Its Women's Month
And The Person That Came To Mind To Profile For "Ambitious
Hustle" Is Founder & Jewelry Designer Of SIIC, Belinda Phofu. An Energetic, Self Driven & Passionate Individual. The
Spirit Of Women Empowering Themselves & Motivating Others To Do
So, That's What She Stands For.
I Urge Young
Ladies To Take A Few Notes From This "Future Leader". Our
Youth & Generation Should Aspire & Lead A Lifestyle Like
Hers, A Game Changer To Be Precise.
I Get The Chance
Too Chill With One Of The Inspiring Young Ladies I Got The Chance Too
See Grow.
What Is SIIC For
Someone Who Hasn't Heard About It?
SIIC which stands
for Style Is Incalculable, is an alternative jewelry brand.
When Did You
Start Designing Jewelry
I began making
jewelry in 2012, which was the year I had to take a gap year because
I couldn't afford to go to varsity. Those of you who have been tired
of job hunting will know that it isn't easy.
What Led You Too
Start This?
Because I
couldn't find a job, at the time making jewelry for me was something
I was doing just to keep myself busy. It was only then I noticed that
there was a demand for my products that I decided to start selling my
piece's to make some pocket money.
I went for the
name SIIC because I noticed that whenever people would see my jewelry
they always said things like, "aww B. This is so SIIC.
I really loved
the ring that the word had to it and so I decided to use it as my
brands name.
I'm very
sentimental and I wanted it to have meaning,which is where Style Is
InCalculable came from.
Because that's
what style is, it's Incalculable.
You Were Blessed
With The Talent Of Making Jewelry That Is Refined From Recycled
Material?
When I first
began making jewelry, it wasn't a conscious decision.
I was really
bored and I was just looking for something to keep me busy. I'm very
good with my hands and I enjoy working with them.
I happened to
have picked up a few buttons and wire on the floor and before I knew
it. I had made my first ring.
From then onwards
I just kept picking things up and creating.
It was also very
fun for me to see how creative I could be with a safety pin for
example, that rush, helped keep my mind off things.
Let's Go Into
Detail About One Of Your Favorite Pieces,, What Inspired That? And
Please Take Me Through Production Process.
I think I speak
for every designer when I say this. My favorite piece is always the
piece I created last. They say that you are only as good as your last
work, or something like that. And with that being said I think it
makes sense for ones favorite piece to be the last piece I created.
My approach when
making my jewelry is not like other designers out there. I don't
sketch my piece's for before I make them. I could see something, as
simple as a stone, for example. And then get this bright idea and
make a bracelet, that is not made from stone's, but the wire that
holds pegs together. It sounds weird, I know. But hey, I'm just being
myself
What Are The Lows
You've Come Across In This Industry?
Not having my
families support is the ultimate low.
When your parents
sit you down to tell you that they aren't happy with what you've done
with your life and the decisions that you've made with regards to
your future. It really cuts deep. Most especially when the decisions
that they are referring to is you just deciding to take control of
your life and follow your dreams.
What Are The
Highs Of The Industry?
most people would
assume that the ultimate high would be curating Art Is Currency, but
honestly it would definitely have to be all the people I've met all
my journey, the friendships I've formed. The support I've received
from friends and supporters of SIIC, because that's what has carried
and that's what continues to carry and motivate me.
What Have You
Learned As A Young Black Entrepreneur??
If you want
something and you're not getting what you want, then create it. It
won't be easy, but it'll definitely be worth it.
Too many young
people are forever complaining about there not being enough
opportunities. If there's one thing I've learnt, complaining doesn't
solve anything.
We are all
capable.
When Someone
Loves What You Do & Would Love To Buy Equity & Grow Your
Business, What Would You Do?
If they
understand what SIIC stands for and SIIC's overall vision, then I'd
definitely be interested in having a meeting to discuss how we'd be
able to work together.
Tell Me For How
Many Years Have You Been Designing? And Where Do You See Yourself In
The Next Coming 5 Years?
It just hit me
that in 5 years I'll be 27 …which is 3 year's away from 30 *has
heart palpitations * ... Laughs
I've been making
jewelry for 4 years but I only started taking things with SIIC
seriously, last year. So it's been a year.
I see Art Is
Currency being held in parts of Africa as well as other parts of the
world. Collaborating with other creatives around the world is
definitely something I'll be working towards, and giving other
creatives in area's which are disadvantaged an opportunity to
showcase their work and grow as artists.
