Do not despise the humble beginnings

Although she loved tailoring, Lillian Mbithe Maundu, 28, never imagined she could make a career out of it. She spoke to Allan Olingo about how far her business has come 

How did you get into tailoring?

My mother was a tailor and as she went about her business, I would take the cuttings from the clothes and use them to make clothes for my dolls and teddy bears. The watched and imitated her, the more I developed a passion for tailoring.

Did you think you would pursue it as a career?

No. I wanted to join a teachers training college or university after scoring a B- the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams, but my father suggested fashion. I was hesitant at first, but when I made a few clothes, I loved them. He told me to choose a career that would guarantee self-employment. I joined Petite School of Fashion Design in Mombasa for nine months and perfected my trade. After training, I joined tailors along Digo Road in Mombasa.

How did you end up with Lilcom Fashion Creations?

When I came to Nairobi in 2004, I made clothes from the house sold to friends before I rented a place. I specialise in women’s clothes and I have employed fundis to do men’s outfits. I design, cut the fabric and saw them myself and it is fulfilling.

Were you content to be a tailor from the beginning?

It was difficult at first I was often discouraged because of people’s perceptions. My friends could not understand why I chose a career as a tailor when I could have done better with myself.

What changed?

My friends and other people soon started appreciating my work because they realised I was very good at it. My friends and family kept bringing me clients and built me into what I am now.

People look see tailors as academic failures. What would be your word of encouragement to those seeking to pursue a career in tailoring?

The truth is that many tailors settled for tailoring not because of their passion, but because they were either too poor to afford education or failed to qualify to pursue studies.

What has been your secret?

Tailoring has money. It just depends on your skills and how good and unique your designs are. I have always lived by one principal: Think big. I don’t look at myself as a tailor, but as a fashion designer and through my clothes, I make that statement. I have made it my core business to understand my target market and it has paid off handsomely.

How was your childhood like?

I come from a family of three children and I grew up in the village in Kibwezi, Makeuni County. I attended Utafiti Primary School in Kibwezi and later Matuga Girls High School in Kwale. Gowing up, I wanted to become a DJ, but my parents would hear none of it.

What are the challenges in this profession?

People still have stereotypes about fundis. When you see someone behind the sewing machine, you see a poor person who is a failure in life. The perceptions are so negative that when you quote a price, they do not understand why it can be that high. Some clients come up with complicated designs that take a lot of time and effort to make.

How do you ensure you come up with new designs and creations?

I watch a lot of fashion features on TV. In this profession, you need to be ahead of the rest to remain relevant. You need to know the current trends, which guide you into coming up with unique designs.

How do you market yourself?

Apart from repeat clients, I get the rest through referrals from friends, family and previous clients. I also market my work on social media through Soko Kuu and other forums. I also attract clients through wearing my designs.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I want to be an accomplished fashion designer and have a clothing line. I might have started small, but I have big dreams. I want my success to be an encouragement to others.

Are you considering advancing in your education?

Yes. In fact, I have registered for a degree in Design at the University of Nairobi, which will begin early next year. My business will enable me to comfortably pay my school fees. This shows that with determination, anyone can make it.

What are your hobbies?

I love travelling, listening to music and stitching.