Combining sustainable African textiles with reclaimed fabrics and recycled materials, today’s Friday Feature handmakes gorgeous accessories and homeware that celebrate African heritage whilst being kind to the planet… it’s the lovely Chantel from Mashona Designs.
Let’s get to know more about the creative woman behind the small business…
It means being able to challenge my perceptions of what I can achieve. In my younger years I have often questioned my abilities (even though coming across as confident), so being able to create with my hands and to wear what I create is a wonderful feeling. I feel very proud!
Yes, it certainly has! Back in late October 2020 I was diagnosed with cancer, which came as a total shock, as I felt so healthy as I approached the big 40. Having this creative outlet gave me something to really focus on and I was in much need of positivity. In a way it helped me to forget what I was going through, even if just for a moment.
I’d been making accessories for myself during lockdown and friends said, ‘why don’t you start selling them?’. I wasn’t sure but when I got my diagnosis I threw caution to the wind. I was diagnosed in October, and I launched the business on 2nd December. I was going through radiotherapy, but I could be found sewing scarves as I waited for treatment. Some might have said I was mad, but I really feel this supported me mentally, as all I wanted to do was sew with my vibrant African textiles.
As a teenager growing up in the UK, I must admit I was not a fan of African textiles. I remember visiting my Auntie in Zimbabwe, who made me an outfit with Wax prints, and it just wasn’t my vibe at all. But fast forward 25 years, and they feature heavily in my styling!
When people think of African textiles their first thought is usually the bright wax prints found in West Africa but as you delve into African fabrics, they are so much more diverse. I love the history and ancient techniques and have a love for handprinted indigo fabrics. Blue is one of my favourite colours and I adore the richness and free form nature of creating with your hands. Each piece is unique and made with true passion for the art of hand printing, whether that’s with wooden block, brushes, string etc. For me you can’t not wear a something made from African textiles and feel anything but happy!
For me it’s not knowing what I am doing sometimes and feeling like everyone else is doing so much better than me. I think because I taught myself to sew, I can feel that I don’t have professional credentials. But I must tell myself, people are buying what I make, so I must do something right!
This is a hard one as currently I have a part-time admin job, so the business is really my side hustle. I like the security of having paid employment which takes the pressure off, and sometimes I question if I took the business full-time would I enjoy it as much? Having said that, I would like to grow the wholesale side and with my plant pots. This is what I certainly plan for the next year and see where that takes me.
It can be very difficult as sewing takes times, especially as I handmake every item, and technically only work 2 days a week. But the business does spread into my evenings at times. I’m trying get better at scheduling out blocks of time to work on specific tasks, but this is a work in progress! I am lucky to have good support from my hubby and parents who sort out the kids when I have markets. But I do get that mum guilt, when I need to get things done, and the kids will be watching TV or on their computer. But deep down I know it’s not all the time, as sometimes needs must. You must give yourself a break.
Before I started sewing, I used to dabble in a bit of painting, which I did get back into at the start of lockdown but then sewing took over my life! I love making myself clothes, I can struggle to understand clothing patterns, but I love the challenge and especially to see the result.
Not creative but my other big love is swimming, I can be found all year round either in the pool or in the sea. I am lucky to have the sea 10 mins drive from my doorstep. I’m currently training for an 8K sea swim this August!
I’d really love to make jewellery with my fabric, in particular earrings but I just can’t seem to get along with those tiny jump rings! I have so many ideas, and I’m one of those people that tries it once, fails and then says I’m rubbish at it! The biggest thing I need to learn, is to work on less things and give myself time to learn the skills.
I would really like to develop my own indigo fabric designs to use in my work. I am attending a natural-dye batik workshop this summer and I’m excited to learn a new skill. This will be one that I need to take my time on, practice and develop a style over time, but I’m excited for what I could potentially create.
What an incredible and inspiring woman. Thank you so much for sharing some of your story with us, Chantel. To have been given a diagnosis of cancer and then, effectively, looked it in the eye and said ‘nope – you’re not stopping me!’, is just amazing.
Everyone experiences health challenges differently, but it’s so wonderful to hear when a difficult life-event actually becomes the spark for someone starting their own creative business.
If you would like to see Chantel’s current creations, head to her Etsy store: etsy.com – mashonadesigns or for some behind-the-scenes content, take a look at her Instagram: @mashona_designs
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