We recently connected with Kamilla Silina-Fayz and have shared our conversation below.
Kamilla, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Discovering my purpose became a transformative journey as I wholeheartedly embraced every aspect of myself, including my insecurities. Instead of shying away from them, I recognized their potential and harnessed them as a powerful tool to authentically share something that holds profound meaning for me.
In 2012, I embarked on a life-changing journey, leaving my familiar surroundings to start anew in the United States. Although doubts loomed over me, my greatest fear was the nagging feeling of not belonging. In the first decade, I explored various paths, donning different hats as a photographer, fitness instructor, nutritionist, and operations manager. Yet, it was through the mistakes and painful failures that the truth gradually unfolded. I discovered that my true passion had been with me all along, from the moment I brought my culture to this country. As I realized my calling in marketing, I also found immense pride in embracing and sharing both my professional expertise and the richness of my heritage. Today, I stand joyfully at the intersection of these two passions, grateful for the winding path that led me here.
What played an integral role in shaping my journey was an experience that I never anticipated and never wanted—the hardest chapter of my life. In 2022, just a month after welcoming my second baby into the world, my world was shattered when my mother received a devastating diagnosis: breast cancer. As tears streamed down my face, I found myself frantically searching the internet, attempting to educate myself on this heart-wrenching subject while simultaneously nourishing my newborn through breastfeeding.
With my mother overseas during this trying time, our entire family rallied together, doing everything within our power to support her. Through a successful surgery and comprehensive treatment, she emerged triumphant, cancer-free. This deeply emotional experience left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me of life’s brevity and the urgency to embrace our innermost passions without reservation.
Fashion, cultures, travel—these passions have always resided within the depths of my heart. However, it was in that moment of desperation that I realized I had to be true to myself and take the leap of faith. It was in that realization that my ethnic online shop, ikatwear, was born. This endeavor is a heartfelt dedication to my mother, a celebration of her resilience and a testament to the love and strength that permeates our family.
I firmly believe that my true calling lies in spreading awareness and appreciation for our misrepresented region, sharing the vibrant tapestry of my culture with the world. Ikatwear is not just a business venture; it is a conduit for change, a platform to foster cultural understanding and celebrate diversity.
Through this transformative journey, I have come to understand that life is too fleeting to shy away from our deepest passions. My experiences have taught me the value of honesty, the power of risk-taking, and the unwavering dedication to follow our hearts.
In honoring my mother’s strength and my own inner voice, ikatwear serves as a beacon of hope, connecting people through shared stories, empowering artisans, and redefining perspectives. Together, we can embrace our true selves, celebrate our unique identities, and leave an enduring legacy that transcends borders.
With gratitude and purpose,
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the proud founder of ikatwear.com, an online ethnic wear store with a deep-rooted purpose of spreading the rich culture of Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, throughout the United States.
To truly understand the significance of the ikatwear.com Project, we must journey back in time. Uzbekistan, the country I hail from, has long stood at the crossroads of diverse cultures, serving as a vital hub between Asia and the West. The renowned Great Silk Road traversed through our land, and caravans carrying precious silks were among the most sought-after commodities. The merchants would stop in our beautiful land, engaging in trade and exchanging ideas and news. Even today, Uzbek traditional bazaars enchant both locals and tourists, with their vibrant colors, intoxicating aromas, and bustling energy. The experience of a real Central Asian market defies description—it must be felt and witnessed firsthand.
The inspiration for my online kimono wear store, ikatwear.com, stems from my childhood memories of accompanying my mother to these bustling bazaars. The bazaars were not just places of commerce; they were vibrant spaces where one could learn invaluable lessons, ranging from psychology and negotiation skills to economics.
Today, ikatwear.com serves as a haven for those who have left their homelands, offering them a piece of their cherished memories. It is also a place where individuals unfamiliar with Uzbek culture can support and learn more about it, immersing themselves in its beauty and significance.
Our collection of ikatwear kimonos is a testament to their stunning beauty and vibrant colors. Each piece features the traditional ikat print, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of this unique technique. The original ikat process was a meticulous multistep journey of dyeing materials, resulting in eye-catching patterns that capture attention wherever they go. By donning one of our ikatwear kimonos, you become a presence that cannot be overlooked in any room. Just as the kimono billows in the wind, making a bold statement, I hope that wearing our garments empowers individuals to take brave and courageous steps toward whatever they deem important.
At ikatwear.com, we value the feedback and desires of our customers. That’s why our new collection is shaped by customer input, incorporating the most desired colors and aligning with Summer-Fall seasonal trends. We strive to ensure that our offerings cater to your preferences while staying true to the essence of Uzbek culture.
Join us on this vibrant journey as we celebrate the spirit of Central Asia and share the beauty of ikatwear with the world. Explore our collection, embrace the boldness of our designs, and make a statement that reflects your unique identity.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
During my upbringing, I was labeled as a rebellious child. Going against the traditional expectations placed upon me, my family hoped for a compliant and modest girl who would eventually become someone’s wife. Despite causing my mother and other relatives much trouble, I take pride in maintaining that rebellious spirit. It is this quality that led me to take risks, venture to this country, establish a livelihood, and even start my own business. This inherent willingness to step into the unknown saved me from compromising my happiness and ultimately paved the way for a gratifying life and career.
The second quality that has been instrumental in my journey is flexibility. At the tender age of 16, I embarked on my first trip to the United States as part of a High School exchange program. As I bid farewell to my home, I sought one last piece of advice from my mother. She imparted to me, “Always observe and find patterns in what others are doing. Follow these patterns as a newcomer, and it will greatly assist you in adapting and gaining confidence.” This advice has guided me through various aspects of life. Despite my rebellious spirit, I firmly believe in respecting and honoring the places we venture into, whether it be a new culture, country, business sphere, or career. The act of learning from the best, observing, and replicating patterns is truly ingenious when you contemplate it.
Lastly, I want to share a practical piece of advice. For anyone seeking to acquire new skills, I highly recommend focusing on digital marketing and social media. It is astonishing how the right strategy in the online space can transform your business. Although I had a background in marketing, my foray into the digital realm began just three years ago. Understanding your customers, learning from their feedback, providing them with valuable products, and effectively showcasing your story online are crucial elements. Fortunately, there are numerous free resources available for learning. But above all, do not hesitate to put that knowledge into practice.
In conclusion, my rebellious nature, coupled with adaptability and a practical approach, has shaped my journey thus far. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, and I am excited to continue exploring new horizons, embracing challenges, and sharing my story with others.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a relatively new to the area I’m always looking for new partnerships and collaborations. My passion is in content creating and I always have so many great ideas and could use a hand in bringing them to life. I’m happy to collaborate with any creative people out there in the sphere of fashion, content creation or digital marketing.
I’d be happy to work with aspiring models, photographers, videographers or small business owners.
You can reach me via email [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ikatwear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamifayz/ | https://www.instagram.com/ikatwear/
- Facebook: https://twitter.com/kamifayz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamilla-silina/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kamifayz
Image Credits
All photos are taken by me.
