We first met Simone and her business partner Ronke on MySpace, where they keep an immaculate page – much as I imagine my house would be if I weren’t an incurable slob.

To get to know Simone a bit better, I asked her some questions from StoryCorps, a lovely project that encourages the world to spread their life stories.

This is a tiny bit of hers…

CWG: Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

SW: My granny and auntie also design and make clothes. I used to watch them make garments growing up and it inspired me. 

CWG: What is your earliest memory?

SW: I used to design draw clothes all the time and made my own doll's clothes from an early age. I have always been extremely passionate about my craft and I decided I wanted to be a designer from a young age. My love for it led me into the business.

CWG: What are the most important lessons you've learned in life?

SW: My advice to people who want to follow in my footsteps is to work hard. Nothing in life is easy but it’s all worth it when a client tells you that they love your clothes and keep coming back for more garments. Never give up, even if everyone around you is telling you that you can't do it. Do what makes you happy and stay positive.