Imiloa: to seek the love of craftmanship
Priya Ramkissoon is the founder of Imiloa Collective. Established in 2012, Imiloa Collective is a social creative enterprise instrumental in building and enriching the skillsets of creatives across Southern Africa and beyond. It is a celebration of cultural techniques and traditions, while also addressing social injustices within communities. Its mission is to support marginalised communities through skill-building and training whilst creating economic opportunities. Priya is passionate and vibrant in her approach for Imiloa and she let’s us in on her world.
Priya, what are you passionate about and what has life taught you so far?
My passion lies deeply in the arts, particularly in unearthing unspoken talents—particularly the hidden gems that often go unnoticed. Being born and raised in Hackney, London, creativity surrounded me at a young age, from street art to fashion, it helped shape my appreciation for diverse expressions. I’ve always been an advocate for promoting equality and that's why art and craft resonate with me, because regardless of background, credentials, or academia, art's subjectivity allows it to be embraced by everyone and anyone.
“Becoming a mother last year has brought a profound perspective shift. My son has taught me the innocence and purity of life, qualities often overshadowed by adult complexities.”
It encourages me to live in the present, a philosophy that aligns with my Indian roots, the roots that instil in me the karmic values, reflected in my work—giving back with sincerity and gratitude, knowing that such actions bring immeasurable value in return.
When and why did you start Imiloa, what does it stand for?
Imiloa Collective was born at a pivotal point in my career, emerging from a desire to build something that honoured and inspired individuals often overlooked or underestimated. After working in media and PR, I embarked on a road trip with my best friends, leading me to discover the artisans – the backbone of creativity. Witnessing their impoverished living and working conditions, I felt a deep calling to make a difference. It was this realisation that fueled the creation of Imiloa, an initiative that stood for empowerment, support and making a positive impact on the lives of those who contribute significantly to the world of creativity.
Imiloa Collective started in 2012 with the vision of supporting marginalised communities, women entrepreneurs and artisans across Southern Africa. The name "Imiloa" is derived from the Hawaiian language, where it means "to seek far." It reflects the collective's commitment to seeking and nurturing hidden talents, unspoken creativity and the often-overlooked gems within the artistic community.
The organisation is driven by my passion for the arts and a dedication to providing skill-building, training, creative opportunities and economic empowerment - fostering equality of opportunities and embracing the universal accessibility of art.
Why was it important for you to focus on women and marginalised communities in your work?
Focusing on women and marginalised communities in our work stems from a commitment to addressing social inequalities and fostering inclusive opportunities.
Women and marginalised individuals often face additional barriers in accessing resources, education and economic opportunities within the creative industry. By concentrating efforts on these groups, Imiloa Collective aims to empower and uplift those who may have been overlooked, providing them with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in the artistic realm.
“The goal is to create a more equitable landscape where diverse voices and talents are celebrated, ensuring that the transformative power of art is accessible to all, regardless of gender or societal status.”
Imiloa is based in Mauritius, where textile manufacturing is one of the largest industries. What is the impact of this industry on the Island?
The manufacturing industry in Mauritius, like many other African countries, grapples with challenges such as waste and pollution. There has also been a significant wave of initiatives raising awareness and actively making a difference, coupled with the implementation of relevant policies.
“This progress is promising. However, recognizing that the challenge of waste textiles and reduction extends beyond Mauritius underscores the necessity for global solutions that can positively impact African nations.”
Personally, education holds a key role in this transformation, and, alongside other commendable initiatives, there is an increasing emphasis on raising awareness among people in Mauritius about the resourcefulness possible with waste, which is crucial in getting the message across.
What has been the impact of Imiloa as a pop-up space on the Island ?
In 2012, we introduced the first pop-up shop on the island converting a 100 year old building into a boutique space. At that time, it was an extremely unconventional approach to launch a brand or initiative in such a way, so I was a little apprehensive on whether the people in Mauritius would embrace it, or not . It was a risk as well as a challenge and I was very thankful and blessed that it was a success.
