Debra Akthar
Debra Akthar was born in Pakistan and came to Bristol in 1976 at the age of 16. She started as a student in 1992 and now teaches Asian Garment Construction and Soft Furnishings at Silai for Skills. She has sewn from an early age, learning from her mother in Pakistan.
"My mum used to sew. My mum was a very fashion conscious person when she was young. She had a little hand machine back home, say 35 years ago, she used to make clothes, it was me, my sister and one of my cousins, she was the same age, so all three we used to have the same clothes. Mum used to buy the fabric and make them.
I always liked sewing and I used to make my dolls clothes as well. I can still remember there was purple material, not actually material, it was my mum's or auntie's suit that they were going to throw away, it's been used, and I said, "No mum I'll have it," and she'd say, "What for?” And I said, "I want to make dolls clothes." I can still remember I made a little shirt, the top, and I made a full skirt ‘cause that's how I learned. And I asked my mum, "How do you cut it?”- So I did and I embroidered it with sequins around the neck line and at the bottom. I still remember that!
And coming here at Silai, it's not like a job it's something I really enjoy, I just love being here. I don't think I would have stuck with my job if I was anywhere else, I just love...I love Silai!"
