Thais Evelyn creates vibrant fabric jewellery

WHILE vacationing in London four years ago, Thais Evelyn stepped into a quaint shop in Brixton, where she came across a unique necklace made from a vibrant-coloured fabric.

She bought the necklace, and when she returned home and wore it she was shocked by how many compliments she got. This sparked a business idea, marking the beginning of her fabric necklace-making journey.

“After receiving so many compliments about it, I asked my mom, who has been a seamstress for over 40 years, if a piece like what I bought would be difficult to make. She said 'no.' I had no sewing experience at the time, but I made one and posted it to my Facebook page, and the rest is history.”

Evelyn, who has worked in the banking sector for over ten years, said she loves to travel. Her travels serve as inspiration for creating her unique pieces.

She told WMN finding a balance between her nine to five job, family, friends and her flourishing business is tough at times. But because she is passionate about her business, she has sacrificed her weekends to Custom Designs By Thai.

Evelyn has a degree in accounting from the UWI and an MBA in general management from Anglia Ruskin University. She said this provided her with a solid foundation for understanding and starting her own business.

“My studies have assisted me tremendously in developing my entrepreneurial skills, tapping deeper into my creative side, and facing challenges head-on.”

The process of creating her one-of-a-kind pieces starts with several trips to cloth stores throughout Trinidad and Tobago. She is never in a hurry to select any fabric, as each piece of material she buys must speak to her. Evelyn said it can take anywhere from one to three days to make one piece of jewellery.

“It's really about seeing your work being not just worn but appreciated.”

She said during the covid19 pandemic, sourcing fabrics was difficult as stores were either closed or unable to restock. But she did not let her deter her, as she began using other materials besides polyester.

“I simply sourced other fabric styles and challenged myself, which paid off in the end as it diversified my skill set.”

Evelyn sells her pieces online, but she eventually plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop.

Her most popular piece, she said, is the jabot bib. It is designed to wrap around the neck like a bib, and is sewn in a pleated style.

“It resonates with my customers. It is a unique statement piece that adds a pop to clothing.”

The Maloney resident says she draws inspiration from Pinterest and couples it with her own creative flair.

“It's a creative collaborative effort on the final look.”

Her immediate plans for the future include building her customer base and continuing to challenge her creative eye.

“Anyone can wear my work – young, old, tall, or short – it doesn’t matter. It's about giving my customers a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.”

Her advice to others who want to start their own business is to not be held back by fear.

For Evelyn, the most rewarding aspect is the feedback and joy in her customers' reactions when they receive their pieces.

“Customers emphasise the durability of their pieces. They say they receive a lot of compliments and love the neat details of the statement pieces.”

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