Bespoke Binny
Natalie Manima
I never ever thought I would run a business. Most of my family worked in the NHS and I was a therapist for many years. I didn’t think of myself as a creative person. I just took up sewing as a hobby, and when I was looking to decorate my new flat, I decided to make some cushions.
Scandi stuff was really in and the shops were full of grey and cream, which didn’t appeal to me. After lots of friends encouraged me to sell my cushions, I set up a shop on Etsy, which felt like a low barrier to entry.
It took me a while to give up my day job and run this business full time. I remember going to trade shows, which I paid thousands of pounds of my own money to attend, and being told that my products were too bright and too colourful.
And then, ironically, when the Black Lives Matter movement happened, all the places that had told me they wouldn’t be able to sell my stuff wanted to stock me.
When I started ten years ago, what made my products unique was that I used African prints in a way they are not traditionally used – for functional, everyday objects like lampshades or oven gloves. If you’re West African, it’s a way to celebrate that side of your identity; but equally other people can appreciate the colours and history behind these prints.
Images: courtesy Bespoke Binny
