Fashion, Charity, Media etc!!
MD of Swanilenga Group introduces Natasha Sinyangwe; Zambia's beauty, young, savvy and founder of Jewels' Couture, a fashion label showcasing all designs FAB!
NATASHA SINYANGWE
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SWANILENGA;
Natasha, where do I begin.., so you are a fellow Zambian with talent aplenty! Our connection started off as that of a mentor (mwah) and mentee (you). How are you getting on with your goals?
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NATASHA;
Hello Rosemary, Thank you so much for this opportunity as well as the wonderful advice you've given me.
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Fashion and business in general is not without its usual challenges, with a growing clientele, potential stockists and anticipated fashion shows I would say Jewels couture is growing steadily and positive responses from clients and those around me let me know that my goals are slowly coming to fruition. I am yet to achieve a lot; there is still a lot of ground to cover.
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SWANILENGA;
Thank you again for sending me a Jewels' Couture foxy dress, all the way from Zambia, which I am yet to wear. Love it! I am hugely impressed with your determination and focus in building, not only a fashion label but a business you truly believe in covering entertainment, modelling etc.. Please share with the readers; what is outline of Jewels Couture, where is it headed?
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NATASHA;
Jewels Couture engages in the design and production of women's clothing, we cater for women between the ages 18 - 35 years; our line includes a range of tops, dresses, trousers and skirts in career, casual, evening and bridal categories.
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Jewels couture is a subsidiary of Jewels management; which works with projects in Fashion, Charity and Events management.
Short-term, we have a number of events, fashion shows and charity projects lined up.
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SWANILENGA;
What / who inspired you in your desire to branch out and launch Jewels Couture?
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NATASHA;
As far as I can remember, I've always loved fashion so it's very tempting to say that my inspiration was always from within, but the truth is we are all influenced from somewhere; my mum was always the most stylish woman in the room, I always admired that and when it comes to fashion she was no doubt my style icon. Inspiration to turn that passion into a business came in the form of a conversation with a friend and after formally embracing the dream, seeing that there was a niche in the local market for what Jewels couture is trying to achieve, just made sense to make it more than just a hobby or dream.
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SWANILENGA;
Now, your current location is lovely Mother Zambia. I believe we have a flare of creative talent amongst our stars. In addition to frequent trips to South Africa, how do you source wider opportunities? Where do you see opportunities close to home to grow as a brand?
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NATASHA;
For now I am working on establishing and getting our brand known in the Zambian industry, I go to a lot of events and stay in touch with people I've worked with before those usually refer me to other people.
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SWANILENGA;
In my view, from wherever you start, you should always have a plan of your next steps / goals to work towards in moving yourself & your brand, upwards & onwards. What plans have you got for Jewels' couture and all other projects the brand is associated with?
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NATASHA;
I am currently working on a new line, and website which should be out this year. I am also looking to open a Jewels couture store and to branch out to a wider market and have our clothes available in stores country-wide.
Ultimately I aspire to build a lifestyle brand, offering women's, men's as well as children's clothing which will be available locally and internationally.
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SWANILENGA;
You are also an active charity campaigner. Tell us more about what you have been up to and what other plans are in place?
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NATASHA;
Jewels Couture has partnered with the Cancer diseases hospital through the Fashion in support of cancer; fashion show and auction and cancer awareness project in aid of the first ever National cancer conference in Zambia.
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Cancer is becoming a growing public health issue in the country. Thousands of lives are lost to cancer due to inadequate information and awareness about the disease and available services. The conference targets health workers, cancer patients, survivors from around the country and the general public. By attending this conference, participants will gain updated knowledge that will help in the fight against cancer.
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The Fashion in support of cancer; fashion show and auction is scheduled to take place on 5th February 2011 in Lusaka, Zambia. In addition we will have a calendar out, featuring cancer patients and survivors, which will be sold as part of a fundraising activity for the National Cancer conference. This provides an opportunity for others to support this cause.
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SWANILENGA;
That sounds great hon and I trust everyone will join together and make it a huge success. Any final words for your fans internationally?
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NATASHA;
Jewels couture will be coming to a store near you.
Look out for our website which will be launched this year and help us in the fight against cancer by supporting the Fashion in support of cancer campaign.
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SWANILENGA;
Thank you for your time hon. Stay blessed and forever believing in your brand, which I too, like many of your family and friends believe in greatly!
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NATASHA;
Thank you for having me and thank you so much for supporting Jewels couture...Stay blessed.