Every fashion designer dreams of one day having their designs worn by the stars and photographed at red-carpet events, and for Johannesburg-based clothing brand builder, that dream is already starting to come true. Kendi Sapepa may be in the early days of creating a brand to be reckoned with, but already her designs have graced the red carpet of the prestigious SAFTAs, the South African Fashion and Television Awards. This is a brand to watch in the future.
LoA found out more this month about this talented designer and her ambitions for the brand going forward.
What does your company do?
Barbara McKenzie is a Joburg-based clothing brand that provides classic-inspired yet modern and fashion-forward clothing for stylish and fashionable women, through offering; consulting for bespoke orders, seasonal ready-to-wear collections and styling service. By working closely with the client, various looks are created, looks that compliment them and make them feel good.
"Barbara McKenzie is a Joburg-based clothing brand that provides classic-inspired yet modern and fashion-forward clothing for stylish and fashionable women, through offering; consulting for bespoke orders, seasonal ready-to-wear collections and styling service."
What inspired you to start your company?
The brand name, Barbara McKenzie is a tribute to my late mother, Barbara - coupled with a play on my name as founder, Kendi, the brand Barbara McKenzie was born. The brand's style is inspired by classic style, elegance and femininity with a hint of modern design.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Through the Barbara McKenzie consulting service offered, this enables clients to be part of the design process, in order to embody their personal style and walk away with a one-of-a-kind, sophisticated, bespoke garment. The styling service caters for personal styling, styling for photo-shoots or production. By working closely with the client, various looks are created, looks that compliment them and make them feel good.
"By working closely with the client, various looks are created, looks that compliment them and make them feel good."
Tell us a little about your team
Kendi (Founder) runs the brand by herself. As a one-woman team, she handles orders, design, sewing, finances, the website, marketing and all that comes with running a brand. Although run by one person, Kendi is currently looking for a talented individual to help with sewing now.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
When I first starting trading as a designer in 2012, my brand was called Vanilla Heart, but when I joined streetwear brand Retrofontein shortly after, the name fell away, as I believe I had no attachment to it. With Retrofontein, we worked well together and achieved quite a lot in a short space of time. However, because it was a streetwear brand, my feminine and classic taste and style did not come across. That is when I embarked on my own journey that would allow me creative freedom and control, thus, starting Barbara McKenzie in November 2013. The brand is inspired by my late mother; Barbara and it is a brand that caters for feminine women who love their modern clothing with a classic twist.
"My vision is to provide customers with quality and classic, yet fashion-forward clothing."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would love to see my brand grow. Having started the year on a good note, with my designs worn at the SAFTAs - the South African Film and Television Awards, I would like to see my dresses at more red carpet events, supplying boutiques and eventually opening my very own physical store.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The final product! I love how seeing my garment on a happy client, it just flushes away all the frustration and stress, the sleepless nights that came with creating it. It just keeps you going and motivates you to do it one more time.
"Having started the year on a good note, with my designs worn at the SAFTAs - the South African Film and Television Awards, I would like to see my dresses at more red carpet events, supplying boutiques and eventually opening my very own physical store."
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There is no perfect time to start. Just do it. Don't wait for anything, just get the ball rolling.
Contact or follow Barbara McKenzie
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL sapepakendi@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
At LoA, we love to see and showcase ‘up and coming’ design talent and to spot those brands and designers who are destined to become household names of the future. With her love of the glamorous red carpet, and her bespoke design approach that is so client centric, we feel sure that the Barbara McKenzie brand is destined for great things in the future. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa