FASHTALKS WITH BURKINDY

When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

I grew up in a family of designers. As a child, I was always involved in the different aspects of the work from design to modeling for my late mother who received multiple national and international awards from Paco Rabanne and Dior. I have always loved creating pieces that stand out with unexpected details.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand? 

One of the early design memories I’m still proud of was a reversible African mask pendant. I still love that pendant.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from many sources. Sometimes it is in African signs and symbols, at times it comes through observing nature, the shape of clouds, the bark of a tree, or the form and shapes of tree roots. I do believe in Paul Smith’s quote, “You can find inspiration anywhere, and if you can’t, look again.”

What made you want to design jewelry?

I always loved jewelry but could not find the type of pieces I would actually wear so I decided to design and make them myself. I do enjoy the process a lot and the final result always inspires me to create more, I realized that creating art is something quite fulfilling. It is simply a passion.

“Do what you truly love, create your own path, and follow it.”

When was your first industry experience and how did it impact you? 

My first meaningful industry experience was with Paul Smith, and it changed my life forever. It was a very stimulating and inspiring place to work in and I was given the opportunity to design pieces sold at Paul Smith shops. It was the beginning of BURKINDY as a brand.

What did the beginnings of BURKINDY look like?

It looked like a child fascinated by his favorite game. Making jewelry was all I was looking forward to doing. For years, I have created work for myself and personal orders. My work evolved organically into a brand when I asked to create a jewelry line to be sold at Paul Smith shops in the U.S.

What is your favorite part about designing?

I do enjoy the entire process but mostly, I enjoy finding solutions to unforeseen design challenges.

What brand values are most important for BURKINDY?

Integrity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

“BURKINDY offers quality lifetime products with personalized and superior customer service.”

What was the toughest circumstance you overcame when just starting out your business? 

It was fulfilling my first retail orders. Long story short, it was overcome by fast learning and the help of great people, I will always be thankful to each and every one of them. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

Do what you truly love, create your own path, and follow it.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?  

Winning the 2023 Rising Star Award.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

BURKINDY offers quality lifetime products with personalized and superior customer service.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

I envision in the near future scaling BURKINDY presence e-commerce and retail presence in the US as well as the international market.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

I would say the quality of the product offered and the integrity of the business practice in general.

What should customers expect to see next from BURKINDY?

The expansion of the brand with other product categories like leather goods and sunglasses.