Meet cousins Martha and Rani; the duo whose shared passion for creativity is interlaced by their committed loyalty to one another, helping develop each other's careers and offering sisterly support, no matter what.Martha hopes to launch her own merch brand one day, and is learning first hand from the best example.

In January 2020, Rani launched of her own brand, FANGIRL, with a range of non-gendered hand fans and apparel, inspired by black club culture and LGTBQ+ club culture. Centering her brand around self-expression and giving people confidence to share their individuality, Rani’s ambition in her creative work is to shed light on the unseen in the hope to create visibility and greater empathy in the world. A mission which Martha has been able to share in along the way. “Being part of FANGIRL has been big for me; being part of the process, understanding the narrative and seeing the products come to life, gave me an understanding of a culture and community I didn’t know much about. It made me think ‘this is really cool!’ and gave me a lot of hands on experience in the creative world.”

Recognising the role mentorship and motivation plays in being each other's sisterly support, we wanted to hear more about the people and experiences that have shaped the relationship they share today.

Hello Martha and Rani, it's been lovely hearing how working together has strengthened your sisterhood. Can you tell us a bit about your relationship and how it’s changed over time?

Rani – Martha is the little sister that I didn’t have. She is my little sister full stop. The way that we are connected is through our mothers who came over from Uganda in the early 90s as refugees. At the time there weren’t many Ugandans so they created their own community, they found friendship and they found their own sisterhood. That’s what connects us. But then our parents moved to different areas, we went to different schools, so during our teens we weren’t as close. Now I’m in my thirties and Martha’s in her late twenties and we’ve reconnected! We’re in a new stage of our sisterhood.

That’s really special. How would you describe your understanding of sisterhood?

Martha - My definition of sisterhood is about the mentorship. Whether they're older than me or younger than me, it’s that someone who I can talk to, have a middle ground with and have that support regardless of the situation. Being united through thick and thin, throughout every stage of your life.

R Yes, to me sisterhood means support, it means physical, emotional, mental consideration and kindness for each other. It means being accountable for each other, it means calling each other out when you think things aren’t right. And I think most importantly it means safety. Safety to be yourself, to mess up and not feel judged, to be challenged and to just learn from one another.

What have been the sisterly examples set to you?

M Every female in my life thinks differently. I have two older sisters, the same age as Rani, and they all bring different value into my life, you can’t compare it. For me family means friendship and that sense of support - as long as I’m able to find that within family I’ll always feel grounded and humble.

R My experience and observations of sisterhood in the past have been quite diverse. I was raised by my Mum and my Aunty so watching them as sisters was my first experience of seeing how they worked together as a partnership to raise me and my brother. I then went on to an all-girls school which was an interesting experience seeing how sisterhood doesn’t come easily for everyone, doesn’t exist in all spaces, and all places. Along the way, in my twenties and now my thirties, I've experienced sisterhood from a variety of people, both professionally and personally.

How would you describe the way you support one another

M Rani is that person in my life who can tell me something straight and say ‘This is what you need to do!’. She doesn’t allow me to fall back and tries to make me be the better version of myself. Because I’m quite laid back and Rani’s not! It’s like yin and yang, it works well and I really do appreciate that because I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. Thank you so much!

R Thank you for putting up with me! For leaning in and supporting me on so many things, big and small, over the last year. Whilst setting up my brand, Martha has been on the end of the phone, any time of day, running around, doing so much and not getting stressed out or saying ‘You’re sweating on me, give me a break!’ which family can do – they can say no I'm not doing it because they know they can get away with it. Thank you for doing so much and not getting much back in return. (laughing loudly)

M I do get a lot from it! I call Rani about everything. From fashion, asking what can I wear to this event to boys (laughing), that’s a big thing, to career, where am I heading, advice. She gets my calls randomly in the night - any time of the day. 

R It’s not a burden! I enjoy hearing what’s going in her life. It feels good that Martha values my opinion, my advice. I’m always going to have her best interests [at heart]. It’s makes me feel part of someone else's life and that’s a valuable role to play. I feel good from that. 

You can follow Martha on Instagram @marthamichigan and Rani @ranipatelw

Credits

Director: Sheena Bonsu Brobbey DOP: Julia Fiona Brown Stylist: Femi Ayo Photography: Shonay Shote MUA: Wendy Asumadu Hair: Sheree Jourdan & Phebe Checks Photography assisted by @florenceakano Hair assisted by @nasa_raye Creative Assistant: Siphiwe Mnguni Creative Assistant: Ryanna Allen Edit: Shaquilla Alexander Sound: Mia Zur-Zipporah Words: Bethany Burgoyne