Behind The Design
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsBehind The Design is a better business and lifestyle podcast for creative entrepreneurs. Behind The Design takes you behind the scenes into the studios and workshops of established and emerging creatives from across Africa and beyond. Each season I, your host Tapiwa Matsinde chats with ordinary women and men who are doing the extraordinary by turning their dreams into reality. Our conversations give you an insight into how they are building their businesses, making their mark in their industries, and sharing the lessons and experiences they have picked up along the way. Be prepared for many nodding along moments. If you are an established, new or aspiring creative business owner seeking relatable and inspiring conversation then this podcast is for you.
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Episodes
S4 Studio Lessons Season Recap
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBYou are listening to Behind the Design the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 4. I want to thank all of my guests for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. We’ve had some truly insightful conversations. And despite the uncertainty that continues to surround us at the time of recording there is a lot of hope and optimism and just getting on with things because we cannot and will not let a pandemic stop us from expressing o...
EP5 Natsai Audrey Chieza | Talking Design at the intersection of technology science, nature and society
November 12, 2020 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBThis is episode #5 where I am joined by designer Natsai Audrey Chieza. ABOUT Natsai: Natsai is a designer working at the intersection of technology science and nature and society. She is the founder of Faber Futures an R & D agency that is creating new spaces and strategies that relate to climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social structures that underpin our human survival. In our conversation, Natsai explains bio-design talking us through this exciting emerging technology and...
EP 4 Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri | Talks bringing sustainable value to the communities she works with
November 05, 2020 12:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThis is episode #4 where I am joined by object designer and academic Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri. ABOUT Pam: Pam is an award-winning accessories designer, educator, and author, with her own label called Vanhu Vamwe. Her experiences of working with artisans and feeling personally part of the problem of exploiting vulnerable communities led Pam to study a PhD where she could explore the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and how to make the process better by bringing tr...
EP 4 Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri | Talks exploring the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and bringing true sustainable value to artisanal communities
November 05, 2020 12:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThis is episode #4 where I am joined by object designer and academic Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri. ABOUT Pam: Pam is a multi-award-winning accessories designer, educator, and author, with her own label called Vanhu Vamwe. Her experiences of working with artisans and feeling personally part of the problem of exploiting vulnerable communities led Pam to study a PhD where she could explore the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and how to make the process better by bringi...
EP 3 Audrey Migot Adholla | Talking finding clarity and finding brand focus and managing a business during a global health crisis
October 29, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBThis is episode #3 where I am joined by jewellery designer Audrey Migot-Adholla. ABOUT AUDREY: Audrey is the founder of Yala Jewellery an award-winning made in Kenya jewellery brand. In our conversation we talk about the meaning of sustainable luxury, collaborating with her artisan producers across continents, managing a business during a global health crisis, her thoughts on the spotlight being shone on black creatives as a result of Black Lives Matter. We talk about: Juggling all th...
Ep 2 Tosin Oshinowo | Talking about establishing herself as an architect, managing multiple businesses, and using insecurity as a strength
October 22, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MBThis is episode #2 where I am joined by architect and product designer Tosin Oshinowo. ABOUT TOSIN: Tosin is an architect with her own architectural practice called C M Design Atelier. She is also a product designer designing furniture using local fabrics under the brand Ilé Ilà. In our conversation, we talk about establishing her name as an architect in an industry with a notoriously high barrier to entry, cultivating the confidence needed to win contracts and the business support essen...
Ep 1 Eno Jonah | Talking about sustainable luxury and her passion for artisanal heritage textiles
October 15, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 35.9 MBThis is episode #1 where I am joined by textile designer Eno Jonah. ABOUT ENO: Eno is the founder of Nzuri Textiles, a brand of exquisitely handcrafted textiles with a focus on sustainable luxury. In our conversation Eno talks about the inspiration behind her designs, what sustainable luxury means to her, preserving artisan skills, and takes us on the journey from an idea through to finished textile. We talk about: Travelling and learning from other cultures Finding also that last an...
Behind The Design Welcome to Season 4
October 08, 2020 08:30 - 2 minutes - 3.32 MBA warm welcome to Season 4 of Behind the Design. Introducing another stellar line up my guests this season come from the worlds of textiles, architecture, product, and fashion design. Not to mention delving into academia, science and technology and their influences on design practice and the future of design. Just before launching this season atelier 55 my platform behind the podcast reached a significant milestone, by marking a decade of blogging curating and writing about contemporary de...
