Profile: Angela Ndonga – Real Leather Design Competitions

Angela Ndonga

Self Employed

I run a footwear business called Angie’s Crochet’s.

Footwear, Sandals, Unisex

I started my design journey when i first knitted and came up with a small coin purse when I was about 8 years old. Then we shelved that creative aspect till i got to Campus, and in 2018 i got into creating and selling accessories like waist beads, bangles, necklaces, anklets. I experimented alot towards my last year in University. I got a sewing machine and I’d get to upcycle some of my Dad’s Shirts and Pants into crop tops, skirts and two piece sets. I really enjoyed the creation process, doing before and after clips on Instagram. I then transitioned to knitting and crocheting which really intrigued me and it came very easy to me. Being in the Youtube era really enhanced my crochet skills and i got a number of orders as well via Instagram and referrals. Crocheting can get tiresome and i realized i couldn’t create as many projects as i wanted to since i was doing it alone. I looked into a niche that could suite my liking and i got inspired by a Rwandese Footwear Brand that creates Sandals using Ankara Fabric and that’s how I ventured into creating crochet sandals and I’ve never looked back, we actually won an award Last year under the Most Innovative Business.

Website

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The Continuity of the Yarn Culture.

Category: Footwear

Competitions: Africa

The Braided Sandal has been created from Cow leather, Pure Cotton Yarn and Recycled car tyres for the sole. Looking back into our African culture, in our homes, we have always familiarized ourselves with the hair braiding culture and the use of yarn to create hand-made products and we have seen various hair braiding and crochet styles evolve over the years. Typically, a braid can be as long as you want and the braid pattern on the Sandals symbolizes the continuity of the crochet/use of yarn culture to create hand-made magic. The Braid Sandal is a very aesthetic and functional piece that can be created into a flat sandal, a wedge or a platform and can be customized into a variety of colors. This ascertains the fact that there is a clear continuity in the use of yarn culture when merged with the durability of cow leather. Being a trendsetter in Crochet Footwear continues to show creatives that we can merge leather and yarn to build on sustainable products that can be consumed by a wider market. It’s important for us to actively take part in the continuity of cultures that have the potential to impact communities.