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Sharon Wendo creates the kind of jewellery that not only makes your outfit, it is your outfit. Her standout designs for her brand Epica are an expression of Kenya’s craftsmanship and contemporary creativity and range from full body pieces and feathered chokers to face veils. As Sharon gets ready to expand internationally, here’s what she had to say about her story so far.
in conversation With Epica Jewellery
Words by Devika Jina
How did you originally get into jewellery design?
Sharon: I’ve always loved fashion but I didn’t think it would be a career for me and was working as a school receptionist. Then in 2015 I was selected for the World Bank’s Kenya Youth Empowerment Project, through which I learned about beading by working on Maasai belts and bracelets. I have to say, my work was initially very basic, and it would take me the whole day to make a simple necklace which I’d sell for just $3 at the market. However, as I got better, I thought, ‘Could I start something by myself?’
You’re planning to present your work during London Fashion Week. How does it feel?
Sharon: It’s still really surreal! This is the kind of thing that I’ve dreamt about but never actually believed would happen. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever imagined. London Fashion Week would be a great opporunity for me to break through to the UK by presenting designs that say, ‘Yes, it’s African, and yes, you can rock it.’ I’m picking the pieces that best tell the story of my brand and give people an opportunity to see Kenya in a different light.
What misconceptions about your country do you hope to change with Epica?
Sharon: Fashion is a great space to demystify a country or a culture. People have this preconceived perception of Kenya and our fashion because they think of the land Wakanda from Black Panther. The film was ground-breaking but Kenyan fashion is so much more than a trend. What you see in my work and that of other emerging designers here is a representation of what we wear every day.
“Fashion is a great space to demystify a country or a culture”
— Sharon Wendo
Any thoughts on the other designers taking part in CDNA?
Sharon: All of us are different and each of us show what Kenyan creatives can do. One that sticks in my mind is Enda by Navalayo Osembo, who has built something really cool. She knows that Kenya is well known for its long-distance runners, so she’s filling up a previously blank space in the global market with Kenyan-designed running shoes. Taking ownership of that narrative is very powerful.
Music can often stimulate creativity. What are you listening to at the moment?
Sharon: Oh, there’s so much! Beyoncé’s Lemonade album is one of my favourites, especially the track ‘All Night’, which is beautiful and poetic. Other than that, I’ve had Sauti Sol’s ‘Midnight Train’ on repeat too - the beat is incredible.
What’s next for Epica?
Sharon: I want to see my work at all of the fashion weeks! I want to understand the international market so I can do the best job of taking my work and Kenyan design to it. I also want to encourage other African designers. There’s this idea that you can’t monetise fashion, so how could it be a career? But I want to show them that they can make it. They need to always learn and improve, working hard to develop the business skills to get there, but they absolutely can.
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Devika Jina has authored two titles in Puffin's "Extraordinary Lives" series. Beyond this, she focuses on race, gender, and identity in modern Britain from the perspective of a British Indian born to immigrant parents from Africa. Devika is a Communications Manager for an environmental non-profit, where she takes full advantage of her love of writing and storytelling.
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