Meet the founder: Natalie Manima by Bespoke Binny

It is the brain behind some of the most beautiful traditional African wax pressure patterns and transforms everyday household goods into colorful, bright colors to celebrate the Black History Month now and forever. She awarded the YogAmatt Essentials her handwriting and transformed our original yoga matt neck rolls into powerful must-havees for her home.

"When we met Natalie for the first time, we knew immediately that we wanted to work together. We love how Natalie combined her passion for household goods with her African heritage. The idea for this African Print collection was a while, and it was important to respect our values ​​and be both respectful and authentic than we had this project. Much more developed, to celebrate the inheritance, the support of women and a way to spread joy with these colorful African prints, ”says Yogamatter's Managing Director and CEO Twanna Doherty.

That is why we present the yogamatt x Binny Collection without further delay: four new yoga and mediation cushions in a limited edition in Africa print. We also sit down with Natalie to learn more about her Inspiration how it is to conduct a company and what drives it.

What does creativity mean for 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 am inspired by creating things that I would like to exist, to combine things that are usually not believed that they fit together.

Where do you live at the moment? How did that change across the pandemic, if at all? What does your city offer you as a maker? Are there other places in the world that inspire you, why?

"I live in North London and have always-apart from my university time. I love the vitality and multiculturalism of London. You can meet people from all over the world and get to know parts of their culture and that is a constant source of inspiration for me. I think it is the combination of my African heritage and my western education that my brand (and me) makes what it is."

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

"I happened to come to the manufacturing industry! I learned to produce household goods with African textiles as a hobby, I would not have thought that I would ever sell or do what I would do now. So I have never had a job in the industry. My first job was at Waitrose! I worked there as a Saturday job while I did my Abitur."

Why is it important for consumers to continue looking for careful and integrative brands? What can you do to support you further?

"It is important to look for these things, because the brands that are least visible have to offer most of them, but are usually not even seen as a shopping in the minds of people. I completely understand how it happens, the larger brands have the money and know-how to scream the loudest and attract our attention, especially from minority groups, I think that people can continue to look for companies that they would normally not come across.

Why is careful and sustainable production important?

"I think we live in a pretty disposable culture and I think it is something really important to take time to pause and to take care of how we consume and how we do it that is no longer suitable (wasting consumption)."

end these sentences: "Always ..." and "never ..."

"Always - trust your gut feeling. Never - be too strict with yourself."

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

"I think yoga is the perfect combination of movement, but also relaxation. My favorite yoga pose is the sun salutation. I love how it moves as many parts of your body while you take care of how you breathe."

Favorite product (e) of Yogamatt? Why?

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

What is your work uniform? What do you wear if you are not at work?

"It is not very glamorous! Usually leggings and a T-shirt or sweater. I like it when I work to be super comfortable so that I can concentrate on the upcoming tasks. If I am not at work, I still wear pretty casual, mostly jeans and a sweater or a nice, flowing dress."

What gives you energy and keeps you charging?

"I'm still looking for an answer! I feel pretty tired at the moment, I think I have to start again with a good training routine."

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

"My current favorite podcast is Steven Bartlett's diary of a CEO. He seems to be able to have a much deeper conversation with branded owners that I have never heard before, and I love how vulnerable people deal with him. My favorite book has recently been Company of one of Paul Jarvis."