Hilarian Fashion Entrepreneurship: Timeka Harry presents Sade Roxborough

Model Latoya Robley wearing Sade Roxborough
Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography

It's been said that there's one thing millennials are clamoring to own: their own business. The entrepreneurship trait is not lost on Timeka Harry, a Hilarian and co-owner of Sade Roxborough: a fashion house creating designs for the quintessential Caribbean woman who is stylish, confident and marches to her tune. "Sade Roxborough aspires to be more than just a clothing line or fashion brand", says Timeka. "Think beyond fashion. We intend to portray a Caribbean woman who is well rounded, who is able to excel in all aspects of life." Sade Roxborough was thus named as the co-owners found 'Sade' to be a very feminine, and a fitting representation of the Caribbean woman that inspires the designs; they paired it with Tobago's town, Roxborough which has distinctive vibe – easygoing, relaxed and simplistic.

Model Kameko Holder, wearing Sade Roxborough's 'Ms. Alana Maxi'
Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography

Sade Roxborough is operated by the virtual team of Timeka Harry, who lives in La Horquetta, Aquisha Francis, residing in the brand's namesake - Roxborough, and their Trinbago born U.S. based business manager. They hold true to the brand's mantra, 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.' Though geographically dispersed, the team has internal processes that allows for the full gamut from idea creation through successfully providing a high quality product to their clients. 

Timeka and Aquisha met while studying pattern drafting and clothing construction at University of the Southern Caribbean. Aquisha helped Timeka to improve her construction skills, and the two developed a sisterly bond. Their virtual team allows their relationships to grow despite distance, and building the business is a rewarding experience, even though full-time work schedules are a constraint to their work time. Outside of the fashion industry, Timeka is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at BAHS. "It feels good to be back", she says of her role which includes teaching Food & Nutrition, "being a teacher is like being a role model." 

Last week, we mentioned that Sade Roxborough will be outfitting R&B Soul singer, Keba at the December 6th "The Many Moods Of Christmas" concert, presented by the BAHS Choir. Timeka and Keba have known each other since 'BAHS days'. Timeka played in the BAHS Steelpan Ensemble from Forms 1-5, during which she met Keba, who at the time was a choir member who also often accompanied the Steelpan Ensemble on the clarinet!  
 

When you think of Sade Roxborough, it's like Tobago: there’s a distinctive vibe – easygoing, relaxed. Not fussy, simplistic, ease of wearing and quality. 
Models: Kameko Holder and Miah Francis, photographed by Mark Gilbert 

Timeka proudly recalls Sade Roxborough's first runway show during Tobago Fashion Weekend, in May 2013. To be featured at the weekend, designers are required to show a sample piece to various gatekeepers, including renowned Caribbean fashion giant, Meiling. Eager for the opportunity, Timeka and Aquisha wrapped the 'Meeks Maxi dress' in a white box and their signature brand aesthetics that looked like a box of chocolates. They delivered it to Meiling--and prayed. "The next morning, I was awoken by a phone call from Meiling", relates Timeka. "She was so impressed by the packaging and the design!" Timeka dislikes assimilation, and wants to discourage the notion that 'what we do isn’t good enough unless outside [the US] validates it.'

The 'Meeks Maxi', of Sade Roxborough's Pieces of Me Collection.
Model: Miah Francis
Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography 

The 'Meeks Maxi', of Sade Roxborough's Pieces of Me Collection.

Model: Miah Francis

Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography 

Sade Roxborough fully embraces our Caribbean heritage and aspires to have women feel the difference in the brand. At the Tobago Fashion Weekend, many other designers presented their designs with heavy metal music. Sade Roxborough used the local music of Calypsonian veteran - Shadow's 'Dingolay', and the reception was overwhelming. "We launched in that year", says Timeka, "and months later were on a runway show. Walking down the runway with Aquisha was a very proud moment for me." Following the event, the brand was praised in the Guardian Newspaper's "WomanWise", and has since been featured in Tobago News three times.  

One of our goals is to become a major brand in the Caribbean. "What’s the sense of doing something halfway?", says Timeka. She and her team are working on new collection for January 2016. The designs are going to be full of Tobago love, and an evolution of the last collection. Think: ensembles to wear to functions, which are elegant, vogue and sweet. The designers plan to limit production to no more than two pieces of each design; to maintain the uniqueness of the collection. Sade Roxborough 2016 will be available online, via direct contact through the designers, and through various retail spaces including Akimbo, located in Arima. 

In the long term, Timeka hopes for Sade Roxborough to pursue different fields that encompass design, and pursue ventures to encourage women to embrace and love their own heritage.  

Founders of Sade Roxborough: Aquisha Francis (left) and Timeka Harry (right)