Imesha Ruwanpura, a girl who juggles a full-time job and her studies, has also impressively started her own business at the same time. In her spare time she runs her own clothing line Mesh Clothing.
Ruwanpura is a past student of Musaeus College, and holds a First Class degree in International Business from Plymouth University, UK and a Postgraduate Diploma from CIM, UK. Currently, she is working full time at MAS Holdings in the Business Development Unit while also running Mesh.
Brunch had a chat with her to see how far Mesh Clothing has come.
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Mesh Clothing Founder Imesha Ruwanpura[/caption]
What inspired you to start up your brand?
My mother has been gifted with the talent of sewing since she was small. Although I loved fashion, I never really had an interest in learning how to sew. During the lockdown, I was at home and had so much time on my hands so I asked my mother to teach me how to sew a blouse; instantly I realised that I am also gifted with her talent and started sewing garments for myself.
My mother works at a leading bank full time and also runs her own brand. I have always been inspired by her and I thought: “Why can’t I do the same?”
I wanted to bring a unique addition to the apparel market. So, I started Mesh Clothing on 1 July 2020.
When did you discover your passion for fashion?
From my childhood, I have always been a girl who loves fashion. My mother always made me the most beautiful dresses, and I grew up around sewing machines, fabrics, and pattern blocks.
But the moment I started dreaming about having a brand is when I first walked into my mother’s former office, Brandix. I was an 11-year-old girl, overwhelmed with all the processes to stitch a single garment. I still have all those memories on my mind, and that is what has been driving me towards my passion!
What is special about your brand?
You can find hundreds of clothing stores offering beautiful designs at a standard UK size range. The specialty in my brand is that I offer my customers the opportunity to provide their own design and get it tailored to their measurements.
What is the story you want to tell with your collections?
I always loved dressing up, and so does almost every girl, I believe. And I think every girl should be given the privilege of a perfect fit! All my collections let the customer decide the exact details they want. If there’s a skirt you love and you wish it was longer, no worries, we got you! We will be tailoring each garment to fit the exact measurements our customers provide.
I think that’s what’s unique about Mesh Clothing.
Do you believe in sustainability?
Indeed! Working full time in a sustainability-driven company, I think it is a very important factor in the apparel industry. At Mesh we try to repurpose all our leftover fabrics and reduce as much wastage as we can. We are planning on introducing no-waste scrunchies and masks for each custom-made order.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I’m a big fan of the quote “small girl, big plans”. I do have several plans that I am working on. I am planning to launch several other labels, specified to areas such as men’s wear and wedding guest wear. Every garment under my labels will be customisable.
However, my big dream is to have my own garment factory one day!
Instagram: @_mesh_clothing_
Mesh Clothing Founder Imesha Ruwanpura[/caption]
What inspired you to start up your brand?
My mother has been gifted with the talent of sewing since she was small. Although I loved fashion, I never really had an interest in learning how to sew. During the lockdown, I was at home and had so much time on my hands so I asked my mother to teach me how to sew a blouse; instantly I realised that I am also gifted with her talent and started sewing garments for myself.
My mother works at a leading bank full time and also runs her own brand. I have always been inspired by her and I thought: “Why can’t I do the same?”
I wanted to bring a unique addition to the apparel market. So, I started Mesh Clothing on 1 July 2020.
When did you discover your passion for fashion?
From my childhood, I have always been a girl who loves fashion. My mother always made me the most beautiful dresses, and I grew up around sewing machines, fabrics, and pattern blocks.
But the moment I started dreaming about having a brand is when I first walked into my mother’s former office, Brandix. I was an 11-year-old girl, overwhelmed with all the processes to stitch a single garment. I still have all those memories on my mind, and that is what has been driving me towards my passion!
What is special about your brand?
You can find hundreds of clothing stores offering beautiful designs at a standard UK size range. The specialty in my brand is that I offer my customers the opportunity to provide their own design and get it tailored to their measurements.
What is the story you want to tell with your collections?
I always loved dressing up, and so does almost every girl, I believe. And I think every girl should be given the privilege of a perfect fit! All my collections let the customer decide the exact details they want. If there’s a skirt you love and you wish it was longer, no worries, we got you! We will be tailoring each garment to fit the exact measurements our customers provide.
I think that’s what’s unique about Mesh Clothing.
Do you believe in sustainability?
Indeed! Working full time in a sustainability-driven company, I think it is a very important factor in the apparel industry. At Mesh we try to repurpose all our leftover fabrics and reduce as much wastage as we can. We are planning on introducing no-waste scrunchies and masks for each custom-made order.
Do you have any plans for the future?
I’m a big fan of the quote “small girl, big plans”. I do have several plans that I am working on. I am planning to launch several other labels, specified to areas such as men’s wear and wedding guest wear. Every garment under my labels will be customisable.
However, my big dream is to have my own garment factory one day!
Instagram: @_mesh_clothing_