Meet the Founder: Natalie Manima of Bespoke Binny

She is the brains behind some of the most beautiful traditional African wax print patterns, transforming everyday homewares into colorful, vibrant colors to celebrate Black History Month now and forever. She has given the Yogamatters Essentials her signature and transformed our original Yogamatters bolsters into powerful must-haves for your home.

"When we first met Natalie, we immediately knew we wanted to work together. We love how Natalie combines her passion for homewares with her African heritage. The idea for this African Print collection has been in the making for a while, and it was important to respect our values ​​and be both respectful and authentic when bringing this series to life. This project has evolved into something much more “a celebration of heritage, support of women and a way to spread joy with these colorful African prints,” says Yogamatters Managing Director and CEO Twanna Doherty.

That's why, without further delay, we introduce you to the Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny Collection: four new limited edition yoga and mediation pillows in an African print. We also sit down with Natalie to learn more about her inspiration, what it's like to run a business and what drives her.

What does creativity mean to you? How do you define it? What inspires you to be creative?

Creativity can mean so many things and for me it is what I do, it is the creativity of thinking and everything in between. I'm inspired by creating things that I wish existed, combining things that you wouldn't normally think go together.

Where do you live at the moment? How has this changed over the pandemic, if at all? What does your city offer you as a doer? Are there other places in the world that inspire you, why?

"I live in North London and always have - apart from my university days. I love the vibrancy and multiculturalism of London. You can meet people from all over the world and learn about parts of their culture and that is a constant source of inspiration for me. I think it's the combination of my African heritage and my western upbringing that makes my brand (and me) what it is."

Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny – Twanna Doherty and Natalie Manima

How did you get into this industry? What was your first job?

"I got into the manufacturing industry by accident! I learned to make homewares with African textiles as a hobby, I didn't think I would ever sell them or do what I'm doing now. So I've never had a job in the industry before. My first job was at Waitrose! I worked there as a Saturday job while I did my A levels."

Why is it important for consumers to continue to seek out mindful and inclusive brands? What can you do to further support them?

"It's important to look out for these things because the brands that are least visible often have the most to offer, but are usually not even considered a place to shop in people's minds. I completely understand how it happens, the bigger brands have the money and the know-how to shout the loudest and get our attention, while the smaller brands, especially those from minority groups, don't even look in. I I think one way people can further support is to go out of their way to look for companies they wouldn't normally come across. There are platforms like Jamii and Black Pound Day that help people find Black-owned businesses, and there are also places like Etsy that are dedicated to small and handmade businesses. There is so much that can be found if we are open to looking for it.”

Why is mindful and sustainable production important?

"I think we live in quite a throwaway culture and I think there's something really important about taking time to pause and look at how we consume and how we do it that doesn't lend itself to further (wasteful consumption) culture."

Finish these sentences: “Always…” and “Never…”

"Always - trust your gut. Never - be too hard on yourself."

What does yoga mean to you? What is your favorite pose? What are your other favorite ways to exercise or exercise alone or with family/friends?

"I think yoga is the perfect combination of exercise but also relaxation. My favorite yoga pose is sun salutation. I love how it moves so many parts of your body while paying attention to how you breathe."

Favorite Yogamatters product(s)? Why?

"Of course the Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny pads, and really all Yogamatters pads. They are what I love most - the perfect combination of practical, functional and beautiful."

What is your work uniform? What do you wear when you're not at work?

"It's not very glamorous! Usually leggings and a t-shirt or sweater. I like to be super comfortable when I'm working so I can focus on the task at hand. When I'm not at work I'm still pretty casual, usually jeans and a sweater or a nice flowy dress."

What gives you energy and keeps you recharged?

"I'm still looking for an answer to that! I'm feeling pretty tired at the moment, I think I need to get back into a good workout routine."

Favorite movie, book, app, podcast, game at the moment? You can list one or more!

"My favorite podcast at the moment is Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO. He seems to be able to have a much deeper conversation with brand owners that I've never heard before, and I love how vulnerable people are with him. My favorite book lately has been Company of One by Paul Jarvis."