This Leeds businessman trades the pharmacy for the runway, unveiling a striking collection of exclusive handbags, all inspired by his mum!
A young Yorkshire entrepreneur is hoping to create the next big thing in designer luxury, at an ethical, affordable price.
Gerald Sibanda may only be 23-years-old, but he’s clocked up a remarkably varied career path to date.
After sixth form at Roundhay, where he excelled at maths and science, studying pharmacy at Bradford University, a spell working at his beloved Leeds United for three years in the South Stand, and now working in a chemists while awaiting the results of his final professional pharmacy exams, he’s also developed a stunning range of designer handbags which should go on sale within weeks.
Customers fortunate enough to be among the initial sign-ups for email alerts will not only gain early access to purchase but will also receive a 10% welcome offer. It’s worth noting that this exclusive drop is limited as only 500 handbags will be released.
He said: “A few years ago I wanted to buy my mum Jacky a really nice handbag for her birthday. I went into Harvey Nichols and was astonished at some of the prices … I suspected that while the quality was amazing, what was adding a zero to the price ticket was the brand, and decided to see if I could create my own range for a fraction of the price.”
After months of design and research, the result is Eden Reflex handbags and the very first model, the black and white Isadora, was proudly carried by his mum when she attended Gerald’s university graduation ceremony. It is her go to bag for special occasions and she is always flooded with compliments for its uniqueness.
He’s now added nine more bags to the range, which he has designed himself, and his manufacturer should be shipping the entire product range back to Yorkshire soon.
Gerald said: “I was really interested in sustainability, and avoiding cruelty to animals, so a lot of that went into my designs and the materials I use. I also wanted them to be affordable – under £200, rather than the thousands of pounds wanted for some brands.
“Finally, I was really keen to create something unique, and British, which I hope will one day be sold in Harrods and Selfridges; a brand to be proud of.”
For now his Eden Reflex brand – where luxury, exclusivity and elegance go hand in hand – is being marketed primarily through Tik Tok and Instagram, and available to order online at edenreflex.com where customers can sign up for their exclusive mailing list discount
Gerald added: “I want to revolutionise the handbag industry in the UK, offering luxury that’s a little bit more affordable.”
