Please could you describe what you do in a sentence and why. 

I am Fashion and Textile designer. My purpose is to debut into the beauty and fashion world by making a difference in a society where morals and integrity are at a decline.

 

When did the creative bug bite?

My creative bug started from a young age.

 

Did you always want to do, what you currently do?

After school, I did a foundation course in designing at CPUT in 2011 because I originally wanted to do architecture. Once I completed this year I went to work a bit as I was not sure that architecture was my true passion as yet. I dabbled in a range of field but designing, drawing and creating remained my true life’s passion. Everything took me back to designing and in 2013 I decided that I’m going to pursue designing full time. I enrolled full time at DUT in 2014. And the course was tough; the designing industry is very, very tough. But my passion for designing always motivated me and my passion for people drove me to be innovative, to push the boundaries. So four years later I’m in possession of a cum laude bachelor’s degree and a very innovative idea that can mean so much to many, many people.

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What is the best thing about your work?

The best thing about my work that I interact with varies people, with the ability to have impact in their lives.

 

Explain the concept/inspiration behind your favorite project?

When Balini Naidoo's uncle started gradually losing his eyesight, the fashion designer noticed the difficulty he faced when it came to choosing clothing and the lack of options for people like him. It made her want to do something.

“Having a family member who is visually impaired has made me aware of the many struggles that are faced by the unsighted. Some difficulties include daily clothing identification and clothing choices made without assistance,” she said. 

 

According to the South African National Council for the Blind, the prevalence of sight disability in South Africa is the highest of all disabilities with about 32 per cent of people living with the disability.

Women make up 57 per cent of the total number of blind or partially sighted people, while 23 per cent of visually impaired people fall between the ages of 15 and 36 years.

She said that she started researching how she can design a braille identification system for clothing to assist blind people in becoming more self-reliant and independent when choosing clothes

Her designs, which come in muted colours, help people identify what they're putting on using the braille identification system, which is printed on clothing. This also makes it easier for people who are visually impared to have some independence, for example, when choosing what to wear on a daily basis.

Part of this year's Design Indaba Emerging Creatives programme, Balini got to come to Cape Town from Durban and attend the Cape Town simulcast of the Design Indaba Conference 2018 as well as attend entrepreneurship workshops, mingle with possible collaborators and showcase her range.

"It was my love for fashion that led me onto the path of studying fashion design, and through it I have achieved numerous goals. I believe that what we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others lives forever. My purpose is to debut into the beauty and fashion world by making a difference in a society where morals and integrity are at a decline."

She added: "Honesty, integrity, and charisma are words that best describe me, but strength, determination and diversity are values that are most reflected through my actions. I believe that the road ahead will open many doors of opportunities to serve humanity and impact nations."

 

What is the motto you live by?

I believe that what we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others lives forever. My purpose is to debut into the beauty and fashion world by making a difference in a society where morals and integrity are at a decline. Honesty, Integrity, and charisma are words that best describe me, but strength, determination and diversity are values that are most reflected through my actions. I believe that the road ahead will open many doors of opportunities to serve humanity and impact nations. 
 

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my family and my husband makes me truly happy. But most of all being supportive and motivating to the people around me and putting smiles on their faces.

 

Where do you currently live and work?

I currently live and work in Saldanha Bay on the West Coast , Western Cape.

 

Describe how you got to your current position?

By continuing to peruse my degree in Fashion and Textile Design.

 

Describe how you were chosen as one of the Emerging Creatives at the Design Indaba. Why exactly do you think you were chosen?

I was chosen as one of the Emerging Creative by the innovative concept of designing a braille identification system to assist visually impaired individuals. 

I was chosen because of the uniqueness of the concept.   

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Explain/Describe your Creative Process

I am always inspired by the things around me and architecture. 

 

Could you please list some of your biggest achievements? 

I was chosen as one of the Top 10 designers for the Society of Dyers and Colourists 2015 competition. In 2016 I was placed in the top 25 Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards. In 2018 I was chosen to show case my Btech concept at the Design Indaba Emeraging Creative class of 2018. I was featured on the TV shows  hectic 9 on sabc 2 , Afternoon Express on Sabc 3, Mela on sabc 3 and Top Billing on sabc 3.  
 

What are your thoughts on the Afrikan Creative Industry? 

It a great platform to interact with other designers. 

 

How do you think the Afrikan Creative industry is moving foreword? 

The spot light of the Afrikan designers is worldwide.

 

Do you think that Afrikan Creatives have a lot to offer in terms of the Global Creative Market?

Yes, we bring our own ethnicity and designing ideas to a global platform. The connection of people and ideas brings forward inspiration and innovation and also a creative platform for future creatives to come through and bring new fresh ideas. The connection throughout all levels be it local, national or international brings an opportunity to further ideas.

 

How are you contributing to the Afrikan Creative Industry?

By my innovative concept of designing a braille identification system to assist visually impaired individuals.

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Are there any Afrikan Creatives that influence your work? If so please name and state why they influence you as a creative. 

Yes, Carol Boyes because of her work ethics

 

Has social media made an influence on the success of your work? If so how? 

Yes, social media set the platform to connect with people and business to give me exposure and also to market my brand and interests.

 

How can people connect with you if they would like to?

Website: - www.balini.co.za

Instagram: @balini.co.za

Twitter: @balini_co_za

Facebook: - Balini.co.za

LinkedIn: Balini Naidoo 

Email: balininaidoo@yahoo.com