Fashion and accessories designer Elzane Ludeke founded leather handbag brand, Amâna, in 2018.
The Namibian company produces quality genuine leather handbags and wallets on a large scale and distributes throughout southern Africa.
Ludeke honed her skills at a leather handbag manufacturing company in South Africa, and later came to assist a company in setting up a leather handbag manufacturing plant in Namibia.
“I brought the skills set back to Namibia and taught local people how to use the right machinery, and that’s when I decided that I want my own business. So, I started Amâna,” she told VIBEZ!
Amâna is a Khoe-Khoegowab phrase, which means truthful.
“It is around the whole concept of being true to yourself. This is a product aimed at everyone, not just models or the fashion industry,” explained Ludeke.
Her products are sold online.
On her experience thus far in the industry, he said it has been a “wild rollercoaster”, adding that it is difficult to penetrate the local market, that’s why she has opted to export.
“What we have to do is make sure we reach the intended people and raise awareness about the Namibian fashion industry through such products and talent, especially those that are not seen.”
Ludeke further said one has to empower themselves as a designer and that means, getting proper training.
She is consistently trying to improve and expand the manufacturing of clothing, textiles and leather goods in Namibia, hence offers provides workshops on how to make handbags.
The designer advised aspirant manufactures to not stop trying, saying “there will be a lot of downfalls to starting your business but don’t forget that every failure teaches you something, so go right ahead and start”.
Amâna’s 2022 range consists of a range of elegant handbags and wallets which are inspired by shades and textures seen in nature, combined with elements of urban life.
Blending both functionality and fashion, this range brings effortless elegance to your lifestyle.
Visit them on www. amana.design.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na