Is It About The
Passion, Money Or Fame
It's about the
passion, first!
And then the
money... Because I gotta eat :)
*Chuckles* People
who chase after fame are people who aren't full,as in they are
empty/lost. And let's just say, I'm not empty *Smiles*
I Honestly feel
that running after fame is the same as seeking doing things to seek
validation from other's.
Who Is Your
Target Market ?
My target market
would be creatives /hipsters. People who love abstract things and are
not about anything mainstream. aren't afraid of being different and
standing out are people who wear my jewelry.
What Is Your
Mission That You Want To Accomplish Through Designing?
SIIC apart from
SIIC being a jewelry brand SIIC is also brand that is believes that
Art is a culture and that is about preserving and growing that
culture. As well as using that culture to tell stories.
One of the ways
in which this is done is by a series of exhibitions that I curate
titled, Art Is Currency.
Art Is
Currency,is aimed at showcasing how jewelry can be found within all
the mediums which fall underneath Art. As well as promoting
collaborations amongst creatives and giving young people an
opportunity to showcase their work..
The first
installment of Art Is Currency took place in January this year at the
johannesburg hub in 44Stanely. I collaborated with 10 talented local
illustrators, and showcased how jewelry is found with visual art. It
was a great success.
The second
installment of Art Is Currency will take place in October, and will
be centered around breast cancer awareness.
I'll be
collaborating with the fashion brand, pilgrim clothing and showcasing
how jewelry is found within fashion/clothing.
I'll also be
collaborating with "StylaGang" and using clothing and
jewellery to educate the youth on breast cancer.
Any Collabs You
Have Done With Other Jewelers You've Worked With?
I haven't
collaborated with any jewelers as yet,but it's definitely something
I've been working towards doing. My focus has been more stepping
outside the jewelry box and collaborating with people who aren't
jewelers. it's important to step outside the box and be different.
As A Young
Inspiring Woman, Tell Me What Is "Feminism" And What Do You
Think About It?
I've noticed that
feminism is a very touchy topic, Amongst females especially.
People have made
being a feminist out to seem like a bad thing, and it's not. For a
very long time I was afraid of admitting that I was a feminist, let
alone speaking up on issues that affect us as women,because I was
afraid of what people would think, since feminism hasn't necessarily
been given good connotations to it by society.
The other day "I
put up a status on Facebook the other day about this.
And I said that
what people need to understand is that being a feminist does not
means that you hate men. In fact it's got nothing to do with hating
men."
feminism is a set
of ideals /beliefs /movements which is basically aimed at fighting
for equal social,political, economic,cultural, rights for women.
If anything, I'm
a huge advocate of women recognizing their worth and understanding
and believing that as a women your body isn't the only thing that you
have to offer. WE AREN'T OBJECTS
Most of the time
women talk about how men should stop objecting them but then they
turn around and objecting themselves without even realizing it.
That's how deep it is. We don't even realize how the system has and
still doesn't affect us.
Besides
Designing, How Can You Reach Out Too Women And Educate Them About
Daily Issues They Face?
I've decided to
use social media as tool to educate women.
I remember an
incident that happened when I was in grade 5 and my mom had sent me
to buy bread and as I walking down the street these boys in my
neighborhood who were sitting across the street, started throwing
stones at me and shouting out things like, "hey Belinda, why are
you so ugly"
incidents like
that were why I was very insecure growing up. I hated my smile the
most.
Then in grade 11
I decided to do something about my in securities.
I started a blog,
called, "True Beauty. now ostracized
The blog was
aimed at getting women to see their worth. And understand that beauty
is subjective.
And it honestly
did help me see my beauty and love myself. Getting back to the blog
is something that I've actually been considering.
I'm A Fan Of Your
Work Rite? Where Can I Get Linked Up With Your It?
People can
purchase my piece's at a store called Republic of Recycle which is in
27boxes in Meliville.
If I Wanna Follow
Your Work Where Do I Get Linked Up?
people can follow
me on
Instagtam @s
_ii_c
Twitter @s_ii_c
Facebook :SIIC
Or Visit My
Portal
www.styleisincalculable.tumblr.com
Now You Can Find "SIIC" At Republic Of Recycle
ART IS CURRENCY Exhibition
"SIIC Online Magazine Feature"
