Marion Vionna is the CEO of Tendaji Designs. She describes herself as having a mind that is a creative storm, transforming thoughts into ideas and turning them into beautiful bags.
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Describe the business – What do you do and where are you based?
Tendaji Designs is a brand focused on adding a touch of African in everything we do. I mostly make bags, as well as personalized blankets which are especially ideal for this cold weather. We are currently based online but hopefully we’ll open a physical store soon somewhere central where customers can walk in and choose what they like at their convenience.
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How did the business get started?
It started off as an idea really. I had been designing outfits for people for about three years or so, but at the back of my mind, I wasn’t satisfied. I felt like I needed something more, something I loved. So about a year ago, before the plastic bag ban, I looked at the plastic bags in my kitchen and decided to stop using them and make myself a shopping tote bag instead. I walked into a supermarket with it, a few ladies approached me, inquiring about it and that’s when I rekindled the passion I had for bags.
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Is there a set of skills you need to run a business like this? Which ones do you have?
To run a business like this needs determination and patience. I could not tell you how many nights I cried myself to sleep wondering if I had made a mistake venturing into making bags. The one skill that’s helped me is the fact that I put myself into the clients shoes; what do they look for in a bag, what colours are both male and female friendly, what are the essential compartments you need inside your bag to fit everything? Of course, having an eye for fabric and colours is important as well. Not being afraid to venture into places which don’t seem “safe”, just to get good quality fabric at a cheaper price. Being patient with your clients and with yourself as well.
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What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced? Lessons learned?
The challenges are many; from having my designs imitated to our government increasing tax on everything, which most fabric shops tend to pass on to us the buyers, forcing me to alter my prices as well. Genuine leather being quite expensive in this country is one of my biggest challenges so far.
As a small business, having to push my brand out there hasn’t been easy as well, with some people always trying to sabotage it. I have learned that hard work pays off eventually; early mornings when I have to hunt for fabric as early as 6am, dealing with men on a regular basis who don’t respect my work and try to cross the line, at times telling me they can import rolls of fabric at a cheaper price as long as I give in to their sexual advances. My business has taught me to have thick skin, to be patient, to be firm and most importantly, not allow myself to be a pushover or get discouraged.
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What has been your proudest moment/achievement so far?
Every time I receive positive reviews from my clients, it gives me a certain kind of fulfilment which makes it all worthwhile. So far, I have been able to work with corporate companies, but my biggest achievement was a certain governor seeing my work on Twitter and having his PA contact me because he liked the bags so much he wanted to get them as gifts for his friends.
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Where would you like to see the business go over the next 3 years?
I tend not to visualize so much on the future, but over the next few years I hope to see my brand grow and venture into other countries. I’d love to open up a studio in which I can train and support young upcoming fashion designers by giving them a platform to create and showcase their work internationally.
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What advice would you give anyone looking to take the leap into running their own business?
Go at it with an open mind. Starting your own business is not easy, you will have days when you will doubt yourself, days when you will regret it, days when you will wish you had a steady income. But as cliché as it sounds, work hard and never give up.
Never give in to the voices in your head, learn from the mistakes you will make along the way, accept constructive criticism, don’t let the negative comments discourage you. Be ready to lose friends along the way, because when you are starting a business, it will take up most of your time. Your business is your baby, treat it as such until it is ready to crawl and eventually walk on its own.
Bonus Question
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What would you do with a capital injection of Ksh 5,000,000?
Wow! What wouldn’t I do with that kind of money? First, I would definitely stock up on leather. Travel to Italy, and learn how to perfect the art of sewing with leather. Invest in a studio or warehouse, buy industrial sewing machines and nurture as many designers as I can. Save up about a million of that money, and splurge the rest on my mother and myself, because after all, you know what they say about all work and no play.
To get in touch with Marion or to get more information on Tendaji Designs, see their contacts and social media accounts below.
Email: designstendaji@gmail.com
Telephone: 0724-061890
Instagram: @tendajicreations
