Vera Onyango: Taking the fashion industry by storm

Vera Onyango is the founder of Vee Fashion House Kenya. She sits down with Lucy Robi to talk about how life’s struggles made her stronger and what inspired her new accessory collection

When did your love affair with accessory design begin?

My love of beads began in 2008 when I started Vee fashion House. Before then I was working in Masai Mara. There, I met Masai women and I started learning the techniques. I learned many of their bead work techniques and decided to venture into making my own.

What made you take bead work more seriously and make a career out of it?

Back in the day when I was a model, I used to do my own accessory designs and people would ask where I bought them. It would really shock people that I made them. I just loved wearing beaded accessories. I never really took making a career out of it seriously. I mean, I used to make a little money out of it selling to my friends but that was it. In 2010, I decided to venture into it seriously. I thought, I am really passionate about it and it is something I love and let me see how I can make some money out of it.

You have a history in modelling?

Yes, I do. However, during my time, I was considered big in size. So, it never really worked for me (laughing)

Really? You were considered big?

Yes! In half of the auditions I went to, I was turned away because of my size. Back in the day the standard model size was bust 36, waist 24, hip 36. I was hips 38.

You just stopped?

Yes. I decided I’d rather try and make a career out of accessory design and I think it was the best decision I ever made.

What inspires you when creating accessories?

Many things, my surroundings, my current situation in life… actually my latest collection was inspired by something that I went through a while back. I had been out of business for almost four years. Something personal happened and I just had to stop. So, this new collection was actually inspired by what I went through the past four years. My family did not give up on me through the four years and they made sure my talent wasn’t lost in all that. They encouraged me to use the pain I was going through and use it as an inspiration. That’s why I decided to come out so strong.

Who do you design for?

I design for anybody. I design for everyone. Anyone with a sophisticated sense of style and they want to stand out. Anyone who wants to look different while looking good.

How has your work evolved from when you started?

Well, I didn’t really have a name back then because I just loved doing it. However, since I came back, we have been doing well and I can’t complain. I love the attention that I get from people who interact with my work.

Do you have a team?

Yes I do. I just got a workshop last year. Before I used to work at home. Right now, I am currently training a few people and they are now really good at what they do. However, when it comes to the design aesthetic, I come up with all the designs. However, there are a few master pieces that I work on myself.

What advice would you give to young designers who are coming up?

Since Kenya Fashion Awards, I have received so many messages from young designers who would want to train with me. My advice is that you take it one step at a time. It is just like any other business, success is not guaranteed within a short period of time. Look at me, I started in 2008 and I’m blooming now. You need a lot of patience and if you are determined and have a passion for it, go for it.