Brandina Chisambo: Weaving Creativity Into Every Thread of Life

Photography by Phiwo Ndlovu

From photography to crochet, modeling to abstract art, Brandina Chisambo is a creative force with a deep purpose. In this interview, she shares her journey, motivations, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

What is your name and Where are you from ?

My name is Brandina Chisambo. I’m from Malawi, but I grew up in Manchester and have been here since I was four.

What do you do?

Okay, so it’s a long list! I am a photographer, actor, model, UGC content creator, crochet artist, abstract artist, and jewelry maker.

What inspired you to take your craft seriously? And did you ever face resistance?

At the time, I was working at Debenhams, but creative jobs were starting to come my way, and they kept clashing with my work schedule. I remember one event with JD Sports and some Love Island people, but I had to leave early to go to work. I just thought, this isn’t it. That was my push to take my creative work seriously.

As for resistance, no, not really. My mom is also creative; she loves acting and modeling and being in front of the camera. She’s always been supportive, so I’ve never felt like I couldn’t pursue this path.

Have you always wanted to do what you’re doing now?

I’ve always wanted to do great things. In high school, I studied art and got an A*, and I did drama studies and got an A in that. I love creativity. I can do academics, but it never really fulfilled my heart.

I’ve always known I wanted to do something that involved working with my hands or being in front of a camera.

What is your motivation for what you do?

My motivation is to edify people through the works of my hands. Whether it’s photography, capturing a memory for someone or creating a piece of art or clothing that people cherish, I want to give pieces of myself to others in a way that brings them joy.

I also love that every day is different. One day, I could be making a hat or a top, the next I could be at a networking event, on a modeling gig, or creating a painting. I love the variety and the excitement of not knowing exactly what’s coming next.

What are the main lessons you’ve learned in pursuing your purpose?

One of the biggest lessons is that you don’t need to have everything figured out. Life teaches you as you go. Also, you don’t have to stick to one thing! Some people say you need to find a niche and focus on just that, but if you have multiple passions, pursue them all. Many things connect in unexpected ways—like how my photography helps me showcase my crochet work.

Do you have any words of wisdom for women looking to take their creative practice seriously?

Just start. Even if you don’t know where it’s going or if it doesn’ look great at first, start anyway. Networking is also key, build connections because someone you meet might be further along in what you want to do, and you can learn from them.

A lot of the things I started with were awful when I look back, but I needed to go through that learning process to get where I am now.

How has your faith shaped your journey?

I give all my worries to God, whether it’s concerns about how things will work out or how I’ll meet the right people. I pray and trust that He has ordered my steps.

There’s a confession I say: Every step I take, God has given me this land. Wherever I go, I believe God has placed me there for a reason. When I was younger, my mom, my brother, and I would say this as we walked to school. One time, we visited the BBC for a tour, and my mom had us say it there. Years later, she ended up working for the BBC. That’s just one example of how faith and declaration have shaped my journey.