The Pillow Chick

Julia Martins-Ndeilenga made her mark on the lifestyle sector when she launched her first pillow collection a few months ago.

Titled ‘Uri’, which means ‘light’ in Hebrew, the Pillow Chick collection was launched during winter and attracted much attention, not only because it was made locally but because of the use of unconventional materials such as fur and leather.

Martins-Ndeilenga says she was naturally attracted to using fur because of the cold season, saying the fabric always makes everything look warmer and more elegant. She then opted for leather, because she says it pairs perfectly with fur.

She refers to her first collection as her first love and when she discovered her talent in the design industry. The 27-year-old says she didn’t expect the collection to sell as well as it did.

“It was simply samples I tried out and surprisingly, they all sold out in the first two weeks after posting them on social media. This gave me more courage as I realised there is a market for it.”

Her new collection, ‘Lillie’, is named after her favourite flower and uses a lighter colour palette.

This collection is very different from her previous one, and makes use of a variety of fabrics such as silk, linen and polycotton.

“I have also added more colours with patterns. These were suggestions from clients,” says the Walvis Bay-born entrepreneur.

Martins-Ndeilenga reflects on the idea to start making pillows, which she says came to her around mid-July. She admits that while growing up, making pillows was never something that she thought she would do.

“One night I was lying on my bed and the idea of making pillows suddenly crossed my mind. For years, I thought of adding some great pillows to my bed, but I was thinking of buying them from home decor shops. I had been contemplating this for a very long time until the day came when I decided to make my own. The next day, I brought fabric and started on my first collection,” she said.

Martins-Ndeilenga said her sudden interest in pillow-making was not a huge surprise as she has long had a passion for decor.

“I grew up around my father who loves decorating things around the house, so I strongly believe I got this love from him,” she says.

The self-taught designer said she learnt how to make pillows from her younger sister, Rauna Ndeilenga. “She is a seamstress for over four years now and I have always watched her design and make clothes. I basically learnt most of my tricks from her. At first it seemed difficult to operate the machine, especially putting on the zip, until I personally worked on it,” she says.

She believes one of the biggest challenges she has encountered so far is finding the right material. While working on both collections, she had difficulty finding the materials she really wanted to work with.

“Most of the fabric has to be ordered from outside the country. There is also the struggle that you don’t find the colours you actually wanted to use, but there are always alternatives.”

Speaking about expanding her business, Martins-Ndeilenga says she has plans to introduce bed sheets and curtains.

“Always follow your passion and it will lead you to your purpose. Opportunities are all around you, grab them by the horns and make it beautiful. Also always surround yourself with positive people, because with that you will always have a positive mindset.”

Look out for the launch of the ‘Lillie’ collection at Kasi Vibe volume seven, to be held at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek from 4 to 6 October.

“I can’t wait for this, but I am also anxious. Honestly, I don’t know what to expect, as it is my first big marketing opportunity, but for such an opportunity I can only be grateful,” she says.

Follow @PillowChick on Instagram.

– @rineldamouton on social media

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