Finding Creativity | Starting BijouCREATES

Starting a business after Graduating from uni was definitely the last thing I had in mind!

Initially I imagined the lockdown to be a sudden period of idleness. I envisioned days with more time to sleep, waking up just in time to login into my meetings, working remotely. Indulging in food and catching up on all the TV shows I’d missed out on, but I found this was not to be. After moving at 100 mph, suddenly being somewhat stationary was making me restless and searching for something new.

After finishing my degree last year at UCL, my plan had been to complete 2020 working in a high-powered London architecture firm, then going on to complete the next part of my training my masters, in the autumn. Fortunately, I’ve been able to follow my plan, starting work in practice a month after graduating, and securing my offers for my course in the following October. Working in practice was something I’d looked forward to since my last weeks of uni. Though it was fairly exhausting, commuting into London form Surrey everyday and working an entry level job in a large firm. I had achieved what I'd set out to do, but somehow it wasn't the satisfaction I'd imagined.

For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved designing, creating and making, and architecture has always been a great forum for that. After spending most of the year working on major building projects, I found I had the desire to reinvest on my own ideas, and creative aspirations and think about what could that be?

Inspiration through Faith

I Timothy is a book exploring Paul’s letters to Timothy, a young boy when he put his faith in Christ, with Paul being like a father and a mentor to him. This book has always a favorite of mine (Not only due to its super readable length) but the way it inspires young people to be confident and leaders in their faith and values. When reading through this book in lockdown my attention was brought to

1 Timothy 4: 14 -16. “Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” -(Girl’s Life application study bible NTL).

Outside of a focus on architectural design, I’ve always loved working with textiles and fabrics of all different types, but specifically from my own West African heritage. During the Period of summer 2020 there has been a significant rise of mainstream media profile of the civil right movement Black lives Matter, which of course has been a prominent focus in my life. With a lot of attention being given to re-educating people and becoming more aware of societal attitudes and systematic treatment towards black people, I was drawn to spending time researching and exploring inwards to my own culture. With a strong amount of the media’s narrative currently focused on recognising the struggles and hardships of black people across the diaspora, I became passionate about developing a project that focuses on celebrating the plethora of beauty and richness that stretches across Africa.

I started exploring designing and making handmade, personalised small products incorporating the unique traditional wax print, Kente and Ankara fabrics. I was interested in bringing them into modern designs and featuring the fabrics as an accented detail, to highlight their symbolic, and story-telling properties. These fabric and prints have always been a part of my life, growing up and seeing them adorning my loved ones, for occasion wear, celebrations and ultimately a symbol of pride. I started initially with sewing and making ‘one off items’, I was then able to develop my first website to showcase my ideas, and slowly begin developing my products to create a range uniquely my own and I’m really excited to see where it goes!

My original intention to see this unexpected period of time as a pause on my future plans has unexpectedly opened up a new avenue that wasn’t on my original foreseen path but has filled me with so much joy.

I believe that the creativity God bestows on us can manifest itself in many different ways and showcase itself through a variety of different talents. Though I believe I’ve tapped into a way of showcasing my passions through active creations and design, I think that creativity can be incredibly diverse in the form it takes. I think quarantine life is a great time to get back in touch with a quiet passion you’ve held, or a lost interest you’ve always wished to explore. To read the book series you’ve always put of, pick up and dust of your favourite instrument, complete the online course on the new skill you’ve always wanted.

I think it’s important not to see this period of time as a pause, waiting for your life to press play again, but instead as a chance to focus inwards and manifest your abilities, establish what your passions are and prepare for your next steps. As the world slowly begins to open up, and you begin to venture back out, you may find that your original path has shifted from where you last left off. However, with some adjustment you may also find that the new walk you’re about to take may be so much better!