Success certainly favours the brave and like the old adage says, what your mind conceives it can achieve.
While many are too quick to give up on their dreams, it is only the resilient and sure-footed doers who defy odds and defy odds and shrug adversity on their way to self-actualisation.
For Pearl Chingwena, a recently qualified fashion designer and image consultant; finding her forte in the fashion industry was no straight-jacket. She had to try it all from menial jobs in fast food outlets, through to events management and advertising but her passion lay in the fashion industry and she eventually had to follow her heart.
As fate would have it, she enrolled for professional training at the ZAOGA School of dressmaking in Highfield where she underwent an intense training and graduated with a highly sought after qualification that has helped her refine her skills and shape her dreams for the fashion industry.
Speaking to Standard Style, Chingwena said she is grateful to God for a strong foundation that helped mold her fashion sense and her general liking for the craft.
“As the daughter of a tailor, I grew up surrounded by sewing machines and fabrics, yet I never felt a connection to the craft until I discovered my passion for fashion design. Despite my strengths in marketing and public relations, I knew I needed a creative outlet, something that would allow me to express myself and make a statement.
Cutting and designing were the perfect fit, and the moment I stepped into fashion school, I felt a sense of belonging. I am happy that I have since earned my qualification in fashion and dressmaking and I believe the future is set from here on,” she said.
The fashion enthusiast who has always had a penchant for fashion styling and image consultancy using knowledge gleaned from free online studies and watching YouTube videos said she felt complete with the professional qualification and is geared for new challenges as she goes all out in the industry.
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“This qualification means it’s time to take on the real challenges of the fashion industry and the milestones I have achieved since I started on this journey tell of even greater times ahead. I am geared for new challenges and highs in my fashion journey and I believe I have what it takes.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my instructor, Chipo Mukumbira of ZAOGA FIF School of Dressmaking, Highfield branch for her unwavering patience and support throughout my journey. Her guidance and expertise played a pivotal role in our team's success, as we triumphantly outperformed 15 other fashion schools in our work. Her dedication to nurturing talent and fostering creativity has been instrumental in shaping my skills and inspiring me to pursue my passion for fashion,” she said.
Chingwena also had some nice words for family and friends who encouraged her to take the bold step and singled out her uncle and husband for the support.
“Many thanks also go to my parents and siblings as well as my uncle, Bruce Mapako, whose encouragement and support motivated me to pursue my dreams without hesitation. To my husband, Tinashe Nyamakura, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering financial and moral support, which made this journey possible.
I am also reminded of the wisdom in the statement that says victory is all in the mind; if you say you can; then you will and I am thankful to God for instilling the confidence and determination that enabled me to believe in myself and achieve my goals,” she said.
Of her approach to the craft and plans for the future, Pearl said she is taking things outside the box and would want to bring a whole sense of uniqueness through design and styling venture she undertakes.
“My approach to fashion is unconventional, and I thrive on thinking outside the box. I believe that any apparel can be stunning, regardless of style or trend. My vision is to create a fashion consultancy that goes beyond image scrutiny and off-the-rack clothing. I want to craft bespoke pieces that are tailored to each client's unique style and measurements. I'm talking about getting involved in every step of the process, from design to factory floor, to create show-stopping garments that make a statement.
My goal is to celebrate diversity and individuality through fashion, creating stunning pieces for people of all backgrounds and religions. Life is too short to wear boring clothes, and I'm on a mission to bring more cheer to the fashion world. As an emerging designer, I am determined to make a name for Zimbabwe on the global fashion stage. We may not have the most advanced resources, but I believe we have the talent and creativity to rival any international designer,” she said.
As she continues exploring growth avenues in the industry, Chingwena who graduated with top honours said her dream is to reach for the stars and establish the best fashion house and factory in Zimbabwe.
“My dream is to establish a fashion house and factory, showcasing the best of Zimbabwean fashion and providing an alternative to imported clothing. I want to empower local designers and retailers to choose local, and I am confident that with better materials and support, we can create something truly remarkable. The fashion world has seen its share of disasters, but I am here to fix the damage and make fashion a force for good.
This is my calling, and I am ready to answer. I am inviting everyone to join me on this journey as we revolutionize fashion, one stunning piece at a time. The future belongs to those dream and I believe I have a dream to live and establish,” she said.
