Kulukaya Sadiki, a sustainable fashion designer making an impact in Malawi — Lionesses of Africa

What inspired you to start your company?

I know it is ironic but the moment my daughter was born, something was ignited inside of me and I knew I was created for more. I decided right then and there that I would make a difference in everything I do and I decided to pursue only business for purpose. As stated by the Wikipedia, the fashion industry is one of the major water, air and soil polluting industries of the world and the environmental damages increase as the industry grows. Small businesses are the least supported globally and the women entrepreneurs that sell recycled fabric are not recognized and are easily exploited. Fast fashion promotes discarding usable left over, recycled and rejected fabric and almost new clothes which pollutes the earth and it encourages rapid clothes making. This consumes natural resources at production and contributes to taking from nature. The problems associated with the fashion industry and my passion for women empowerment inspired me to open my sustainable studio and to dedicate my life doing humanitarian work.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

We are a fashion brand that is not only focused on financial performance but also making a positive impact in society by using an important aspect of human existence which is clothes. This is done by reducing wastage in our production, working with marginalized groups and using the three pillars of sustainability in all our supply chain. Our Values are transparency, authenticity, women empowerment, environmental protection, Inclusive employment and attention to detail. 

Tell us a little about your team

I have 3 tailors. One is the head tailor mainly focused on smart office wear and this one is good with particular fabrics that require using the iron a lot (chuckles); the other one is mainly focused on bridal items and brags that he destroys items in the most beautiful ways (he is very creative and makes things you wouldn’t believe!). The third tailor is mainly focused on gentlemen suits only. I work with amazing tailors and I would not be in business if not for them, I am grateful.

I have worked with the first two tailors for over six years and the suit tailor for four years. It was not easy to explain my business model to my workforce and get them to understand but eventually they realized that I was asking them to start a unique journey of tailoring and designing and now they are all on board. Working with the same team for so long assures me that my leadership skills are getting better by the day.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My late father was an entrepreneur who had a studio with over 20 employees and he instilled a spirit of determination and resilience in each one of us. He encouraged us and told us to go out and become whoever we wanted to be. In 2011 I joined my sister in her IT venture which was the best decision of my life. To be honest, subconsciously I knew that she was the best person to mentor and prepare me for the business world and more. She taught me how as women we must work twice as hard to claim our place in the business world. Through her entrepreneurial venture I learnt how to work for every penny I get, she taught me lessons I could not learn any other way or from anyone else. I started my business while I was working with her. Growing up in the environment I did, my entrepreneurial journey was inevitable.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

I would like to open workshops in Malawi and around the world where we can design and tailor customized outfits and make ready-made outfits for retail supply, buy and sell sustainable fabric in bulk, conduct sustainable business development trainings for women and the youth.

To find and penetrate international markets thereby reducing fast fashion. 

Involve the women market as suppliers for the workshops and help them to get recognition for their part in the sustainable chain.