About

 

Georgia Leslie, the founder of Coconut Palm, has built her brand on a foundation of creativity, heritage, and sustainability. Her journey began with a deep desire to repurpose old garments, transforming them into entirely new pieces. One of her earliest projects was crafting a dress for her friend’s niece out of a dress that once belonged to her friend. This project, which she still treasures as a significant milestone, set the tone for what would become a lifelong passion for up-cycling and sustainable accessories.

The inspiration for sewing wasn’t immediate. As a teenager, she often watched her mother, a skilled seamstress, at work. Fascinated by the craft, Georgia’s curiosity led her to ask her mother to teach her the skill. At the age of 15, she began learning the intricacies of sewing under her mother’s guidance. Her mother emphasised the importance of precision, a value deeply ingrained in their family’s sewing tradition, which dates back generations to her great-great-grandmother. During wartime rationing, this legacy of accuracy and resourcefulness was essential, ensuring that every piece of fabric was used wisely.

Coconut Palm was born out of Georgia’s love for transforming discarded materials into meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Her work primarily features fabrics sourced from West Africa, paired with her Caribbean heritage, symbolized by the name “Coconut Palm.” This name reflects the connection between the lush palm trees of Barbados, her family’s homeland, and the vibrant textiles of West Africa. It’s a tribute to her roots and the cultures that inspire her designs.

Through Coconut Palm, she continues to inspire others to embrace sustainability and celebrate the beauty of heritage and craftsmanship.