In the heart of Blantyre, a 23-year-old Collins Chisenga is making a name for himself in the world of fashion, one handcrafted bag at a time.
What started as a curiosity to learn how to sew has blossomed into a thriving business, blending traditional Malawian culture with modern design.
“I grew up in a household where my mom was a designer. Living with someone so creative, I naturally got curious about the craft and wanted to learn too. But after I finished my MSCE exams, I wanted to try something new. Instead of following the crowd of designers, I decided to do something different with bags,” he said.
Starting with old bags as references, Collins began drafting patterns and experimenting. It was through hours of watching YouTube videos and practicing that he realised he had a natural talent.
A significant element in Collins’ designs is his use of chitenje fabric, a colourful and culturally rich textile that holds great meaning in Malawian tradition.
“Chitenje fabric is important to me because it represents Malawian culture and tradition. Each pattern tells a story, and I love creating bags that not only look good but also have meaning behind them. It’s a way to promote local materials and craftsmanship,” he said.
Chitenje bags stand out in the fashion world due to their vibrant colours, intricate designs and cultural significance. Unlike mass-produced bags, each piece tells a unique story through its fabric, reflecting African heritage.
Collins offers his customers the opportunity to create custom designs, allowing them to submit ideas from Pinterest or even pictures of bags they like.
“My customers can choose their own fabric and designs. This way, I create something that’s truly personal and tailored to their taste,” he said.
At first, Collins used patterns from old bags or downloaded online templates. But as his skill grew, so did his creativity and now he drafts most of his patterns from a scratch, ensuring each bag is as unique as the customer.
However, like many small business owners, Collins faces challenges, one of the biggest obstacles has been limited funds for expanding his business.
“Funding has always been a challenge. It’s hard to grow when local shops have limited fabric options and the forex situation keeps raising prices. But I’m focused on offering something unique to stand out from the competition,” he explained.
Collins’ success lies in his ability to balance traditional elements with modern fashion as his bags combine bold chitenje patterns with contemporary designs, creating a unique fusion of past and present.
“My bags are a blend of tradition and modern fashion. I choose bold traditional patterns and pair them with modern designs, zippers, and linings. It’s important to reflect African heritage while keeping up with global trends. This way, my bags appeal to both those who love cultural fashion and those who prefer a more modern look,” he said.
As Collins looks to the future, he offers a piece of advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps.
“Start small and be patient. It’s important to practice consistently, even when things aren’t easy. Focus on honing your craft, understanding your market, and the rest will follow.”
In her remarks, MCCCI Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kambalame hailed Collins for his business.
“This is a great initiative as it is in line with vision 20263. We need such businesses so that we can put Malawi on the map,” she said.
With a growing customer base, an eye for innovation, and a deep respect for Malawian culture, Chisenga’s bag making business is poised for continued success.