Our Imiloa Collective pop ups served as a transformative platform, allowing us to evolve into the island's first concept store. This was our opportunity to have a permanent space to provide our customers with an immersive experience that infused art and retail - bringing a narrative into our products and items that were showcased and sold, which was not done previously on the island.
I often get told and approached, even today, on how our pioneering efforts have left a lasting mark. But for me it really wasn’t about ‘being the first’, it was truly about enabling our customers to visualise the intricacies of these unspoken talents allowing these creatives to be at the forefront and in the spotlight.
Imiloa sells Indian, Mauritian and African artisanal goods which are all impressively handmade or upcycled from waste fibres. Why do you think upcycling is key for the future of production?
My firm belief is that upcycling is integral to forging a more environmentally conscious future, and the more ways we can explore diverse avenues for curbing the demand for new resources and reducing waste - the better it will be for the planet and people.
As with Imiloa Collective, if you can produce through fostering empowerment, particularly for those in need, this certainly adds to the ecological benefits. I believe upcycling within a heritage context highlights the importance of cultural preservation, breathing life into traditional craftsmanship that is facing the threat of obsolescence.
Tell us about the 30:30 project and some of the traditional craftsmanship it centres on.
3030 is a sustainable creative initiative, which I set up to honour my late best friend, Sheena who sadly passed away from cancer. In her true samaritan spirit, this initiative would capture her boundless generosity and visionary outlook. It also became a project of solace - a way for us to remain connected, and continue our decades of bond that we shared.
3030 gained momentum during the challenges of COVID-19.
“There was an urgent realisation of the value of local resources, especially when Mauritius was faced with border closures and restricted access to materials. It was then that I saw the importance of resourcefulness, which is how 3030 set a precedent by empowering and breeding a new lease of eco artisans and creatives.”
It soon became a hub for learning, training, and creating sustainably. Our craftsmanship knows no bounds, spanning generations and sectors—from embroidery and weaving to block printing and woodwork, it is truly endless.
How can circular design be pushed from a micro to a macro scale of practice in your specific context?
I feel the push involves cultivating a culture of sustainability at both individual and organisational levels. At the micro-scale, it begins with fostering awareness and promoting eco-friendly practices among individuals. Encouraging habits like recycling, reducing waste, and embracing circular product life cycles become integral.
And as we reach the macro scale, the focus shifts to integrating circular design principles into broader frameworks. This then entails a wider dynamic of influencing policies, redefining business practices as well as fostering collaborations within the community.
However, I do feel that if we can align our commitment with systemic changes, we can create a ripple effect that transforms into a thriving ecosystem of circularity, where sustainable choices can be integrated into our daily life.
What does a textile revolution for good mean to you, what would it look like?
A textile revolution for good, to me, signifies a transformative shift in the entire lifecycle of textiles, where ethical and sustainable practices take centre stage. It's a vision of a fashion and textile industry that prioritises environmental responsibility, fair labour practices and circular design principles.
In this revolution, fabrics are sourced with the utmost consideration for ecological impact, manufacturing processes prioritise reduced waste and low carbon footprints and workers across the supply chain are treated ethically. It's a landscape where innovative materials, such as those upcycled or made from sustainable sources become the norm. And consumers are empowered with transparent information, fostering mindful purchasing decisions.
Personally, a textile revolution for good would redefine the industry, creating a harmonious blend of style and conscientious practices that benefit both people and the planet.
What’s next for Imiloa, what impact do you hope to have in 2024 and beyond?
In 2024, my aspiration is to continue through our vision and mission to educate and enlighten individuals fostering a positive impact. We aim to amplify our awareness surrounding the remarkable craftsmanship and contributions of our creatives and their communities.
Keep reinforcing our commitment to share knowledge and expertise with the goal of benefiting future generations. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to ensure that our efforts consistently create a meaningful impact on individuals while championing actions that are beneficial to both the planet and our people.
