LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Omina Otsieno, an innovative fashion brand in Kenya, renowned for its distinctive jewellery crafted from banana fibre.
Sylvia Omina Otsieno is the founder and creative director of Omina Otsieno, an innovative fashion brand in Kenya, renowned for its distinctive jewellery crafted from banana fibre. Born and raised between Nairobi and Busia, Sylvia's formative years in Busia ignited her passion for crafting, where she found abundant materials at her disposal. Inspired by her familial heritage of creativity, including her mother's adeptness at crocheting and her grandparents' tradition of weaving handcrafted baskets for livelihood, Sylvia began her journey of artistic expression. Driven by a steadfast commitment to social impact and artistic innovation, Sylvia continues to redefine the boundaries of fashion entrepreneurship, inspiring change not only in the lives of individuals but also within their communities. The business has created jobs for 17 local people.
Sylvia’s childhood pastime of crafting dolls from clay, intricately plaiting their hair, and making their dresses from yarn laid the groundwork for her future endeavours. In 2018, Sylvia established Omina Otsieno, initially focusing on clothing and yarn jewellery before pivoting to banana fibre jewellery in 2021. Sylvia's academic pursuits reflect her commitment to community development and social progress. She pursued studies in Community Development and Social Work before transitioning to the field of fashion. Her dedication to empowering marginalized youth became evident during her tenure as an intern at the World Youth Alliance, where she spearheaded a transformative jewellery training initiative. This pioneering project aimed to address developmental challenges and alleviate poverty in underserved informal settlements by equipping youth with entrepreneurial skills. Witnessing the profound impact of this endeavour solidified Sylvia's resolve to pursue further education in fashion, specializing in garment construction and pattern making.
Lioness Weekender spoke to Sylvia Omina Otsieno about her fashion entrepreneurship journey, her ambitions for the business, and her drive to create a legacy for others in the future.
What does your company do?
Our company, Omina Otsieno, specializes in crafting jewelry made from banana fiber. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and empowering marginalized communities. Our mission is to provide equitable opportunities for women in rural areas by imparting creative skills that drive socioeconomic progress within their communities, all while utilizing sustainable materials and local resources. Through our jewelry production process, which involves harvesting banana stems, extracting fibers, and weaving jewelry, we not only sustain the environment but also empower women in rural Busia, where we train them in jewelry weaving for economic empowerment. Additionally, we collaborate with local farmers for banana stem procurement and artisans in Kibera to co-create brass accessories integral to our jewelry designs. Our designs are inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of the Marachi people in Busia, honoring their cultural heritage and contributing to the preservation of their traditional skills.
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired to start Omina Otsieno by a combination of factors, including my upbringing, passion for creativity, and a desire to make a positive impact. Growing up between Nairobi and Busia, I was immersed in a culture where crafting and creativity were integral parts of everyday life. I learned the art of crafting from my mother and grandparents, who themselves were skilled artisans. Their influence, coupled with witnessing the socioeconomic challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly women in rural areas, ignited a desire within me to create something meaningful that could address these issues.
As I became increasingly aware of the environmental challenges posed by traditional fashion practices, such as pollution and resource depletion, I felt compelled to pursue a more sustainable approach to fashion entrepreneurship. The abundance of banana fiber in Busia presented a unique opportunity to create beautiful, eco-friendly jewellery while simultaneously supporting local communities and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
My inspiration to start Omina Otsieno stems from a deeply held belief in the power of creativity, sustainability, and community empowerment to effect positive change in the world.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
What sets Omina Otsieno apart is our unique blend of sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment embedded within our business model and product offerings.
Sustainable Materials: We pride ourselves on utilizing banana fibre, a renewable and biodegradable resource, in our jewellery production process. By repurposing this often-overlooked material, we contribute to reducing waste and minimizing our environmental footprint.
Cultural Preservation: Our designs are inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of the Marachi people in Busia, Kenya. Each piece of jewellery pays homage to their heritage, incorporating elements of their intricate weaving techniques and traditional motifs. Through our creations, we strive to revive and preserve this rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Community Empowerment: Omina Otsieno is committed to creating equitable opportunities for women in rural areas. We provide training and employment opportunities in jewellery weaving, empowering these women to generate sustainable incomes and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, our partnerships with local farmers and artisans contribute to the economic development of the communities we operate in.
Conscious Fashion: We offer conscious consumers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fashion accessories. Our jewellery not only looks beautiful but also carries a deeper meaning – each piece tells a story of sustainability, cultural heritage, and social impact.
Omina Otsieno stands out for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, its celebration of cultural diversity, and its dedication to empowering communities through creativity and entrepreneurship.
