the Team
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Founder - Operations
I am a textile designer who specializes in Sustainability. I grew up in Tanzania and in my school we were singing “we are the world” and learning about inequality, environment and development. Living in a country that is one of the most beautiful in the world (in my opinion) with a population that worries about survival in the shape of food and health; preserving this beauty was not top of mind for people. This was the first impression I had of the challenges of implementing sustainable practices.
Working in numerous big Brands where I was focused on developing and innovating materials, I became more vocal about them showing leadership in sustainability. Using our power and influence to make real improvements. Shouldering the responsibility so that others in the value chain that had other worries to maintain their business didn’t have to. It became my main focus and my passion early on and I am so gratified that the industry has really taken off in this topic.
I left a very exciting young brand not long ago where I was inspired to try to go out and build something from scratch. My intention was to make clothes without concessions on sustainability and quality. Dance was my inspiration as it crosses lifestyle and sports. If you can dance in the clothes you should be able to do anything else the day (or night) throws at you.
The idea became reality when I asked Julia and Franck who have very targeted skills and expertise to partner with me and create Cheza.
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Founder - Communications
Dance has always been a passion of mine, even before I realized it myself. I started taking classes and training as a teen. Despite all the odds I was facing from my surroundings, I quickly decided my passion would become my livelihood.
When it comes to fashion, I've always made a point of having my own sense of style. I've always had very specific tastes and wanted to create outfit that I felt matched my unique persona and lifestyle.
After High School, I professionally trained in Paris and New York and eventually became a professional dancer, choreographer and artistic director of my own dance company. I developped my own visual aesthetics and a my own dance styles combining Urban and Contemporary dances.
When Dina approached me saying I inspired her to start a Clothing brand destined for dancers, I was excited and humbled that my artistic view as a dancer could be valuable and I was proud to help design the clothes that make Cheza's first collection. This company is a great adventure for me and I can't wait to see where we can bring our vision.
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Founder - Product
I’m a garment technologist and tailor who is obsessed with good quality and the perfect fit. My journey into the textile world began at a very early age, when I discovered fashion magazines in Italy during a family vacation at the age of 14. It struck me when I realized how clothes can make you look so cool and relaxed but incredibly stylish and chic at the same time. I began to teach myself how to sew and alter my own clothes and followed that path by learning the unequalled craftsmanship, quality, expertise and exceptional attention to detail in the construction of hand made clothes at a traditional tailorshop in Munich. I went on to study garment technology and from there worked in leading Fashion and Sportswear houses as well as in start ups in different roles to experience every angle of the industry.
When Dina asked me to partner with her to build a brand with focus on sustainability from the beginning, I did not have to think twice. I loved the idea of providing clothes that matter by ticking the right boxes such as uncompromised quality, fit, style and price besides developing a new concept for an entirely new target group.
I am fascinated by the world of dancing that inspires me every day for new product solutions and great new styles that not only look good on dancers but on everyone who wants to move in the most sustainable, comfortable and stylish way.