Kimora Lee Simmons said you should always dress like you are going to see your worst enemy. Krystal-Bella Shabani is one not to be left behind. This young leader is taking Burundi by fashion storm. When I met her, I was not disappointed. Her African head gear and clothes matched her poise, obvious elegance and sophistication.
In primary school, her grades were very low and the pressure to do a bit better came from all angles. She drove all her frustrations in to beading and garment sketching.
At 19, all I wanted was to join fashion school but the options were few in Africa. I settled for a BA with the option of marketing at the International Leadership University.
She started making jewellery in campus under an entrepreneurship unit. Her first line of jewellery cost her under a dollar then sold out. With the help of her professor, she saw a need in the market for African themed jewellery. Krystal-Bella then put her profits back in to her business.
She saved money with the vision of expanding her business in to East and Central Africa. Krystal-Bella was continually invited to fashion shows in different African countries.
In 2014, I was invited to Origin Africa which celebrates spirit, style and innovation of modern Africa that was held in Kenya. It was an honor receiving my certificate from the then first lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta. My social enterprise, Krystal Brand involves teaching youth and women to earn a living through making jewellery and clothes in partnership with Cooperatives. We work on their business models and have so far positively impacted tens of lives both in rural and semi-urban areas. We have a partnership with some organizations in France and in Burundi where we export the products. We have an online site too.
Krystal-Bella is a motivational speaker which she does in various universities and schools. She has reached hundreds of youth through her talks.
Krystal is a Mandela Washington 2016 fellow and YALI RLC 2017 alumna. She confesses exposure both regionally and internationally has changed her life and made her better as a young African leader.
This young leader is working on continuing her studies by pursuing a Masters in International Business/ Supply Chain Management. This year, her enterprise is working on expanding the business in more areas of France, Burundi and in to other countries.
I always encourage young Africans to never give up. Pursue your passion and especially those pursuing the arts. Africa is just beginning to embrace the arts. Be part of the change. It is important to know who you are and what your vision is. If you have the desire, you can create anything you want.
Her vision in the next 10 years is to be one of the top ten African designers. To inspire thousands of African youth and women through her organization and to promote African designs and cultures.
I like to call myself the African Naturalista from hair to food. (Laughs).
We wish you the very best Krystal-Bella. Keep representing dynamic African cultures and impacting lives while at it. After all,
Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.” -Jean Cocteau.
