The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, they say.
That certainly rings true for Myesha Kabisoso, a nine-year-old dynamo, who is making waves as a burgeoning fashion designer, under the nurturing wings of her family, particularly her dad in whose footsteps she follows.
In an exclusive interview, Myesha and her father, Serge Kabisoso, share their journey, passions, and the vital role of parental support in nurturing a child's talents.
From her earliest years, Myesha's fascination with fashion was evident. "I wanted to become a model and designer like my parents," she recalls with a gleam in her eye.
Encouraged by her grandmother, Myesha embarked on her design journey last year, initially feeling the weight of uncertainty with her first piece. However, armed with determination and familial support, she dove headfirst into the creative process.
Her second collection that was showcased at the Fashion Without Borders exhibition was a testament to her rare talent.
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Drawing inspiration from a fusion of tennis aesthetics and traditional prints, Myesha's designs exuded youthful vibrancy and cultural resonance.
"I just had the idea in my head, and then I sketched it out," she shares, her passion palpable in every word.
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Despite being in fourth grade, Myesha's dedication to her craft knows no bounds. "They encourage me every step of the way," she beams, speaking of her family's unwavering support. "I feel very grateful to have them by my side."
As the founder of Fashion Without Borders, Serge Kabisoso has dedicated himself to nurturing emerging talents and breaking down industry barriers.
"Fashion Without Borders is a movement that started in 2014 in the Vaal," he explains, emphasizing its mission to provide a platform for underrepresented voices in fashion.
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For Serge, seeing his daughter follow in his footsteps is a source of immense pride.
"She grew up in a family of designers and models," he reflects, highlighting Myesha's innate creativity. Her unique style, showcased in her collections, reflects a youthful exuberance and a fearless approach to colour and design.
Serge's philosophy of allowing his children to forge their paths rings true in Myesha's journey. "I want my kids to discover their own passions," he asserts, underscoring the importance of parental guidance without stifling individuality.
Reflecting on Myesha's latest collection, Serge marvels at her evolution as a designer.
"My daughter doesn’t really like a lot of color, and she portrayed her style in this collection, which is very simple and classy," he observes, his pride evident.
The story of Myesha Kabisoso serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of parental support and encouragement. In a world where societal norms often dictate paths, nurturing a child's passions can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Fashion Without Borders, with its ethos of inclusivity and diversity, continues to be a beacon of hope for aspiring talents like Myesha. Through platforms like these and unwavering familial support, young minds are empowered to dream, create, and redefine boundaries.
