Background
Over two decades of experience and a lifetime of passion, integrity, and craftsmanship summarize the story behind NyaMani Designs. I am a self-taught artisan and the sole designer behind the brand. My daughter Nyaimani is my inspiration and the reason I chose to turn my passion into a business. The name “Nyamani” is a shortened version of my daughter’s name, “Nyaimani,” which means “daughter of faith” in Swahili. My journey into design and fashion wasn't paved with conventional milestones. Instead, it's a testament to the power of self-belief and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. From a young age, the allure of design and fashion captivated my imagination, guiding me through my formative years and adulthood. Post-high school, instead of spending the Summer celebrating my freedom, I was laser-focused on my ambition to break into the fashion world, earning a spot at the prestigious FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles. However, life threw a curveball, and despite a grueling application process resulting in my acceptance into the institute, financial hurdles prevented me from attending. Though discouraged, I allowed this setback to fuel my determination rather than extinguish my dreams.
Beginning
Years of exploration and experimentation across various crafts led me to the timeless art of crochet. I immersed myself in the history of the craft and eventually taught myself how to crochet when my daughter was 9mos. old. I started Nyamani Designs in 1999 and began my journey of seeking to revolutionize traditional crochet into modern, statement pieces. My designs were initially conceived as a boutique line of hats, scarves, and crocheted jewelry, built on the belief that the right accessories can transform any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. However, my creative spirit yearned for more, leading me to venture into the world of jewelry design. A chance visit to a fabric store in downtown L.A. sparked a new love for lace and various textiles, significantly changing my career. Armed with bags of fabric and limitless ideas, my home studio became a laboratory of creativity. Months of trial and error, successes and setbacks, culminated in a collection I proudly debuted on Etsy.
Evolution
My dedication to mastering crochet and jewelry-making blossomed into a portfolio of wearable art distinguished by its use of fibers, yarn, crystals, and more. My designs started selling worldwide, catching the attention of creative individuals globally. The growing interest, along with recognition from industry experts, validated the quality, standards, and uniqueness of my work.
Vision
At the core of Nyamani lies a commitment to crafting functional, authentic, and thought-provoking pieces. My vision goes beyond the traditional retail encounter; it focuses on crafting art that sparks dialogue and questions the established norms of creativity. Each design reflects a journey — a blend of traditional techniques and modern aesthetics, destined to make a statement rather than merely adorn a store shelf or stockroom. Nyamani is more than a brand; it's a movement towards redefining what it means to be an artisan in the modern world. It's about embracing challenges, celebrating uniqueness, and believing in the power of faith and creativity to turn dreams into reality.