When Nur M’Nasria, a TV film producer came to Kenya in 2015 to film a documentary on slums in the country, she didn’t anticipate that the trip would be a turning point in her life. In 2021, she returned to Kenya and started a non-profit fashion and design studio that creates unique handmade clothes from upcycled materials.
What inspires the designs and creations at Maisha by Nisria?
Every Maisha design is inspired by true stories and events. For instance, one of our collections, HAYAT, was inspired by my friend Randah who passed away unexpectedly last September. She was the person who helped me kick off Maisha by investing in the machines and all the tools I needed to ignite Maisha. Our latest collection is about the young lost boys of South Sudan who used to be sent out to fight in the war and sadly never made it back. This collection was put together by The Nile Lot and Shak The Label and Maisha came later as a collaborator.
What is your favorite Kenyan piece in your closet?
I love Kenyan Jewelry whether it’s beads or brass.
What fashion trends do you foresee in future?
I believe people are slowly becoming more concerned about the behind the scenes of how their garments are made. I also believe there will be a rise in local handmade artsy garments which will be preferred to fast fashion apparel due to its negative culture and environmental impact.
What are you reading /or and listening to at the moment?
I am big on audiobooks and podcasts and lately I’ve been into the different modalities of healing traumas.
Which is your favorite destination in Kenya?
I love Nakuru. I love the nature of Nakuru and how it’s the perfect city yet a getaway destination.
