Revolutionizing Textile Design: Hafsat Sani Sami’s Journey to Empower Nigerian Women
In the heart of Nigeria, a creative revolution is unfolding, led by Hafsat Sani Sami, a pioneering digital textile designer from Kebbi State. With a background in Business Management and Interior Architecture & Design, Hafsat’s passion for storytelling and pattern-making has evolved into a unique brand of contemporary textile design. Her journey is not only about creating stunning, wearable art but also about empowering young Nigerian women to explore this vibrant art form.
Hafsat’s designs are a testament to her fascination with nature, spirituality, and personal experiences. She works primarily with silk and natural fabrics, crafting bold, expressive prints that tell stories and evoke emotions. "I like to think of each piece I create as wearable art," she explains. "Digital textile design gave me the freedom to break the rules, experiment, and bring my designs to life faster and more sustainably." Her brand, Kweyve, is a platform for creative expression, collaboration, and empowerment.
The digital textile design landscape in Nigeria is still growing, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where Hafsat is based. Despite the challenges, she is passionate about creating space for other designers and artists to explore this new frontier. "It’s a space that takes courage to step into, but it’s also incredibly rewarding," she notes. The decline of Nigeria’s textile factories has left a gap in the industry, but Hafsat sees this as an opportunity to rebuild and innovate. "Digital textile design allows us to reimagine what’s possible, even without large-scale infrastructure," she says.
Through Kweyve, Hafsat is committed to empowering young Nigerian women to explore textile art. She offers internships, collaborative projects, and shares her design process to inspire and educate. "I want them to see that textile design is a powerful tool for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and self-expression," she emphasizes. Hafsat has encountered many talented young women who inspire her with their unique perspectives and interpretations of traditional patterns.
As the Nigerian textile design industry continues to evolve, Hafsat is confident about the future of independent digital designers. "We’re at the beginning of something special," she says. "The future is in safe hands, and I’m excited to be part of this journey." With her innovative approach, creative passion, and commitment to empowerment, Hafsat Sani Sami is revolutionizing the world of textile design, one print at a time.
