Zhané Padmore is a multi-talented Barbadian entrepreneur, who excels in pretty much everything she attempts.

At the age of four, she started taking dancing and swimming classes, and by 11, she had qualified for the national swim team while passing Royal Academy of Dance exams in ballet and jazz.

As a teenager, she entered local and regional pageant competitions and won several titles, including Miss Easterval in 2012 and Miss Holetown in 2014.

In January 2016, after graduating from university, Zhané (pronounced Jah-nay) added business owner to her list of achievements with the launch of her accessories brand ‘Cultured by Zhané’.

Yello asked Zhané to share her fascinating story.

Describe yourself using three words. 

Enthusiastic. Energetic. Meticulous.

Please tell us a bit about your background.

I grew up in St James with both my parents.

I went to Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School, where I learned how to juggle school and extracurricular activities. I was always a very active girl.

I started dancing and swimming from the age of four and was involved in Blossoms and Brownies, which exposed me to many experiences in those developmental years.

I was a well-rounded student. Most years, I was top of my class in academics, and I became deputy head girl in Class 4.

I went on to Harrison College for secondary school. At the age of 11, I started to represent Barbados in swimming while continuing my training as a Royal Academy of Dance ballet student. There were many sacrifices that had to be made, as I had an extremely tight schedule with many responsibilities.

My daily schedule consisted of waking up at 4.45am to train at the Aquatic Centre from 5.30am-7am; then school from 8.30am-3pm; ballet and jazz class after school; back to the Aquatic Centre to train again in the evening; then home for dinner and homework.

My free time was very limited, however, I will never regret the discipline that I learned as a result.

After sixth form at Harrison College, I went to the University of the West Indies, where I studied management with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

Were you always a creative person? 

Yes, I was. My mum is very creative and very good with her hands, and I believe I mainly got it from her.

From a young age I was very interested in the arts whether performing arts or visual arts at school, although I never pursued visual arts because I never quite mastered how to draw (lol).

I definitely enjoyed creating. Most of my Christmas gifts from my family were jewellery and craft kits, and I absolutely took any opportunity to dance.

What were your initial career plans?

My initial career plan was actually to be an events manager because I enjoyed seeing the process of an event move from idea to execution. Being involved in dance shows and pageants gave me an insight into logistics and what goes on behind the scenes. I really was intrigued by it at the time.

Why / when did you start making fashion accessories? 

I started making accessories because I am a lover of fashion and statement pieces. I really believe that they complement the beauty of an individual. Yes, you have to wear clothing, but how you accessorise your outfit brings out an individual’s unique style.

I love wearing and experimenting with bright colours, prints, and bold statement pieces.

What was the first piece you made? 

A chunky five-strand neckpiece which I wore to a rally event. I paired it with jean shorts and a white tank top. It was my very first attempt, with the help of my mum, who had taught me how to sew.

Tell us how your business ‘Cultured by Zhané’ got started.

Cultured by Zhané started as a true trial and error in 2016. At the time, I was fresh out of university and had no job.

Prior to the first neckpiece that I made, I had no experience in sewing, I would just watch my mum create garments in her free time. She taught me how to sew, and my first piece was created. When I wore that piece and took photos, I received several compliments, as well as requests to recreate similar ones for admirers.

I then decided to take this endeavour more seriously, registered the business, and since then, I’ve been creating statement handmade pieces incorporating various African and Caribbean-inspired prints that are carefully made to suit each client’s personal style.

We currently offer not only neckpieces but also earrings, belts, headbands and bracelets.

What was the biggest challenge you faced starting the business? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was having to do it all. I was the designer and creative director. I was producing the pieces, handling administrative tasks, sales, customer service and any other tasks that came up because it was just me!

I realised then how important having a team and asking for help is! That is one thing I would recommend to anyone starting a business; have a team ready who can really help you to get going on what needs to be done.

Who are your clients? How do they find you? 

Our clients are mainly women who are not afraid to be outstanding. They are bold, adventurous, sophisticated and love to feel great about themselves. Most of them find us via our social media on Instagram or Facebook or through word of mouth.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs? 

African and Caribbean fashion and cultural influences. As Caribbean people, we are very rich in culture, and that is seen through the way we dress, interact, and ultimately live.

Our style is very colourful and bold, and I love to incorporate that in the designs to truly integrate the vibrance of who we are as people.

What is Cultured by Zhané’s unique selling point?

Being able to offer pieces that are one-of-a-kind, so you’ll rarely see someone in the same piece. This gives our customers a sense of exclusivity.

What do you love about being a small business owner?

I love that it is something that was created from the ground up. It really is my baby! It’s like giving birth to an idea and nourishing it until it takes on a life of its own.

With every milestone the business reaches, or even the challenges it may face, it gives me an opportunity to create solutions and constantly keep improving and growing.

I also love knowing that the business has the ability to impact the lives of many through empowerment and community building.

How do you hope to develop the business over the next five years? 

I am looking forward to having the brand retailed in stores across the Caribbean. I really want to make Cultured By Zhané an international brand in the next five years.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

If you have an idea, just start! Do your research, perfect your skill, find out who will need your product/service and create your brand around that.

Be authentic with your offering so that on days where you do not feel like showing up, it is genuinely something you are passionate about because that propels you to want to be there for your business.

I’d also advise any aspiring entrepreneur to ensure they have the right people around them. A tribe that is committed to growth, challenges them constantly to be better every single day, and is able to motivate them on the journey, because it is not as glamorous as it appears, and you will need that support.

What are three things you like the most about Barbados? 

1. The people. We are generally very warm and amiable, always willing to lend a helping hand or give directions!

2. Our beaches. I love that even if you are in the middle of the island, a beach is never too far away. You can simply take a drive and escape from it all.

3. We can boast of being the birthplace of rum. I feel honoured to be from the home that invented rum that is recognised internationally.

What is your philosophy / approach in life? 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

Please tell us something only a few people know about you.

I was known as the ‘Minister of Social Affairs’ when I was on the Barbados Swim Team because I really was that swimmer who networked and made friends with other swimmers from other Caribbean islands.

—

You can find Cultured By Zhané’s accessories via these channels:

IG: @culturedbyzhane

FB: Cultured by Zhané

Email: [email protected]