Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2019 | Page 72

Kuumba Mrs. Esther Joseph St. Lucian, Esther Joseph or Queen Esther as she is often called, is the face of Kuumba Designs, a snazzy label which elicits glances of admiration when draped on the bodies of her impressive list of appreciative clients. Perfectly-fitted garments in timeless fashion, or limited editions made of quality fabrics - that’s Kuumba Designs! Esther has always been creative. It is as natural to her as the act of breathing, and she remembers as a child in St. Lucia, as early as age 7, dreaming up unique designs and even trying her hand at creating some of Designs them with the assistance of a neighbour, Miss Phyllis, who allowed her to use her Singer foot-pedal sewing machine. At 9 years old, a top seamstress on the island, Mrs. Regina Edward took Esther under her wing and she would spend her afternoons after school looking and learning from one of the best. By age 10, using her mentor’s electric sewing machine, she was able to generate an income of 20 Eastern Caribbean dollars per month. As time progressed, Esther would assist her mentor with making gowns for pageants, weddings, shirts for musicians, among other things. Esther tried to learn as much as she could and many times she would have been found back stage assisting carnival queen contestants as they got dressed in the gowns she may have helped to create. Impressed by the intensity of Esther’s interest in the design field, her mentor benevolently assisted her by getting a loan with which she purchased Esther her first sewing machine. By age 15, Esther was able to acquire her own clients and opened her very own Atelier! But, she was eager to learn more, so at age 17, she left St. Lucia for New York city. From there, she was mostly self- taught. Growing up in New York City and California, she never attended Fashion School, but, armed with the most powerful tools - a plethora of ambition and creativity – Esther managed to create a brand that can now stand equally proud amongst the biggest names in the Fashion world.