Tell us a little about your team:
We are a passionate and diverse team united by a shared commitment to creativity, sustainability, and social impact. Our team comprises individuals with a wide range of skills and expertise, each bringing unique perspectives and strengths to the table.
As the founder and Creative Director, I bring years of experience in fashion design, community development, and social entrepreneurship.
Alongside myself, our team includes skilled artisans and craftsmen who bring our designs to life with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. These artisans, many of whom are women from rural communities, play a vital role in our production process, weaving each piece of jewellery with care and expertise.
We are also supported by a dedicated group of professionals in fields such as marketing, operations, and sustainability, who help ensure that our business runs smoothly and effectively. Together, we work collaboratively to drive the success of Omina Otsieno and fulfill our mission of creating beautiful, sustainable jewelry that makes a difference in the world.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey with Omina Otsieno has been both rewarding and challenging, filled with moments of inspiration, growth, and resilience. While I didn't come from a traditional entrepreneurial background, I was raised in an environment where creativity, resourcefulness, and community were highly valued, which undoubtedly shaped my entrepreneurial spirit.
From a young age, I was exposed to the world of crafting and creativity through my family's traditions and cultural practices. This early exposure instilled in me a love for creating beautiful things with my hands and a deep appreciation for the value of traditional craftsmanship.
As I pursued my education and professional career, I became increasingly aware of the social and environmental challenges facing our world, particularly in the fashion industry. This awareness, coupled with my passion for creativity and community empowerment, planted the seeds for Omina Otsieno.
Starting Omina Otsieno was a leap of faith, driven by a vision to create a business that not only offered beautiful and sustainable products but also made a positive impact on people's lives and the planet. Along the way, I faced numerous obstacles and setbacks, from sourcing materials to building a brand and navigating the complexities of running a business. However, each challenge presented an opportunity for learning and growth, and I remained steadfast in my commitment to my vision.
Over time, Omina Otsieno has evolved and grown, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the support of our customers and partners. Today, we continue to innovate and expand our offerings while staying true to our core values of sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
While my entrepreneurial journey may not have followed a traditional path, it has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to combine my passion for creativity with my desire to make a positive difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams and to contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Key elements of our vision for the future:
Expansion and Growth: We aim to expand our reach and impact by growing our customer base and increasing our presence in both local and international markets. This includes expanding our product offerings, exploring new partnerships, and leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
Innovation and Creativity: We are committed to continuous innovation in our designs, materials, and production processes. This includes exploring new sustainable materials, experimenting with innovative techniques, and staying ahead of trends in the fashion industry.
Social Impact: We remain dedicated to creating positive social impact through our business activities. This includes continuing to provide training and employment opportunities for women in rural areas, supporting local artisans and farmers, and contributing to community development initiatives.
Environmental Stewardship: We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices throughout our supply chain. This includes further refining our production processes to minimize waste and energy consumption, exploring eco-friendly packaging options, and advocating for greater sustainability within the fashion industry.
Cultural Preservation: We will continue to celebrate and preserve the cultural heritage through our designs and partnerships. This includes collaborating with local artisans and organizations to promote traditional craftsmanship and support cultural preservation efforts.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Factors that give me immense satisfaction:
Impact: Being able to see the tangible impact of our work on people's lives and communities is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it's providing employment opportunities for women in rural areas, preserving cultural heritage, or promoting sustainability, knowing that our efforts are making a difference is deeply rewarding.
Creativity: Entrepreneurship allows me to express my creativity and passion for design in meaningful ways. Developing new products, exploring innovative ideas, and finding creative solutions to challenges are all incredibly fulfilling aspects of being an entrepreneur.
Freedom: Having the freedom to chart my own course and pursue my vision without constraints is empowering. As an entrepreneur, I have the freedom to make decisions that align with my values and goals, which is incredibly satisfying.
Growth: Entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Overcoming obstacles, adapting to change, and pushing past limitations all contribute to personal and professional development, which brings a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
Legacy: Building something meaningful that can endure beyond my lifetime and leave a positive legacy for future generations is a driving force behind my entrepreneurial journey. Knowing that Omina Otsieno has the potential to make a lasting impact fills me with a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Being an entrepreneur allows me to pursue my passions, make a difference in the world, and leave a meaningful legacy – and that is what gives me the most satisfaction.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
To remember that your journey as a woman entrepreneur is unique and valuable. You should trust in yourself, stay resilient, and keep pursuing your passion with courage and determination.
To find out more, send an email to Silvia Omina Otsieno and the team or visit the website and social media platforms:
Email: ominaotsieno@gmail.com
Website: https://ominaotsieno.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Omina-Otsieno-107389472174864/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OminaOtsieno
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ominaotsieno/