S3 Ep 7 Studio Lessons Season Recap
July 23, 2020 11:00 - 9 minutes - 13.9 MBYou are listening to Behind the Design episode #7 the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 3. I want to thank all of my guests for taking the time to chat especially during the circumstances we currently find ourselves in to give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. They like most of us have experienced the upheaval and uncertainty of navigating their way through a pandemic and having to continually adapt as the world finds its way towards some sense of sta...
Ep 6 Mariatu Turay-Akar| Talking about using fashion to heal and empower women to be bold and the importance of telling our own stories
July 16, 2020 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBThis is episode #6 where I am joined by fashion designer and entrepreneur Mariatu Turay-Akar. ABOUT MARITAU: You are listening to episode number 6 of season 3. And joining me on the show is Mariatu Turay-Akar. Mariatu is the founder of Gitas Portal a London-based mid-luxury fashion brand that uses vibrant African wax cloth textiles to celebrate and promote cultural diversity. We talk about using fashion to inspire and empower women to be bold, how her faith helps her to stay motivated and...
Ep 5 Jomo Tariku | Talking diversity in African creativity, underrepresentation in design and being good enough to interpret our own culture
July 09, 2020 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBThis is episode #5 of season 3 Where I am joined by furniture and product designer Jomo Tariku. ABOUT JOMO: You are listening to episode number 5 of season 3. And joining me on the show is Jomo Tariku. Jomo is an Ethiopian / American artist and furniture designer. His company Jomo Furnitures creates pieces inspired by classical African design icons reinterpreting the forms for modern living. We talk about: The inspiration behind his designs and celebrating the diversity i...
Ep 4 Chrissa Amuah | Talking designing with meaning, referencing African wisdom and championing sub-Saharan African design
July 02, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBThis is episode #4 of season 3 where I am joined by textile designer Chrissa Amuah. ABOUT CHRISSA: Chrissa is a textile designer and the founder of AMWA Designs a brand of handmade textiles and print designs for the home. She is also the founder of Africa by Design a platform bringing together and creating opportunities for African designers. We talk about: Her thoughts on the future of Africa’s design, and how design can help the African continent to realign and re-navig...
Ep 3 Lani Adeoye | Talking showcasing creative heritage through a contemporary lens
June 25, 2020 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBThis is episode #3 of season 3 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Lani Adeoye. ABOUT LANI: Lani is an award-winning sculptural lighting and product designer and design strategist, and the founder of Studio Lani. We talk about: How her interest in design developed organically and going from a corporate non-creative role to studying design and founding her business Visiting design shows before she started to see what was out there and learn about design ...
Ep 2 Andile Dyalvane | Honouring your gift and carrying on the traditions of his ancestors
June 18, 2020 11:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBThis is episode #2 of season 3 where I am joined by clay healer Andile Dyalvane. ABOUT ANDILE: Andile Dyalvane is the co-founder of the Imiso a high-end brand of bespoke, conversational, and collectibles ceramics. We talk about: How his interest in clay began How culture and heritage influences his design His thoughts on the acceptance of art as a career Using clay as a way of connecting with Mother Earth, with ancestry, and his heritage The responsibility bestowed on...
Behind The Design Welcome to Season 3
June 11, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 6.76 MBWelcome to episode 1 of the third season of Behind The Design. This season I bring you more great conversation and insight into the work of amazing creative talent from across Africa and in the diaspora. As excited as I am to be welcoming you to the season it was recorded against the backdrop of the biggest seismic shifts our world has faced in recent times. I am feeling the weight of a period of fear, turmoil, uncertainty, frustration, and just plain overwhelming tiredness. My guests also...
S2 Ep 7 Studio Lessons Season Recap
February 27, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBYou are listening to Behind the Design episode #7 the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 2. It has been another inspiring season, and I thank all my guests for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. I’ve loved discovering their motivations and the challenges and rewards that come from doing what they do.
Ep 6 Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro | Creating sustainable livelihoods through the creative economy with Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro
February 20, 2020 12:00 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBThis is episode #6 where I am joined by sustainable design entrepreneur Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro. ABOUT ACHENYO: You are listening to episode number 6 of season 2. And joining me on the show is Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro. Achenyo is the founder of MitiMeth. An award-winning social enterprise based in Nigeria. Working with local communities MitiMeth takes water hyacinth, an evasive destructive weed, and upcycles it into personal and interior accessories. We talk about: Going fro...
Ep 5 Dounia Tamri-Loeper | Creating sustainable design and not being afraid of stepping into business with boldness
February 13, 2020 12:00 - 35 minutes - 64.9 MBThis is episode #5 where I am joined by lighting and product designer Dounia Tamri-Loeper. ABOUT DOUNIA: You are listening to episode number 5 of season 2. And joining me on the show is Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Dounia is the designer and founder of Dounia Home. A lighting company that is based in the US and Morocco. Dounia Home is on a mission to modernise Moroccan design reimagining the traditional techniques and craftsmanship into sophisticated collections that have sustainability at ...
