Sylvia’s childhood pastime of crafting dolls from clay, intricately plaiting their hair, and making their dresses from yarn laid the groundwork for her future endeavours. In 2018, Sylvia established Omina Otsieno, initially focusing on clothing and yarn jewellery before pivoting to banana fibre jewellery in 2021.
Sylvia’s academic pursuits reflect her commitment to community development and social progress. She pursued studies in Community Development and Social Work before transitioning to the field of fashion.
Her dedication to empowering marginalized youth became evident during her tenure as an intern at the World Youth Alliance, where she spearheaded a transformative jewelry training initiative.
This pioneering project aimed to address developmental challenges and alleviate poverty in underserved informal settlements by equipping youth with entrepreneurial skills. Witnessing the profound impact of this endeavour solidified Sylvia’s resolve to pursue further education in fashion, specializing in garment construction and pattern making.
Before you read, check out part one and part two of this interview.
What is the African Country That You Want to Visit This Year?
South Africa.
Why South Africa?
Because I think they are very rich in culture and those are things that are very close to my heart. And Nigeria too.
What is the Most Underrated Kenyan Food?
Omena. Do you know what omena is? Small fish. But it also depends which community one comes from. So I come from the Western part of Kenya, the Luhya, the Marachi. And the thing that people from my community underrate, I think, is termites. I believe it’s a great delicacy, especially amongst our parents and grandparents. But these days finding a Kenyan of my generation eating that kind of food. They would look at you like, what’s that you’re eating?
How Do You Look After Yourself in Your Free Time?
Sleep is very important to me. That’s how I look after myself. And then I watch movies or listen to music. Visiting my friends, being out and having fun. I put my work aside and do things that help me feel okay.
What Has Been the Most Humbling Moment in Your Journey as an Entrepreneur?
When I started off this business, this banana fiber. I never thought I’d be where I am today. Because people used to wonder how and going to sell that to, you know, like it’s fiber. To them, it’s not something valuable.
And it hurts me when it comes from friends as well. So when something comes from your friend, it kind of shatters you. You’re like, this is not gonna do well. But because of my passion, I kept going. I kept going.
And slowly by slowly, I gained that visibility. And in that moment, you start getting the right clients for your product. So had I given up based on what friends were telling me, I would not be here.
I must say I’ve achieved a lot with this business. I’ve been mentioned in very high level platforms. I have traveled because of this product. So it gives me the strength to keep going and getting better.
To young people who might want to give up. Sometimes we listen to advice from people, but how determined are you? How passionate are you about your product or whatever it is you’re doing? Don’t let one no or two no’s or whatever stop you. Don’t let anything distract you. If you believe in your product or whatever it is you’re doing, go for it.
What’s One Thing That You Would Like People to Know About You?
(Laghs) I’m a very serious woman. I’m a very fair person in all aspects of my life. I hate injustices. It doesn’t matter how big or small they are. I just like to live a peaceful life, a peaceful coexistence with people. Like I just wish that the world could be such a peaceful place for everyone. No quarrels, no fighting, no wars. I don’t like injustices.
Thank you so much for your time. And I really appreciate you for creating time and equally for reaching out to us. Watch the interview here.
