Staying positive at all times and surrounding herself with positive energy is what Melisa Poulton strives for on a regular. Namibia’s fashion darling is on the rise, making her brand, House of Poulton become one of Namibias’ favourite fashion houses.
Melisa Poulton talks to us on what keeps her motivated, her favourite highlight throughout her journey and more:
What are your greatest strengths, and how do they help you as a Fashion Designer?
Patience, endurance, kindness, good listening skills and hard working have helped me a lot along the way. You may be talented and have the gift and skill as a designer but it’s a lot of hard work, you have to give so much of yourself in what you create and unfortunately in the fashion world, you need a lot of patience.
What is your favourite part about what you do?
The end result of my garments, the feeling I get inside when I see this beautiful product that I have created and simply feeling it’s all worth it all the hard work. It’s a good feeling a proud feeling.
How and when did you know that this is what you wanted to do?
Growing up as a child I was always the different one. To a point where I decided to choose a different career path. But it all started when I was a child. I watched the movie, 101 Dalmatians, and was fascinated by the fashion sense the actors had in the movie. In that instance I knew that that is what I wanted to do and be.
House of Poulton is regarded as one of the biggest fashion brands in Namibia by many, how do you keep motivated as a fashion designer?
The key is to stay motivated no matter how hard it may seem. Another thing that motivates me is the fact that I have big plans for House of Poulton and I refuse to fail.
Set your goals and work towards them, have patience and always see the glass half full and not half empty.
What’s your take on fashion for a cause/advocating against social ills? Has your brand explored that yet?
The idea of being able to get a message across to the world, or making a difference in the world through ones designs is something I love to create. I however, feel in order to do such one really needs to feel passionate about the given subject to put ones full thoughts into it and really push across the message one is trying to get out there. This is definitely something that I have looked into and working towards.
House of Poulton should make a difference in the world be it big or small Melisa, adds.
What has been your favourite highlight throughout your journey?
Showcasing for the first time at Windhoek Fashion Week. House of Poulton’s earth collection was the start to my series of earth inspired designs and where house of Poulton found its true depth and design style.
We have noticed a beautiful relationship you have with fellow fashion designer Leah Misika, joint collection any time soon?
Leah and I have become very good friends over the past few years, I’ve really learned a lot from her, we believe in the same things and we try to help each other where we can.
Leah, motivates me to do better and to become better. We have discussed the idea of creating a collaborative collection in the future but only time will tell at this point.
Talk to us about running a fashion business, what’s that like?
Running a business is really difficult. A lot of hard work and almost no sleep goes into growing your business. One needs to develop a thick skin, standing your ground and working well with others.
There is so much that goes into it and it’s not all glitz and glam, the journey becomes tough but if you listen, learn and adapt then you will get the hang of it.
What do you wish you knew before you started?
There is so much one learns along the way but I wish I knew what my plans were from the get go because the plans I have now, almost feel like I am starting all over again, the beginning. All the knowledge I have now would have made things so much easier right in the beginning.
One thing you’d like every up and coming designer to know before they embark on this journey?
It’s not an easy journey, and one needs to have the passion for this industry. You will learn that nothing comes easy and a lot of sacrifices need to be made to achieve ones dreams.
Be sure of what you want to strive for. If you fail or disappoint, pick yourself back up .It is all a lesson for a better tomorrow. Learn to be patient, kind and humble and finally be ready to work hard and have countless sleepless nights.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I have big plans for House of Poulton in ten years and would like to see my brand being sold internationally and for it to be found in stores such as Edgar’s and Foschini. One of her garments featured in Vogue Magazine.
Anything is possible if you believe, work hard, dream big and have faith in your product. Nothing in this world is impossible it’s what you make of it.
