What inspired the creation of your brand ten years ago? Is that inspiration still reflected in your current collections?
When we started the Chibaia project, we wanted to create a modern, versatile product that would also reflect our African origins. We chose to produce a hooded jacket made from capulana fabric (a hoodie), which at the time I considered the perfect way to introduce our brand. The design has improved over the years, but we continue to produce and sell them to people all over the world. Whenever we decide to refine the hoodie’s design, we try to remain true to the idea of creating a functional product that also serves as a means of cultural expression.
What has influenced you most in that creative process?
Creativity is an essential tool that brings together thoughts and knowledge, serving as a bridge between a person's goals and reality. I believe knowledge and creativity are interconnected. The more knowledge I acquire, the more creative I become. One of my goals has always been to promote African culture while producing quality items. To do that well, I am constantly seeking knowledge about both subjects, whether through music, art, history, psychology, sociology or politics.
Over the decade since the brand was founded, how has it adapted to changes in the Mozambican market?
Ever since I was a boy, I have been a fan of Bruce Lee. There is a quote of his that goes: "Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend." In other words, it means we should not confine ourselves to one form, but adapt it, build our own form and let it grow, like water. This is a philosophy I took from martial arts and applied to my business. Whatever the market presents us with, we adjust and adapt. One example was during the Covid period, when we stopped producing jackets and began designing and producing capulana face masks.
And how has your team developed, along with its relationship with the company's work?
When we started the company, there were just two of us: a designer and a tailor. Today, eight of us work full-time. The company is divided into two departments: the shop and the factory. One is responsible for production and the other for distribution. I strongly believe in teamwork, so I am very demanding about whom I work with. Everyone on our team must understand our goals and contribute something of value. I have always preferred working with small, manageable teams where everyone understands their responsibilities and plays an important role in the development of our brand. I believe people are a company's most important asset. The stronger the bond between team members, the stronger the company.
Have you received any recognition or taken part in events or fashion shows that may have influenced, or could influence, the company's direction?
In 2023, we had the honour of being invited to take part in fashion shows in Johannesburg and Rome. Interacting with people from other cultures and showing them our work is always an enormous pleasure. These two experiences were important because they helped me begin to visualise our brand and products outside Mozambique, or in another context. It made me consider what our shop would look like if we had the opportunity to open one in Johannesburg, Rome or New York. Experiences like these always stimulate the imagination.
Can you share a particularly challenging situation that you faced and overcame?
Creating a clothing brand and operating in a country like Mozambique is a journey full of daily challenges. Many of these challenges are specific to our region, making it difficult to find immediate solutions. One example is access to investment capital, which is essential for our business to grow. We also face major problems with supplies of materials and equipment. Import duties in our country are extremely high, which, in my opinion, does not favour the local manufacturing industry.
Can you also share a customer testimonial that illustrates the relationship you have with the people who buy your brand?
We have been blessed with customers from all walks of life. Every person who has bought something from our brand has contributed to getting us where we are today. Without our customers' support, we would never have reached this point. We thank each of them for giving us the opportunity to serve and represent our culture.
Finally, speaking about you personally, what have been the most memorable and decisive moments of your career?
The most memorable moment of my career has been seeing people wearing my creations without knowing who I am or what I look like. I have experienced this many times over the past few years and, even now, it is always a rewarding feeling.
