Epics Dream: Ambitious Hustle "SIIC"

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