1. When
did you start your clothing brand JudahChild Clothing?
l started JudahChild about more than
6 years ago.
2.What
is the brand about? Who is your target group?
It’s basically comfort/streetwear. My
inspiration came from my time as a dancer, I did hip hop and contemporary dance
and the costumes add a lot to your performance and movement. It enhances your
vibe so I really just wanted to design a brand for all kinds of people to feel
cool and comfy all at once.
3. Was
becoming a clothing designer always something you were interested in?
Yes. Very much. I’ve been designing
since I was little. My mom was a machinist. So I learnt to sew my own Barbie
clothes way back when, but when I was 6 I wanted to be a vet too lol. I did
however apply for fashion at CPUT and in the middle of my interview I changed
my mind and ended up doing graphic design because I needed to explore my
artistic and creative ability more, but the interest in fashion was always
there.
4. When
was the first time you started designing?
The first time I started designing
was the first day of school. My mom left me and I looked around and saw
everyone crying. I wasn't impressed with the vibe so my teacher gave me some crayons.
I drew a pic of me and my mom wearing boob tubes and mermaid skirts mine was
orange and hers yellow. And then every free moment I had growing up I would
fill my file with new designs and endless Matric ball dress designs.
5. You
have the natural hair blog called ‘Boskop Republic’ as well. Tell us a bit
about it.
I was basically trying to touch base
with people with hair like mine. In a time, I was at an all-time low. I went
through a very dark and depressed stage in my life. So, I quit my day job as a
teacher and stayed home to sell my hand painted clothing to make some cash.
This was also my escape from the challenges I was facing.
I made myself a tee
shirt that said Boskop as some kind of stand up against discrimination and body
shaming. It got such a great response that I started the fb page. I wanted to
encourage more woman to just embrace their God given beauty in a time where
young girls are going to extreme lengths to fit in to society’s ever-changing
idea of beauty.
In my pursuit to creating a mentally, emotionally, and
physically healthier woman, I shared some of my tips and views on having
natural hair and the emotional and social effect it has on a woman. The blog
became a brand and ran its own course with me just tagging along.
6. How
did starting your own hair salon come about?
Because my advice worked and I knew
about natural hair and its ins and out too well I couldn't keep up with all the
queries. So, I decided to render a service to help. I wanted to have more of a
one on one with the ladies. I can show better than I can tell. So, I started my
little salon and I feel so excited every time a client leaves the chair feeling
beautiful and informed.
7. Do
you feel the pressure of how Coloured people are being treated in this country
in the career paths that you have chosen?
I can't say I feel too much pressure
as a coloured, but as a coloured woman it can be extremely challenging as we
don't get taken seriously. I have to admit though that we very seldom get
presented with the opportunity to apply for funding and mentorship in business.
It’s always so hush. And when you watch these opportunities presented on TV
shows you barely see coloureds.
I can't say I’ve made peace with being an underrated
member
of society because of my race but I just won't allow race to limit me. But
in terms of being a coloured woman that has been a challenge because the stereotypes
attached to us cause much setbacks in business. Sadly, it comes from our own kind.
Coloured woman still need to break the sick social barrier that cause
competitiveness with each other. Even though many have paved a path for us to
work together there's still a great need for a paradigm shift in the coloured
mind that thinks there's not enough place on the sun for us all.
8. In
society today especially when it comes to appearances in the Brown communities,
do you think you have become some kind of inspiration to Coloured people who
look up to you?
I think so yes. I’ve gotten a lot of
support from my community with my business even when I thought different. I’ve
watched some of the girls I teach start to embrace themselves. I’m hoping that
I am a beacon of light to woman everywhere. I’m by no means a role model but
try to be the woman I needed when I was a little girl.
I try to keep it 100 as a coloured
woman and won't compromise my roots for anything. If I’ve changed one life
positively in my journey then I’d be happy to call myself an inspiration.
9. What
other talents do you have?
I’m no longer a dancer but I'm still
very active in choreography with our school art program. And believe it or not
I can sing lol...I was part of a band nogal, but now it’s just preserved for
the shower and Instagram videos.
I’m a fantastic cook! And find it extremely
fun and cathartic. I can paint, draw, and somewhere in my head I think I can
communicate with animals. This still needs to be tested on other animals that's
not my own dog Shiloh.
What's next for Candice Fielding?
As for what's next I don't really know.
Maybe a salon / boutique / coffeeshop or my own lifestyle show. With me you
just never know. I’ve given my course over to my creator because his going to
steer my life regardless of what I want. What I do know is I would like to
broaden my influence and inspire as many women all over the world to truly,
confidently and fiercely love themselves like a candle one lighting the other.
If I can do that my job is complete.
