“We’re just a normal working-class family, so there’s no background in business.”
For as long as she could remember, Mariam Surian was fascinated by the bold colours and shapes found on traditional south Asian clothing. Those designs became the source of inspiration for her shoe company which she launched at just 19-years-of age.
The company is called La Benim, and it is a luxury shoe brand that combines South Asian culture, heritage and ethnic designs. Since its inception in 2022, Mariam has been featured at luxurious fashion shows held at grand locations in Dubai and India.
“I started the idea when I was in college, when I was 19.” She told the M.E.N.
“Growing up I was surrounded by patterns, colours and embroidery which I loved a lot, so It came naturally to draw my own patterns and designs.
“I loved shoes as well, so I would draw shoes and visualise the patterns. During the pandemic I started doing more and more and then I realised that I wanted people to see my designs and I wanted to see what I could achieve with it as well.
Mariam says that she comes from a ‘working-class’ family in Oldham and she has taught herself how to build a business from scratch with the help of the internet.
“All of this is self-taught; I did my own research and I just worked really hard for this. I was reading books and studying other people about how they brought their businesses to life.
“We’re just a normal working-class family, so there’s no background in business.”
Last year her designs were showcased at a debut show in Dubai in partnership with The Fashion Connect. Despite her early success, it hasn’t been easy, however.
Mariam is balancing her studies in graphic design at Oldham Campus University, working part-time jobs, and supporting a growing dream which she says has been ‘manageable’ so far.
“A lot of it was how my parents pushed me to always try something out.” She told the M.E.N
“If it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work, but you’ll never know until you actually try it.
“People have seen my designs and I’ve done a couple of exhibitions and I’ve been invited to some other shows and just last year I did my first ever show in Dubai, which was a huge moment for me.
“Honestly it was amazing, I’d never been to Dubai before and it was amazing to see my shoes come to life amongst other designers, high profile ones too.”
