In this series, Mzansi Life and Style Meets, I have a Q&A with people making an impact in the fashion, lifestyle and entertainment industries. Today, we meet Iman Ganijee, Creative and Business Development Lead at Sari for Change.
1. Please tell us what Sari For Change is, in one sentence?
Sari for Change is a social innovation that upcycles donated saris into contemporary, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces while empowering unemployed women through skills training—fostering self-sufficiency, reducing landfill waste, and celebrating evolving identities.
2. Share what inspired you and your mom to start your sustainable fashion brand, SARI FOR CHANGE, and how your journey began?
Sari for Change was born out of a love for the elegance of saris and the realization that so many of these beautiful fabrics were sitting unused in closets. My mother and founder of Sari for Change, Rayana Edwards, who has been in the fashion industry for over 35 years, saw an opportunity to merge sustainability with economic empowerment—transforming these forgotten garments into contemporary pieces while creating work for unemployed women. What started as a passion project has evolved into a movement, proving that fashion can be both ethical and empowering.
3. What challenges have you faced as a young female entrepreneur in the fashion industry, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been positioning our brand in an industry that often puts labels on fashion. Some saw our work as “too Indian” or “not African enough,” while others dismissed upcycling as second-hand fashion. Overcoming these perceptions required persistence, education, and finding the right audience who values sustainability. Additionally, building a business while training women in an industry that prioritizes mass production has required constant innovation.
4. Tell us about your Young Entrepreneur nominations/wins?
I’ve been honored to be recognized among Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in the entrepreneurship category and as one of the 100 Young Nelson Mandelas. These accolades affirm the work we do at Sari for Change, proving that sustainable fashion and social impact can go hand in hand.
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