More Than a Bag: The Woman, the Mission, and the Story Behind ONEOFEACH

Sometimes you meet someone and within minutes you know the clothes, the jewelry, or the accessories are only a small part of the story. There is something bigger.

A purpose. A calling. A mission.

That is exactly what happened when I met Tamburai Chirume, the founder of ONEOFEACH.

I was invited to a beautiful backyard pop-up hosted by my friend Danell Wilson-Perlman, who is originally from South Africa. One of the things I love most about Danell is the way she celebrates both of the countries she calls home. She has such a heart for sharing South African artists, creators, and stories with her community here.

And that afternoon, she introduced me to a woman I will never forget. Before I even knew the full story behind ONEOFEACH, I was struck by Tamburai herself.

Her beauty.
Her strength.
Her presence.

There are some women who walk into a space and you can feel their purpose before they ever say a word.Tamburai is one of those women. As we talked, I quickly realized why I felt such an instant connection. We share the same belief — that when women support other women, something powerful happens.

ONEOFEACH is an African-inspired luxury brand, but the mission goes far beyond creating beautiful pieces. Each design represents culture, craftsmanship, creativity, and the women behind the work. The pieces are bold, meaningful, and unlike anything else. But the story behind them is what stayed with me.

Tamburai is currently in Seattle hosting a long-term pop-up shop and sharing her vision with a new community. She is following a dream she believes in so deeply that it requires incredible sacrifice — including spending months away from her young son. When she shared that with me, I went through so many emotions.

First, I thought, “I could never do that.” And then I thought, “Wow. This is what it looks like when someone is truly living their mission.” It reminded me of my own journey years ago when I walked away from my corporate career to follow a dream that did not make sense to everyone else yet. I remember leaving something safe because there was a quiet voice telling me there was something more I was meant to do.

No one sees the moments behind the dream.

The uncertainty.
The sacrifices.
The choices that do not always make sense from the outside.

But women like Tamburai remind us that purpose often requires courage before it creates impact.

Through ONEOFEACH and The African Academy of Fashion, she is not just creating beautiful designs — she is creating opportunity. She is helping other women use their talents, build their futures, and share their creativity with the world.

And that is the part of fashion I have always loved most. Because style has never just been about what we wear. It is about connection, expression, confidence, and stories.

Sometimes the pieces we choose carry more than color and fabric. They carry someone's dream. Someone’s courage. Someone’s “why.”

I left that afternoon inspired — not only by the incredible designs, but by the woman behind them. Tamburai is proof that when a woman knows who she is and what she is here to do, there is nothing more powerful.

Before I left, I asked Tamburai to share more about her journey, her mission, and the women behind ONEOFEACH. I hope you take a few minutes to listen to her story in her own words — because her passion is something you truly have to feel.

Watch my conversation with Tamburai.

If you are in Seattle, you can experience ONEOFEACH in person at Pacific Place through July 21. You can also learn more about Tamburai, ONEOFEACH, and the incredible women behind the mission:

ONEOFEACH
www.oneofeach.co.za
Instagram: @oneofeach

The African Academy of Fashion
www.taaf.co.za

Tamburai Chirume
Instagram: @chirumetamburai