JAY SHARES HIS JOURNEY AS A DESIGNER SINCE AGE 10!

Jacob Karabo Monama, a maverick fashion designer from South Africa asserts that fashion is all about passion.

Fashion is the outer look of what existed in the designer’s wits. Here is a 411 of how Jay climbed that ladder.

Tell us abit about yourself

I am Jacob Karabo Monama Also Known As Jay and I was born and raised In a small village called Makapanstad (Pretoria, South Africa) by a grandmother because I lost both parents at an young Age, am an upcoming self taught fashion designer \ Artist – generally am a lover of creativity,

When did your passion for designing come about?

It started when I was still at My early ages (10) ,I always wanted to be unique when it comes to dressing and after my matrix I was forced by my family to study Financial management at Tshwane North College and that’s where I met different characters\Artists that made come to question myself about my talent,that’s when I started making “Vynal” Bags and I ended up falling in love with the process I even lost focus on my school work to focus more on improving my skills and It worked for me because the passion grew everyday until I was able to make my own clothes ,
Even today the passion is still growing and fashion is the only that moves me and make me feel alive,
And even today after 5years the passion is still growing stronger everyday.

Tell us briefly about fashion in South Africa

SA’s fashion Industry is big and strong, somehow difficult to break into it,with People like David Tlale ,Gert and other Big fishes in it ,it grows everyday which makes it even more interesting and worthy to focus on,In short I can say it’s Up and Running, a busy One.

What’s one thing about designing that people don’t know?

The Process of coming up with something new, people think it takes hours or a day to be creative but it actually takes more than that. The other thing is choosing the perfect material for the design which I can say it’s one of difficulties we face especially when You don’t have a reliable supplier.

If you were to change something about fashion in SA what would it be?

Honestly I Don’t see anything wrong so far so I wouldn’t change but I would add to it’s style and platforms to showcase especially for the upcoming ones.

What motivates you to do what you do?

My family’s backround, Passion and the ones that did it before me,
I have to say the challenges I meet makes me even strong because I take them as adventures which I enjoy.

Apart from designing what else do you do?

I do crafts , Upholstery , Music and photography. Growing up, I was into acting so I participated at local stage dramas which I don’t have time to do know because of Fashion Business.

What is your biggest plan this year?

Collaborating with other designers\artists which I think will help me grow, and lastly Launching and opening a store for my Brand.

If you had one message to your ex, what would it be?

I hope You’re happy in your current relationship.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Step out of your comfort zone You’ll finally see the beauty of life and Never limit yourself.

People think it takes hours or a day to be creative but it actually takes more than that.

Follow Jay on Instagram and Facebook @ Jay Karabo Monama
for bookings and orders Jaycobkarabo@gmail.com or DM in his Instagram or facebook