I am an African woman, born in France, and I created Farafina Kueen in England, specifically in Croydon, a cosmopolitan city where I truly found myself.
I studied hospitality and worked many small jobs just to survive. After being fired from a well-known company, I asked myself a simple question:
“What can I do that will make me money, but most importantly, that I will enjoy doing?”
The answer came quickly: sewing.
In 2019, I started with a 20 hours course just to learn the basics of sewing and how to use a sewing machine. I never worried about creativity because I have always trusted the Spirit. Every piece I create comes from a deeper place, beyond trends or rules.
In 2020, I found the name Farafina Kueen, which truly represents me. “Farafina” is a word from Mandingue and Bambara languages in West Africa, meaning “Africa” or “land of Black people.” It is often used to represent African identity, strength, and heritage, and sometimes interpreted as “the land of people who refuse to be dominated.”
I changed the “Q” in “queen” to a “K” as a tribute to the king. A reminder of power and balance.
One thing led to another, I learned how to mix my African influences with my European urban culture. When these two come together, the rebel DNA becomes stronger.
