Never give up on your dream

When THOMAS MWICIGI was growing up, he hoped to be the first African Pope. Today, he owns an international clothing line. He spoke to SHIRLEY GENGA

What do you do for a living?

I own Uhuru Clothing Line, a venture I began in 2007. It was meant to cater to a market that was looking for clothes and accessories that represented Africa. I chose the name ‘Uhuru’ because it means freedom in?Kiswahili. Freedom means a lot to me because when I quit my job to start the clothing line, everyone told me it could not be done. So Uhuru to me is a representation of that. We are free and can be anything we want to be — we only need to believe in ourselves. I have shops in London and Indiana in the USA. We also have an online presence.

Describe yourself in three words?

Spontaneous, driven and passionate.

Tell us something about your background?

I grew up in Muthaiga, Nairobi. We are six children in my family, four boys and two girls. I’m the second last born. I am mummy’s boy and I was very talkative. I often got into trouble for talking. I was the kid who teachers told kids not to talk to while in class (laughs).

What was your childhood dream?

My dream was to be the first black Pope; but as I got older, I was more drawn towards finance. I had a fascination with money and all aspects of it. In 2001, I left for the USA to study Finance at the University of Texas. While there, I got the chance to work in the banking industry as I attended went to school.

How did the idea for Uhuru clothing line come about?

I noticed that there were no clothes in any store that represented Africans. Sometimes I would get homesick and walk into a store looking for something that represented my homeland but there was nothing. I decided to make T-shirts that represented Africa and Uhuru Clothing line was born.

How did you sell your T-shirts?

I would carry the T-shirts in the trunk of my car and move around selling them. People say that Kenyans are not patriotic but people were willing to buy anything that reminded them of home. Soon, word spread about my clothing line. I would go to barbeques and not even get a chance to enjoy the event because I was busy selling my T-shirts.

What happened to your banking job?

I had to choose between banking and my clothing line. It got to a point where my commitments to both were clashing. In order to grow my clothing line, I would travel to different states over the weekends whenever there was a Kenyan event and sometimes my boss needed me to work on Saturday — the schedules were clashing. So in 2008, I quit my job.

?Did you parents support your decision?

My parents at first did not understand why I would leave a sure pay check to pursue something that had no guarantees but they eventually came on board. I later graduated in 2009.

What are some of the challenges you have faced?

It was hard getting shops to stock my clothing line in America. At the time, they were not so sure about the African brand. This was before the Obama wave, so breaking into the industry required patience. In Kenya, the biggest challenge is counterfeits. I have not launched my clothing line here yet there are shops stocking counterfeits. The other day, I walked into a shop and found my T-shirts on sale.

Any celebrity you have dressed?

Young Jeezy, Jboog, Anthony David, Alaine, Madtraxx, Nameless, STL, P-Unit and Camp Mulla, just to name a few.

How would you describe your designs?

We do almost everything. We have T-shirts, ties, bow ties, handkerchiefs, belts, skirts and head wraps. To add an African twist to the item, we like to put prints that represent Africa — sometimes we put the map of Africa or images of famous people like Wangari Maathai. I also make sure that every item we make not only represents Africa, but that it also has a positive message. Currently, our message is: our future is so bright it blinds our eyes.

Apart from the clothes…

We also do events and charity. Last year, we organised a series of concerts in Dallas and we were able to raise Sh1 million to help the less fortunate in Kenya. I want to be able to use my company to give back to society.

Are you dating?

Yes, I am dating a wonderful woman. In this industry, it is important to have someone who understands your work and supports you. It is important to have a firm foundation because?I get to meet beautiful women including models, musician and actresses. ?

What qualities do you find attractive in a woman?

Someone who is patient, honest and confident.

What do you do for fun?

I love to hang out with friends and family. You will always catch me at a barbeque or by the pool.

Future plans?

We are planning on opening up a store in Kenya eventually. Right now you can find us online at www.uhuruclothingcompany.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uhuruclothing.

What advice would you give to a aspiring designer?

Do not give up on your dream; success is one heartbeat away from giving up. Failure will come but what matters is what you learn from it and how you rise above it. It is also important to surround yourself with positive people and those who share your vision.