Robert Mandela: From Kibera to becoming the world's most sought after Fashion Designer

Mr. Robert Mandela who many refer to as the pride of Embakasi is renowned fashion designer and CEO of Roma Designs Africa. App Your Game visited him at his workshop and below is what we prepared for you.

Born and raised in Kibera and an alumni of Kaimosi Boys, Robert Mandela a second born child in a family of three has always had the dream to become one of Kenya's most celebrated fashion designers of his time. His dream was a day to be like Roberto Carvalli whom he confesses he draws a lot of inspiration from.

Many would perhaps get the impression that it has been an easy ride for the promising young man. No it hasn’t. Growing up in the ghetto as most people would say, life was a challenge each passing day. At most times in his life Robert confesses they had to go to bed on empty stomachs, missed classes just because they couldn't afford transport to go to school worse still afford to buy the much required learning materials. His life was characterized by long distance walks to the fashion school and the very many sacrifices that came along.

Like they say, nothing comes easy and Mandela was quite aware of the same. Through thick and thin he pursued his dream with all his zeal which later saw him start Roma Designs from nothing. All he had was a single sewing machine. Asked to say something about his business this is what he had to say, “It has indeed been a long journey, nakumbuka nikianzia kwa vibanda na mashine moja pekee now Roma Designs Africa boasts of two shops doing so well and even offering employment. To me, I say this is God" Isn't this powerful.

As usual we asked Mandela if he had any dreams or visions and in his own words this is what he had to say, 

"Yes I have a dream. In the coming five years I want to see Roma Designs become the biggest brand in East Africa, start a fashion school of my own and above it all pass this skill to over a hundred less fortunate members in my society. I have been through that road I know how it is like to grow in such surroundings."

Amongst his greatest achievements Robert Mandela is grateful to God for the continued growth he is witnessing both in his life and business as well. Working with great artistes like Eko Dyda, Boss MOG, DK Kwenye Beat, MC K amongst the very many of them not forgetting the fact that he recently was featured in the Couture Africa Fashion Magazine for his exemplary works in the competitive world of fashion is amongst the very many reasons Embakasi and the Kibera community can never be ashamed of this multi-talented lover of fashion.

To conclude our conversation and allow him attend to his very many clients we met him attending to in his workshop, we asked Mandela if he had any advice to the aspiring fashion designers and all those that will be reading this article. Here is what he had to say, "Life is a journey full of so many challenges, never stop to dream. If I came out of nothing to something all things are possible, all dreams are valid just as Lupita says."

From a young man born and raised in one of the famous slums in Africa now every eyes on him and all his pieces breaking records in almost all fashion exhibitions in the country we hope his story shall motivate and inspire you to realizing your purpose in Life. Wishing you all the best as you set out to become what God created you to be. Wishing Mandela all the best in his endeavors.