Self-belief, the responsibility that comes with privilege and having the confidence to seize the opportunities
February 06, 2020 12:00 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MBThis is episode #4 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Thabisa Mjo. ABOUT THABISA: Thabisa is the designer, behind Mash.T an award-winning Johannesburg based design studio that is contributing to the continuing evolution of a home-grown contemporary South African design aesthetic. We talk about: The reasons for working for herself The challenges is access to market Appreciating the value of social capital The importance of having systems in place t...
Ep 4 Thabisa Mjo | Self-belief, the responsibility that comes with privilege and having the confidence to seize the opportunities
February 06, 2020 12:00 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MBThis is episode #4 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Thabisa Mjo. ABOUT THABISA: Thabisa is the designer, behind Mash.T an award-winning Johannesburg based design studio that is contributing to the continuing evolution of a home-grown contemporary South African design aesthetic. We talk about: The reasons for working for herself The challenges is access to market Appreciating the value of social capital The importance of having systems in place t...
Building on the legacy of the family business and nurturing the next generation
January 30, 2020 12:00 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MBThis is episode #3 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Audrey Forson. ABOUT AUDREY: Audrey is a furniture designer, and the managing director of Tekura, her family’s business in Ghana. Tekura was started by her parents and Audrey is continuing the legacy by taking the business to the next level. We talk about: Stepping in to take over the family business How interning at the business while still at school helped her to learn the different aspects of the busi...
Ep 3 Audrey Forson | Building on the legacy of the family business and nurturing the next generation
January 30, 2020 12:00 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MBThis is episode #3 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Audrey Forson. ABOUT AUDREY: Audrey is a furniture designer, and the managing director of Tekura, her family’s business in Ghana. Tekura was started by her parents and Audrey is continuing the legacy by taking the business to the next level. We talk about: Stepping in to take over the family business How interning at the business while still at school helped her to learn the different aspects of the busi...
Ep 2 Lola Ukinamemen | Having the courage to step away from your dream and start over
January 23, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 66 MBThis is episode #2 of season 2 where I am joined by fashion designer Lola Ukinamemen. ABOUT LOLA: Lola is the founder of the fashion and lifestyle brand, Agnes & Lola, a UK-based platform which pioneered the retail of African fashion to international audiences. We talk about: Spotting a gap in the market to retail African fashion How Agnes & Lola became a journey of discovery of self The naivety of starting out with passion but not doing the due diligence required to start a...
Having the courage to step away from your dream and start over
January 23, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 66 MBThis is episode #2 of season 2 where I am joined by fashion designer Lola Ukinamemen. ABOUT LOLA: Lola is the founder of the fashion and lifestyle brand, Agnes & Lola, a UK-based platform which pioneered the retail of African fashion to international audiences. We talk about: Spotting a gap in the market to retail African fashion How Agnes & Lola became a journey of discovery of self The naivety of starting out with passion but not doing the due diligence required to start a...
Behind The Design Welcome to Season 2
January 16, 2020 12:00 - 2 minutes - 4.02 MBWelcome to episode 1 of the second season of Behind The Design. This season I bring you more great conversation and insight into the work of amazing creative talent from across Africa and in the diaspora. And I must say thank you for the comments I have received so for about episodes in the first season. I am so glad to hear how much some of the conversations have resonated and inspired you. And I have passed the comments onto my guests. I hope you will find this season just as inspiring, an...
Ep 9 Studio Lessons Season Recap
October 31, 2019 12:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBYou are listening to episode #9 of Behind The Design, and this episode brings us to the end of the season. I want to thank all my guests for taking time out of their busy schedules. I had a wonderful time chatting with each of them and getting a glimpse into their different businesses. I don’t know about you but I learned so much and more importantly I came away from each interview feeling invigorated, experiencing a boost of motivation for wanting to do and be better.
Ep 8 Olubunmi Adeyemi | Culture, creativity, and creating a distinctive design identity
October 24, 2019 11:00 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MBThis is episode 8 where I am joined by product designer Olubunmi Adeyemi. ABOUT OLUBUNMI: Lagos based, Nigerian born designer, Olubunmi Adeyemi is an internationally recognized designer, interior architect and lifestyle entrepreneur, He is the founder of AFROMINIMA™ a design and lifestyle movement inspired by minimalism, and The DÅ brand. He has studied design in both London and South Africa. An alumni of the prestigious Lagos Business School, he is currently pursuing a masters at ...
