Egyptian Cotton Ball’s Brains: Zena Sallam
Brains, wit, and a very simple idea is what has put Zena Sallam & Egyptian Cotton Ball on the map for us. While everyone is thinking larger than life (don’t get us wrong, that’s fine) Zena has taken the simple idea of a plain white T or just your favorite everyday t-shirt and localized it with the best Egyptian Cotton there is out there.
People the world over race to get their hands on some of “Egyptian Cotton” yet we don’t take advantage of it, till now! Get to know the latest entrepreneur on the scene
What is the story behind Egyptian Cotton Ball? Is this your baby, or are you sharing this project with someone else?
ECB is my baby. I started it alone, with the help and support of my husband. The idea was definitely thought up by the both of us, but being the control freak that I am, I could not share and have been working on it myself since its inception.
Your profile mentions how people seem to have forgotten the ‘simple’ things in life? What do you mean by that and why do you think that is?
Within the creative scene of things, I feel as though over embellishing and over accessorizing has become somewhat of an Egyptian trend. Local designers have focused on a type or a look and I’ve yet to see any diversion from what people expect. I wanted to do something simple because frankly, that’s the type of stuff I’d want to buy for myself. Last August we traveled to the states and while I was there I noticed how popular a brand like American Apparel is, and thought, is it possible to make an Egyptian version?
Egypt is at a point where they are importing cotton from all over the world when we have the some of the best at our finger tips. What do you think was the turning point (other than Abdel Nasser) and what kind of strains do you feel in your own business?
Egyptian cotton is a sign and indication of luxury all over the world. We’re spoilt for choice here but at the same time, the local market isn’t half as impressed with it as, let’s say, buyers in the states. Finding top quality cotton here is tricky because while it’s easy to find, suppliers aren’t used to dealing with relatively small orders. It’s always an issue, if you’re not going to buy the quantity they expect, you’re going to pay the price for it.
Why just a T? Is this more of a selfish thing because you couldn’t find the right fit?
For completely selfish reason, I’m a sucker for a good plain T-shirt and they tend to stay with me for ages. I was tired of doing the rounds in order to get the different cuts I love to wear, and that’s where I came up with basic colors in several cuts model. I thought of my girlfriends and how each one of us prefers a certain cut, so why not create a brand that caters to each of us.
Is this your first venture in to the world of design/ fashion? And if so what gave you the finale push?
2 years ago I designed big hand bags with African fabrics I’d brought back from Zanzibar. That was my first proper venture, they did well but the logistics of bringing the African fabrics here turned out to be a bit of a pain. I’d been looking for something to pour my heart and soul into was distinctly Egyptian, and there’s really nothing more Egyptian than cotton.
Are you a shoes or bags girl? This is a make or break for any fashion designer.
Ohhh that’s a hard one! I’d have to say both, BUT, I definitely splurge on handbags and tend to be more expense conscious when it comes to shoes. I’d prefer a designer bag over a non-designer bag, but I’m not too fussy about the brand of shoe unless they are uncomfortable.
Have you seen the new Celine bag? Do you want it or need it on a scale from 1 to 10.
20! I need it, in all colors! Habib….can you hear me? I’m also obsessed with the Prada Saffiano. I need that bag as well. Yes, I mean it when I say “need”
Favorite Fashion designer? Why?
I’m in love with Ulyana Sergeenko at the moment, Nothing sexier than a vintage look and she’s the master of vintage chic.
Cavali and Ellie Saab for gowns, Armani for the perfect blazer and pant, D&G for the perfect black dress, and Chanel for the purses.
I’m hoping my husband is reading this…I’m really not asking for much.
How long have you been operating? Are you solely working locally now, or are you catering to overseas orders as well.
I’ve been operating since September 2012. I’m sticking to the local market for now but dream of selling abroad. It’s actually the reason I named it Egyptian Cotton Ball, because when you say “Egyptian Cotton” anywhere in the world it means top notch quality.
What should we expect from ECB in 2013?
More colors! More cuts! Some none T-shirt items! And the men’s line which I’m currently working on.
Is there any charitable side to your brand?
The charity of buying Zena a Saffiano Prada bag. Does that count?
Does ECB have a mascot?
I’m hoping my T-shirts speak for themselves, I want people to associate top quality cotton for reasonable prices with ECB. Like I said before, simple marketing for a simple product, it’s straight forward and honest. No clutter, No Bullshit….can I say bullshit?
We know you have saved a couple kitties here and there from the crazy streets of Cairo how does your love for animals fit in with your new business?
Most people know my love for animals and I was raised in an environment that encouraged rescuing animals in need. I hope to give a portion of my profit (when I actually have profit) to my aunt’s shelter in Sakkara. I’d love for ECB to be thought of as an animal friendly brand that encourages and promotes adoption instead of buying animals from pet shops. Please spay and neuter you animals people, Thank you!
Do you have kids line?
I’ve been considering it but I’m not a massive fan of children, so maybe someday down the line when I talk a baby-loving friend into managing a kids line. I think it’s a massive untapped market though.
How do we get to you? Are you displaying anywhere in particular?
I take orders off Facebook for now but am in the process of finalizing online stores that will be selling my t-shirts. I hope to have a small shop in Zamalek in a couple months’ time. Fingers crossed 🙂
