We recently connected with Nai-Muh Dennis and have shared our conversation below.

Nai-Muh , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Met my business manager and artisanal partners while volunteering with WOOF (Worldwide Organization of Organic Farming) in Senegal, West Africa. While there, I began having my designs made present for myself and family. The craftsmanship was excellent, I asked if they were open to continued partnership, and we’ve been working together since 2020.

Senegal is a country known throughout Africa for the quality of their handcrafted goods using traditional techniques and materials that have seasonal availability. Being a country that has a rainy season lasting from late June to October, there is a leather shortage during this time of year due to the weather not allowing for the drying process to occur.

It was during the first year of business that I discovered how this seasonal shortage would create a bottleneck when ordering my bags that are fabricated with leather. To overcome this seasonal availability, I introduced clothing to Goldmarh – the Lady of Leisure Dresses and Ankara Fabric/African Print Coveralls.

Without this unexpected problem, I am not sure if/when I would have debuted my Lady of Leisure Dresses or Ankara Fabric/African Print Coveralls.

Now I have come to enjoy how my brand reflects seasonality when it comes to the materials that create fashion.

Nai-Muh , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After being inspired by all the talent and craftsmanship of Senegal when I, Nai-Muh, was a WOOF (Worldwide Organization of Organic Farming) volunteer in 2013, I knew I wanted to design and sell curated items made by local artisans using traditional materials and techniques.

Upon returning to Senegal with my mom in January 2020, Goldmarh was established when I met an old friend, Modou, the same person I told all those years ago I would come back one day and begin a business with him. Since then I continue to create designs – MudCloth and Leather Bags, Mudcloth Hats, Ankara/African print fabric Coveralls and Maxi Dress; and curate capsule collections, and he works directly with the artisans to procure Goldmarh’s ethically made pieces.

What started as an idea of sharing my sense of fashion and relationships built during my travels to Senegal, has become the brand Goldmarh. Our goal has always been to establish a direct connection between the local artisans handcrafting our ethically made, one of one pieces and the clientele that vibes at our frequency.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In the future, I would live to connect creatives, of multiple medias, to skilled artisans that can make their designs present. Would also like to have an artisanal village where artisans can connect, as well as educate future makers.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the feelings that my designs evoke. Have seen a range of reactions from crying, to screaming, to laughter….and all of these emotions make me smile with my heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goldmarh.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gold.marh