A Conversation With Paboy Bojang of In Casa By Paboy

Bojang, originally from the Gambia, had been seeking asylum in Italy since 2015 however due to a slow immigration system, the renewal of paperwork that would allow him to continue on a fixed work contract was halted. Fuelled by his frustration and love of textiles, he began sewing his jewel-coloured cushion covers and posting them on Instagram. As is the nature of the internet and the virality of beautiful images, his eye-catching designs garnered the interest of many and Paboy began receiving an influx of orders. Since then, his business has been on a steadily upward trajectory.

Discrimination within the interior design industry is an institutional problem. Those from black, Asian, ethnic minority and low socio-economic communities are systematically discriminated against facing lower pay, fewer benefits and fewer job opportunities. Last year the BIID launched the UK interior design industry’s first-ever Diversity In Interior Design Survey and found that of the 363 designers who took part in the study, only 6% of those in senior roles were black.

Paboy has experienced first-hand the exploitation which many migrant and immigrant workers face and with his homeware social enterprise In Casa By Paboy, hopes to employ other migrants settled in Naples while nurturing their talents so that they too can be self-sufficient business owners. Paboy’s story is one of resilience, hope, innate talent and unwavering passion.

Making The Most Of Local Suppliers

Your cushions are crafted from 100% Italian cotton, which you source from local suppliers – what importance do you place on the fabrications you use?

At the beginning when I first started, it was a case of just using my housemate’s mum’s unwanted fabrics that were under her bed. I didn’t want to waste them, and there was a lot to choose from, so I used up all of those initially until they ran out. I was used to using traditional African fabrics which I loved working with and I initially thought about using these for the cushions. However, I came across the 100% Italian cotton which I now use and it instantly attracted me, I knew it was what I needed. I love that it’s a cool fabric with a great texture and it also comes in lots of different colours.

All of your cushions are handmade and often have long waiting lists due to their popularity – what is your favourite part of the process from design through to completion?

I started out only doing bespoke, made-to-order designs. But my favourite part of the process is working with colours and choosing the combinations. Now that I have such a high volume of orders it’s not possible for me to create bespoke designs, rather, I make them all by hand and sell them ready-to-go.

Providing Support For Immigrant Workers & Future Generations

We’re excited to hear that you have plans to employ other immigrants as well as supporting them to sell their own crafts. Can you tell us a bit about this?

I really want to help immigrants like me who are living in cities like Naples but still going through difficulties. There are so many people with no financial support and that are not able to work. Life for them is a nightmare. I think helping other people in this way will hopefully inspire others in the design industry to do the same, and hopefully work together towards a better, fairer future for everyone.

Do you feel there is adequate support and resources currently out there?

Sadly, I’ve not come close to experiencing support in this way. It’s not easy for those who come to European countries to start a new life and have to leave their livelihoods behind. It’s not just the design industries or creatives either – a good friend of mine was an accountant back in Gambia but when he came here his life went from 100 to 0 and it was very frustrating for him as he’s had no help to build up his career here. It’s almost luck to be able to come here and continue on the career path which you may have started back at home.