Bambicita with Abigail Oyambambi

Abigail Oyabambi, 22, from South East London is a British-Nigerian designer and owner of Bambicita (crotchet wear and macramé accessories) and a Business Bitch Boss Babe!

Over the past few years, I’ve been buying and trying to keep up to date with Bambicita, and it’s latest crotchet designs, especially this year with the sets being released perfect for sunny days and escapes during this pandemic.

BB: My first purchase by you ever was a Jamaican styled bralette top halter neck, with a tie back? Can you recall the year? And please tell me more about your start with crotchet from the beginning? First design inspo and ideas?

AO: I think this was in 2018 when I created the Jamaican styled bralette, at that time I was fairly new to crocheting clothes and didn’t invest enough time to focus on developing my skills. But I started to crochet way back when I was doing my textile GCSE and the first thing I actually made was a hat, I still have it now to remember how much I have improved. My mum has helped me a lot in terms of where I am now, when I was about 16 she subscribed me to this crochet magazine, so every month I would receive a magazine + crochet hooks and some yarn. I still have the whole collection of the magazine today which is useful for me to refine my skills.  

I have been crocheting for quite a long time but it wasn’t until May 2020 where I just finished uni and lockdown was in place, was when I dedicated literally everyday crocheting.

BB: Wow, it is amazing how your mother seemed to be watering the soil of a seed you had yet planted. At what moment do you think was the game changer to decide to pursue crochet a I recall you had an interest for interior design?  

AO: Interior design is still my number 1 passion and I hope to someday pursue a career in it I just love the idea of creating and decorating indoor environment for people, but for now I’m enjoying the time not having to spend a lot of time on interior designs software because in uni constantly staring at a computer wasn’t always enjoyable. One thing I loved about studying interior is that I got the chance to extract my textile personality into my work. and even now regarding crochet I am still incorporating my love for interior design and creating home decor products.

However as mentioned before it was in May when I was literally full of anxiety due to corona virus, crocheting actually helped me stay calm. It’s like when I pick up a hook and start making something all my problems go away and its honestly the most stress free thing to do and being able to sell and share my work is an absolute dream.

BB: You make such a range of styles for your bikini sets and I have a few at home. I have worn my blue halter neck, high waisted one and got wonderful feedback (thanks Brad x) I can’t wait to wear it more outdoors, they’re so timeless but yet on trend. I know I will be wearing mine for a few more years to come at least…  What got you into the bikini sets? 

AO: Omg I just love travelling so much and not being able to travel as freely this year actually made me so sad , so instead of thinking about the present and how I can’t travel, I thought about the future and how when I am able to travel as freely as I did quite a lot of times previously, I would have all the bikinis I need and the best thing about it is that it is so unique..

from the colour,

to the style,

Everything.

 Even though we are approaching winter I feel like I’m still going to focus on bikinis and summer wear, come up with more concept ideas for next year

BB: The sets really seem to be taking off especially the flag inspired colour way, I got mine, being one of the first babes to, in green with a yellow and black band for Jamaica of course, absolutely love it. I find the underwear cute and incredibly comfortable with a sexy style, the design is practically perfect!

How did you come up with this concept? Did you have more requests or decided to make it a thing? What was your first country? Will there be more? Were there any challenges with the design?

AO: Jamaica was the first country I did and I’m so happy I got to make it for you!!!! I think the flag bikinis are popular because they are so unique and it’s something you can wear with pride!!!

In terms of the style a friend asked me to create them a bikini she sent me a photo of how she wanted it to look like, and without watching any Youtube videos, getting any patterns, I managed to create it, and I instantly feel in love with the style and use it as a base for all my flag bikinis.

I’ve been following @andibagus on Instagram for a couple of years now and they are my inspiration. I love the designs and everything. I honestly inspire to have a business like that but of course with a twist

BB: I adore your flower sets for such beauty, I love mine as the colour way is perfect for a natural vibe and the off white really stands out against the wine/burgundy colour, but I love the triangle shape the most for ease. What is your favourite style from Bambicita?

AO: This is a tricky question because it’s always changing, but currently, it has to be the patch work crop top I made because it was such a random piece with a lot of random crochet stitches that somehow became a top, but apart from that I would also say the bikinis I just honestly love making them.

BB: Well, that's fantastic as I love wearing them, especially whilst waiting to go on holiday. I’ve noticed on your Instagram you’ve been working on a lot of new things designs as I’ve seen so much range from cactuses, to dresses, to bralettes with African prints that look really exciting… Could you tell me more about what is in store for Bambicita babes like myself?? 

 

AO: So, I got a competition coming up really soon it will be a chance for winners to win a fashion, home decor or beauty prize because I’m just so thankful for all the support people have shown me in the last couple of months and a huge thank you to my friends (you as well) and my family who pushed me into opening an Instagram page because I was always so scared to show my work.

For now, I’m going to carry on crocheting then next year I’m going to review what products people like the most and by  summer 2021 my goal is to hopefully opening up an online store and to continue to sell more locally in stores to give everyone the opportunity to have a lil’ bit of Bambicita.

BB: That sounds amazing and I look forward to more winning, I am sure Shopify can help your dreams come true as you’ve done the leg work. I look forward to your growth. Thank you for this. Love You xxx

Bambicita is only just beginning so be sure to keep updated via Instagram and message for a purchase, it’s a great example of Black British Business, BITCH!