Good Qs with Marcia Kemp, Nannacay

Marcia Kemp is the founder and creative director of Brazilian accessories brand Nannacay. 

We sat down with Marcia to discuss creative empowerment, Hawaiian canoeing and legacy.

Nannacay looks fantastic. Could you tell us more about how and why you started the brand?

First of all, thank you so much for your compliment. I started Nannacay to transform lives. 

What does Nannacay mean?

Nannacay means sisterhood, derived from Quechua. An indiginious language originating in Peru.

Nannacay instantly makes us want to go on vacation! What inspires your design process?

Inspirations come from my roots, my heritage or any message I want to give to the world. 

Nannacay serves as a social fashion project. What does this mean to you? 

Nannacay positions itself as a social fashion project ’Creative Hands Transforming Lives,’ which seeks to transform the lives of people with creative potential. We work with artisans around the world, serving as a bridge between people who need to generate income and the consumer market of their work.

The women who buy our accessories admire simplicity and beauty, but they also want to give back to society. We work with remote regions in Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

More than everything we are committed to the ONU Sustainable Agenda Goals for People and Planet, including reducing poverty, eliminating hunger and increasing gender equality. 

What challenges are obstructing more sustainability in your industry?

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It will take time and commitment to change people’s behaviour to keep the planet Earth safe for the future generations. Profit and gowth are prioritised over environment and human capital.

You previously volunteered with the Children’s Institute, has this influenced your journey?

Sure. This was my inspiration to build my own legacy to the planet. 

Do you recycle? Should we recycle?

 I use some recycled materials in some collections. Our company is also committed to recycling practices.

Yes sure, whenever it is possible.

What is on your must-see, or must-read list right now?

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Originals by Adam Grant are both on my must-read list.

How do you take care of yourself? What are your self-care tips?

I live in Rio de Janeiro and practise Hawaiian canoeing in the sea and outdoor gym, as well as transcendental meditation every day.

My self-care tips are to practise discipline and to remain living in the present. 

What Good News have you had/heard this week?

My parents are safe and in good health, as well as my family.