#28TM: Alimah-Shadia Sitta

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My name is Alimah Sitta, a London born and raised investment banking professional by day and interior decorator and DIY and craft enthusiast by night! My family originates from Nigeria and my love for my culture/design and travel inspired my initial entry into the creative interior design world. I launched Four Corners Interiors Ltd in 2014, sewing and manufacturing soft furnishings inspired  by the four corners of the world—with the primary line being, Africa. 

I have since moved from an e-commerce based business, now focusing on growing my business within interior design and decorating  services. This is a demanding task being a full time employee at an investment bank, wife and mother, but I need and love having a creative outlet. I have experience in designing/decorating residential projects, including within my own home which has given me the  freedom to express my love of decorating and DIY. 

In 2015, I designed and supplied all the soft furnishings and decor for the backstage changing rooms at the prestigious MOBO (Music  of Black Origin) Awards. 

I hope to continue to grow my business within the creative/design world with a rebrand and website relaunch this Summer, so watch  this space! 

What Does Black History Month mean to you this year? 

As a Black British woman, Black history month has always meant a lot to me. BHM is actually in October in the UK ,but I work for an American bank, so I am involved in some of the working groups surrounding BHM in the US this month. 

This last year's Black history month has been of particular significance given the resurgence of the BLM movement in the summer. I  marched with my friends back in 2016 in London for BLM, and did the same thing 4 years later last summer. We all watched the world take a step back, and finally really recognize some of the wider inequalities and injustices Black people in the US and worldwide face; Black history month is an opportunity to continue that same energy. My firm took a very strong position during the BLM movement, and a colleague and I were invited to speak on a panel to the entire region about our experiences of racism in the UK. It  was extremely powerful so I am excited for us to roll out more events during this year's BHM. 

The design world also took great heed of the disparities between how Black and White creators and designers are recognised, endorsed  and even paid. I myself for the first time began being approached by big brands and companies who may have overlooked me before. I  look forward to seeing what said companies do to acknowledge this month in such a pivotal time.

What is the first creative thing you are going to do post pandemic? 

The first creative thing I want to do aside from redesign my kitchen, child’s room and entrance hall, is host a painting party! I wanted to do so last summer but with a very small window of it being allowed, it never happened. 

I have my easel and canvases ready to get creative with some friends!

To Learn More About Alimah Visit:

Instagram: @fourcornersinteriors