"Women Are Wolves Too" 001

Indie Noize is a movement that unites a diverse group of creatives that share an unabashed spirit and passion for their art. In partnership with Indie Noize the ongoing campaign “Women Are Wolves Too” will highlight aspiring female creative entrepreneurs whom embody what the movement is all about. Meet Sabina Jandarbek.

Age: 26

Occupation: Student / Jewelry Brand Founder

Origin: Kazakhstan

Q. Your company Botakoz jewelry is named after your grandmother, which is incredibly dope, how would you say she inspired your luxury accessories brand?

Sabina: From a very young age I used to watch her struggle but somehow always make it happen. She was a single mother to my mom and my uncle. She worked her day job and at night she would mop the floors of a local theatre. That's how she would make extra money to buy fabrics. She made clothes out of what she purchased for my mom and my uncle. She had this undeniable passion for sewing clothes. When I was in kindergarten she would legitimately stay up all night to make a dress for me just so I could look good for certain events. Although we didn’t have much at the time, the dresses she made for me always turned out to be fabulous, because she would put all her love and passion into them. Interestingly enough, It came to a point that other children’s parents would complain that I was spoiled. Without realizing that in reality my Grandma would sacrifice blood, sweat and tears just to make sure I didn’t appear less than any of my peers. This strong woman I happen to call my grandmother never ceased to inspire me because she transformed everything she touched into gold. I know she had dreams of owning her own atelier one day, however due to her life circumstances and miscellaneous responsibilities, she wasn’t able to fulfill that dream. Despite all the struggles, she always somehow managed to look chic and that's what truly amazed me. Therefore, I decided to take it into my hands and make her proud.

Q. What was the turning point that shifted your thinking to take on a more entrepreneurial mindset?

Sabina: To be completely honest, and I don’t really share it often, this idea came to fruition during a very difficult time in my life. My parents cut me off financially and I had no legal means of making money because of my immigrant status. That situation forced me outside of my comfort zone and simultaneously made me realize that I am a foreigner in this country. And if I wanted to remain here I would have to think bigger. Though I am currently pursuing a degree in computer science, that couldn’t be the only stream of income. I always knew I had a lot of creativity at my disposal and I had to find out how to utilize it to my advantage. I have always loved good quality jewelry because I believe it can upgrade anyone’s everyday look by just adding a couple of statement pieces. Now I look at this situation as a blessing in my life because it was a huge push.

Q The average person may not be so familiar with Kazakh culture. Can you speak to its importance to you?

Sabina: Yes, absolutely. First and foremost it is the ninth biggest country in the world, which a lot of people don't know. Kazakhstan will always hold a special place in my heart because it is my Motherland; a place where I spent most of my life. It is a multinational country. We speak two languages, the first is Kazakh which originated from the Turkish and the second one is Russian because we used to be a part of the USSR. The majority of the population is Muslim. It is very rich in natural resources. Also, definitely a place worth seeing for its nature and abundant culture. 

Q. How challenging has it been as an immigrant woman establishing a business of your own?

Sabina: It was quite challenging but thankfully I had a great support system here in the states. One thing I can tell for sure, is that I had to learn a lot of information in a very limited amount of time but somehow it all worked out thanks to God.

Q. Last but not least, what is your favorite record off of the Indie Noize project?

Sabina: My favorite record is Celebrate, it's the smooth vocals for me. 

To learn more about Sabina’s luxury jewelry company, visit the website https://botakozjewelry.com/ . You can also follow her on Instagram , @sabibi & @botakozjewelry .

To stream the Indie Noize project, check out the WBC Studios media page below. https://www.wbcstudios.com/media-page

Images shot by Tremell Horne, To take a deeper dive into his photography, follow him @by.1399