We had the good fortune of connecting with Chipo Hwami and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chipo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Panashe Designs, a fashion design company, evolved as a result of my experiences as a single mother. Here was my thought process:

Due to the hardships I faced as a single mother trying to feed my then 5 year-old daughter and to pay my bills, I wished more could be done to uplift women that had no access to financial support and were struggling to raise their children. With tears rolling down my cheeks I wondered what I could do to make a difference. Then an idea came to mind. I wanted to build a center to empower other single mothers so they would not go through the struggles I faced. There were days that the refrigerator would be empty, the electricity would be cut off, and having a functional cell phone was more of a luxury than a necessity. It was obvious I had no way to bring this vision to life. However, the lack of funding prompted me to think outside the box and figure out a way to generate income in order to build the center. That is when the idea of fashion came to mind. The goal was to design and produce fashionable clothing and use the money generated from the sales to build the center. Although 14 years have passed since the inception of the idea, I continue to work on the vision to build the center through Panashe Designs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My designs are inspired by my African heritage and that is what I’m most proud of. I grew up in Zimbabwe, in the Southern part of Africa. Traditionally, Africa is rich in culture, in art, in texture, and in color. The Panashe brand embraces that rich culture and incorporates all these elements throughout the designs. On the other hand, the 70s era has always been a fascination and has played an influential role in developing Panashe Designs. The Afros, bell bottoms and platforms are a common theme in our styling. So Panashe Designs is a mix of both my African heritage and a little bit of the 70s style.

It has taken me 14 years to get to a point where I am happy with my garment production and am able to sell fashion pieces on my website as well as afford to travel and do trade shows and market fairs. During this 14 year-period I married a wonderful husband who believes in me and supports my dreams. However, during this time I also struggled with imposter syndrome and lacked confidence in my own art so I went back to school to gain that confidence. I was able to build up my confidence and designing has been great in that sense but the imposter syndrome tends to pop up every now and then. I have learned that the fashion industry is not easy but the trick is to continue going even when you are afraid and things don’t seem to be going anywhere. Do it! and Do it afraid! Take the risk!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being in the fashion industry one of the first stops would be the Los Angeles Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles and spend the day perusing through the fashion bargains. Next day I would take them to Hollywood to first see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and experience the Los Angeles vibe then later go to the Griffith Observatory and take pictures with the Hollywood sign and enjoy the scenery. On the third day we will visit Little Ethiopia to try some of the Ethiopian cuisine and then later in the day drive over to LACMA and enjoy the lights and the La Brea Tar Pits. On the fourth day I would take them to Beverly Hills over on Rodeo Drive to experience the upper side of Los Angeles fashion. On the fifth day we will visit the two Getty Centers and enjoy the art and the gardens. But one cannot come to Los Angeles and not go the beach and experience the Pacific Coast Highway so we would set a day to do so. On one of the evenings I would take them to LA Live just to experience a casual night out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special Shoutout to all the single parents that are raising phenomenal young men and women – The leaders of tomorrow. The life of a single parent is not easy and I don’t think society honors them enough. A huge shoutout to my husband Tamuka Hwami and beautiful daughter Nokutenda for their unwavering love and support. I also want to give a Shoutout to my family and friends that have encouraged me through tough times and helped me push through. A special mention to Princess Sarah Culberson who has been one of my top ten supporters. She has constantly encouraged me and supported my vision. I also want o shout out to my customers and business partners that have supported this journey.

Website: www.panashedesigns.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Panashedesigns

Twitter: @panashedesigns

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PanasheClothingdesigns

Youtube: @panashedesigns

Other: TikTok www.tiktok.com/@panashedesigns

Image Credits
House of HLNE, Tamuka Hwami, Karim Saafir, Nichelle Hill

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