We originally interviewed Aline as part of our female creator spotlight in the Spring edition of our Little Black Book, in honour of Women’s History Month
Working a full-time job was no obstacle when creator Aline decided to create an African prints kidswear line in 2018. Handcrafting her children’s pieces in her spare time with fabrics sourced from across the African continent, she has plenty of reasons to stay motivated. Aline lets us in on ALINES HANDMADE in this quick-fire interview.
Describe the inspiration behind your 2022 collection.
Based on the fabric I have resourced from Malawi and Tanzania and as we are approaching brighter days, creating dresses for my SS22 collection was the first thought in my mind. The fabric has bright colours and a beautiful pattern, which is a perfect look for a summer dress.
What’s your design process?
Creating a garment or the initial design always starts with research. I would normally go back to see what I’ve previously created and find the most popular garment for the season and decide if I should re-create the look or start a brand-new one. I also have to consider how much time this practical garment will take, in order to find a sustainable balance due to my full-time career. Once I’ve decided on the look, I will then start sewing and arrange fitting (mainly on my daughter or through a model callout).
This can take up to weeks or even months. The fabric I’m using is all handpicked from either Ghana, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi or Tanzania by my friends and family. Being a sustainable brand with all resources from Africa takes more time but has better value and quality.
How do you balance ALINES HANDMADE with working full-time at Great Ormond Street Hospital?
I have been working for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital for 7 years and started ALINES HANDMADE in 2018. Finding a balance has been a huge challenge for me; what has kept me going is my customers, being able to be creative, and the excitement of running a business. I would finish a 10-hour shift then go home to complete an outstanding order and start sewing. I luckily don’t work weekends at the hospital so I would use my weekends to attend events, photoshoots, or sewing.
What’s been your best customer review?
My best customer review is from my Etsy store: “I’ve ordered from Aline quite few times already, and each time the item is always great in terms of fashion and quality! The delivery is always quick, and I love the personal touches she adds to your delivery, whether it’s the glitter she adds to the boxes or the stickers! The packaging is all recyclable as well, which is another plus. Aline provides great quality products and is such wonderful person in general!”
When running a business gets challenging, how do you stay motivated?
Firstly, I remind myself to have a break. My children always keep me motivated and are always willing to help and ask questions about my business. Both my children are involved in my business as models, bouncing ideas, helping to set up for events, or in charge of the camera. Everything I do is for them, and they are my biggest motivation when things get tough.
In honour of Women’s History Month, what women in your life inspires you and why?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She taught me to always believe in myself and follow my heart which has led me to become an amazing mother like her, a successful businesswoman and extremely career-driven.
Candice Brathwaite is the newest inspirational woman I’ve discovered. Her glamour and taste in fashion is amazing! From handbags to coats and jewellery, it’s all very bold and colourful. She also speaks about previous trauma and the importance of working on your self, which I totally agree with and try to accomplish myself.
What has been your biggest success so far?
My biggest success has been my whole journey, from winning Best Garment Concept on my first ever fashion show to launching eight collections and working on my ninth. And I have so much more to create! My success continues and I can’t wait for more to come.