Bare Essentials: An Interview With Judith Achumba-Wöllenstein
From Corporate Intern to multifaceted Creative, Entrepreneur and fashion psychology Editor, Judith Achumba-Wöllenstein, shares her journey on going against the cultural grain to creatively pursuing a life that embraces transparency and vulnerability to empower others.
When did you discover your passion for fashion?
I was raised in a family culture where being intelligent and educated was highly valued. Working in fashion wasn’t seen as a viable career option. I was never allowed to buy fashion magazines growing up, it was almost looked down upon by peers and people around me. I’ve always been curious about design and experimented with ideas through the way I dressed. I ended up studying Politics. Even though I didn’t have much money and never wore expensive clothes, I was often teased at my Liberal Arts College for my effort and attire, subsequently nicknamed ‘Paris Hilton’ - which left me confused.
What made you want to pursue a career within the creative industry?
After university and working in a corporate environment, I went through a major life change and started rediscovering my faith which led to producing a film. The film turned into a job opportunity for an agency in Berlin, Germany. It was during this time, I started to produce videos. I was given the chance to attend my first fashion catwalk show for the agency. I remember thinking there is so much beauty and creativity in fashion and it’s such an empowering tool. We use fashion to communicate our internal values and emotions but on the flip side, it can also be a very destructive industry and that’s what intrigued me. I felt determined from that point forward, to find a new way to make a positive impact within the industry.
“I’ve always been an advocate for sustainable fashion but I understand now it’s a whole lot more complicated than once thought - one solution isn’t going to solve all the problems.”
How has the psychology of fashion impacted the way you view on the industry at large?
Part of my studies focused on cognitive psychology within the context of fashion. My research focus has been on brands and how their stories affect our behaviour through the clothes we wear. I’m interested in helping brands tell stories that shape our culture. I relate so much more to psychology and there are so many elements to it. Being the editor of HAJINSKY, I get to delve into so many conversations and look at the research, apply it and help people with it. I don’t think my studies have changed how I view the industry but I see how complex things are.
Have your opinions changed on certain fashion debates such as sustainability?
I’ve always been an advocate for sustainable fashion but I understand now it’s a whole lot more complicated than once thought. Some people within the industry will advocate for one solution. This may be slow fashion, recycled fashion or vintage clothing. But if you look at the way consumers interact with clothes and their diverse needs, one solution isn’t going to solve all the problems. I’m a lot more hesitant to just bulldoze my opinion without looking at all the factors.
Why is transparency and vulnerability important in your line of work?
I always choose vulnerability because I believe it is strength and the only way we can truly connect with people. So far in my life, I’ve only been vulnerable on a 1-1 basis or within a group of a few people. In more recent years, I’ve been vulnerable in more public settings such as talks, interviews, etc. I always think how can my vulnerability can help someone else, whether that’s through a personal post on social media or sharing my own struggles through conversation.
Do you worry about being personally judged for your openness?
I only care about the people that need to hear a personal anecdote and as a result, will feel seen and heard through that vulnerable connection. Being open will hopefully give someone in a dark place, a glimpse of hope. It’s all about assessing situations and understanding the context of who you are talking to, to make that judgement.
“I always choose vulnerability because I believe it’s a strength and the only way we can truly connect with others.”
How does your faith impact your work on a day to day basis?
In the bigger picture, my faith influences my identity, my values and how I want to see the world. In my sphere of influence which is fashion and design, I’ve chosen to start a business that questions the status quo and places value on people within an industry that hasn’t done so much before. On a day to day basis, I think there’s something powerful about living an authentic, honest life and really value integrity.
On a personal level, in what ways have you incorporated your beliefs into your relationships?
Me and my husband, sit together every quarter, reassessing the status of our marriage, reminding ourselves of our goals and aspirations for the rest of that year. People are often inspired by our intention which is great. We are also part of a community called Media Collective at our local church which helps to empower individuals within the Media world. Everything I do always comes from a place of how can I love Jesus more? When I do love Him, it will come out of the way I talk and impact the decisions I make.
Follow Judith on Instagram @judithwoellenstein
Words by
Rochelle King
Photography by
Yasmin Rona
