TWMBABW: Bespoke Binny

Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. I charge it to three different things:
- Being style makers and culture creators,
- Seeing need and wants of the different communities,
- A collective "F- it. I'll do it myself" attitude.

I attribute all of these elements to a sister across the pond, Natalie Manima who's lovely brand, Bespoke Binny caught my eye when I was on a scroll run on Instagram. Her creations center combine Vibrant prints from the diaspora adorning mundane objects and give them new, unique, and powerful life. In addition to her business, Natalie is also a new mom, balancing cries, cradles, and cuddles while still providing her customers with beautiful, handcrafted pieces. Natalie is a superwoman unto herself, and has some serious wisdom to drop.

This time on This Was Made By A Black Woman, Bespoke Binny.

"My name is Natalie Manima and I run an African inspired homeware and lifestyle brand called Bespoke Binny. We sell items for most rooms in your home and are continually expanding our range."

After seeing how well Bespoke Binny is doing, I was surprised to find out that Natalie's entrepreneurial journey came about as mere happenstance. "My original career is actually as a cognitive behavioural therapist where I sure people experiencing anxiety and depression. I do still do this now, though it's now something I do part time along side Bespoke Binny. I never at all set out to become and entrepreneur, it was accidental! I really enjoyed sewing as I found it therapeutic, and I used to make things for my home using African prints. Friends encouraged me to try selling the things I was making and it all started from there, really."

Natalie says she started her brand because of her three loves: "I would say 3 things really, my love and enjoyment of sewing, my love for African prints and wanting to express who I am and share that with others."

"I think the best way I can answer that is to say because it's 'me'! Bespoke Binny as a brand really embodies who I am as a person, what I enjoy and feel passionate about. I think any other avenue I could have taken probably would not have been exulted so well."

When asked about her favorite product she creates, Natalie says "This is constantly changing but I would say at the moment my notebooks. Who doesn't love a good notebook, and there's always a use for it! I've always loved stationary and I love now that I finally have some bright african print stationary in my range."

"To me (being Black/Woman owned) means power, not the forceful type, but the kind of power you get when you know exactly who you are and what you stand for. I feel a sense of achievement to know I've started a business from nothing as a black woman and I am so proud of what's been created and that it really resonates with others. It's wonderful to share with others in this way."

You can follow Bespoke Binny here.