Meet Priya Ramkissoon | Founder/ Director of Imiloa Collective

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priya Ramkissoon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Representation was the key factor for starting my own business. Through my travels, I truly got the opportunity to explore and venture different cultures,lifestyles and working /living conditions in faraway villages. I was able to discover the intricate work of artisans and see the struggle and lack of support for women and various marginalized communities.

Witnessing such circumstances , I knew I wanted to create an initiative/organisation that focused on unifying artisans as well as building a creative community where people from different races, socio-economic groups, religions, cultures, and ethnicities work side-by-side.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I am the founder and Director of Imiloa Collective, a social creative enterprise that helps build and enrich the skillsets of creatives. Since 2012, we have encouraged diversity and experimentation in the arts, business and creativity across Southern Africa celebrating their cultural techniques and traditions, and bringing attention to the social justice faced by their communities.

We empower artisans , women entrepreneurs and the underserved communities by extending their products’ distribution and supporting sustainable income opportunities. Highlighting the eco-sensibility and community empowerment as well as ensuring we preserve the importance of cultural assets – fusing traditional cultural and artisanal crafts with contemporary design and sustainability.

We also provide training, upskilling workshops, courses, one-on-one coaching sessions with experts, webinars and events to help our creatives both economically and socially as well as enhancing their self-esteem through empowering and employing.

We have certainly had our fair share of challenges. However, I have always been reminded through my work of the importance of tenacity. Just seeing those in unprivileged circumstances and how we make a difference – makes me strive further and further.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a keen creative explorer and Houston is definitely full of great artisitc surprises. Sawyer Yard is a great place to spend an artsy weekend. The Houston Center Of Contemporary Craft holds insightful exhibtions and workshops. Menil Collection for some wholesome discussions and conversations. I also love a alot of greenery so a trip to the Houston Botantical Gardens is definitely worth a visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been extremely lucky and blessed to have an incredible support system.

My parents foremost have been my biggest inspiration and mentors. Their journey as immigrants leaving their familiar surroundings and comort zones of Africa and resettling and adapting to the UK lifestyle is a truly admirable. What they achieved and accomplished has paved the way for all that I am grateful for today.

My husband and son are also my ultimate strength . Together, they continue to spur on my efforts to keep achieving – their encouragement, love and support never ceases!

Website: https://imiloacollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imiloacollective/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-ramkissoon-453463262/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imiloacollective/

Image Credits
Profile pic: Mehryne Annooar