Ep 7 Kwabena Oppong Boateng | A masterclass in marketing your brand beyond social media and why having your own platform matters
October 17, 2019 11:00 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBThis is episode 7 where I am joined by digital marketing expert and t-shirt brand founder Kwabena Oppong Boateng. ABOUT KWABENA: Kwabena Oppong Boateng is a dynamic communications professional with extensive social media, telecommunications and advertising experience across public, private and corporate sectors in Ghana, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He is the founder of Kayobi clothing, and Nkanee, a 21st century strategy consultancy based Accra, Ghana that specialises in innova...
Ep 6 Akosua Afriyie-Kumi - Tracing the journey of turning an idea into a globally stocked ethical fashion brand
October 10, 2019 11:00 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MBThis is episode 6 where I am joined by fashion accessories designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi. ABOUT AKOSUA: You are listening to episode #6. And joining me on the show is Akosua Afriyie-Kumi the founder of A A K S, a fashion accessories brand that tells an exciting story of Ghana, and offers a different perspective of Africa as a whole. A A K S’s raffia bags are handmade by a women’s cooperative in Northern Ghana, and uses ethical processes inspired by old-age craft traditions. Through...
Ep 6 Akosua Afriyie-Kumi | Tracing the journey of turning an idea into a globally stocked ethical fashion brand
October 10, 2019 11:00 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MBThis is episode 6 where I am joined by fashion accessories designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi. ABOUT AKOSUA: You are listening to episode #6. And joining me on the show is Akosua Afriyie-Kumi the founder of A A K S, a fashion accessories brand that tells an exciting story of Ghana, and offers a different perspective of Africa as a whole. A A K S’s raffia bags are handmade by a women’s cooperative in Northern Ghana, and uses ethical processes inspired by old-age craft traditions. Through...
Ep 5 Eva Sonaike | Reflecting on 10 years and what it takes to build a luxury African textiles brand
October 03, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MBThis is episode 5 where I am joined by textile designer Eva Sonaike. ABOUT EVA: Eva Sonaike is the founder of Eva Sonaike, a London-based interiors and lifestyle brand creating luxurious textiles and home décor products. Eva, who was born and raised in Germany and is of Nigerian heritage, has taken the best elements of these two cultures to inspire her work. The result being designs that bring the vibrancy of African colours and aesthetics to the luxury home décor and accessories m...
Ep 4 Farai Madzima | Designing user experiences with customers in mind, overcoming setbacks, and tech in Africa
September 26, 2019 11:00 - 44 minutes - 60.7 MBThis is episode 4 where I am joined by user interaction designer and tech conference organiser Farai Madzima. ABOUT FARAI: Farai Madzima is a UX Lead at Shopify in Ottawa, Canada. Born in Zimbabwe, Farai has spent the last 14 years helping to design and build products and teams in the UK, South Africa and Canada. He is the organiser of Pixel Up!, a series of UX and design conferences and meetups in South Africa created to connect designers and developers in Africa with their peers aro...
Ep 3 Edith Tialeu | Talking self-belief, taking a leap of faith and moving continents to start an artisan-led business
September 19, 2019 11:00 - 30 minutes - 17.6 MBThis is episode 3 where I am joined by textile and product designer Edith Tialeu. ABOUT EDITH: Edith Tialeu is on a mission to share the rich craft heritage of her home country, Cameroon and the wider continent with the world through her brand Frida 54, which produces collections of woven textiles and lifestyle accessories such ceramics handcrafted in collaboration with the local artisans she seeks out, many of whom are women. Through her brand, Edith seeks to define a new African ...
Ep 2 Siyanda Mbele | Talking design, manufacturing, and facing up to the realities of building a business when you have no Plan B
September 12, 2019 11:00 - 45 minutes - 62 MBThis is episode 2 where I am joined by interior and furniture designer Siyanda Mbele. ABOUT SIYANDA: Siyanda Mbele is the founder of Pinda Design, the design studio he set up in his hometown of Durban, South Africa. He designs and manufactures hand-painted furniture inspired by South Africa’s diverse cultures. We talk about: The financial implications of starting design business - finding funding and getting support from family to support his dream The costs of manufacturin...
Introducing Behind The Design
September 05, 2019 15:41 - 3 minutes - 5.16 MBThis is episode 1 and a warm welcome to the Behind The Design podcast, hosted by me, Tapiwa Matsinde. Starting a podcast that shares the stories of designers and creatives from across Africa and in the diaspora has been a dream of my mine for a while, and having finally taken the steps to do so I am delighted to introduce you to the first season. In this episode I share: A bit about myself, as the voice behind the Podcast; The work I do in supporting the African design industry thr...