The crafts industry remains a big part of Uganda’s cultural heritage and it’s no doubt that it goes hand in hand with tourism. Craftsmanship has been used to bring out the identity of different cultures and this dates way back before the colonial times.
The number of people engaged in the industry keeps growing and more products are being tossed out every minute.
A no doubt indicator that the industry is along the right road.
Zahara Nabuso, a resident of Kasese town and founder Zarah’s Collection decided to face the consequences and take on the opportunities in the crafts industry through making crafts.
The 25-year-old who operates along Mukirane street has spent almost 2 years in business and she narrates how she started.
“I was Inspired by my friend Sabrina Owembabazi who used to attend tailoring lessons in our neighborhood,” Nabuso shared.
She narrates; “Through interactions with Owembabazi she introduced me to her trainer and that’s how my learning started”.
Nabuso says that after the 6months training, she got her first sewing machine and this was a game changer.
“I raised half of the money from my savings and my elder sister came through to top up,” she said.
She however revealed that the machine was challenging because it was second hand one and used to incur alot of expenses in maintenance and repairs. She then opted for a manual one which has done the magic.
On her sewing machine, she manually makes School bags, laptop bags, cross bags, Tote bags, waist bags, Travel bags all from leather, Kitengi, Canvas, and PV material. She also makes Bucket hats, Hair Bonnets, and Door mats. Her African touch of style can’t go unsung!
From her crafts business, she is able to not only solve her personal problems but also support her siblings with a few school requirements.
“This business has helped me raise capital and started up a mobile money point as a side source of income,” she happily revealed.
Just like any other business, the Zarah’s Collection proprietor faces several challenges, ranging from the high cost of materials she uses and other seasonal factors.
Prospects
In the near future, Nabuso thinks of expanding her workshop, setting up a showroom with all her products and starting a training Institute so she can pass on the skills to the young women.
“My other plan is expanding my market and have my products exported to other countries especially in Europe and the US,” Nabuso said.
As the world celebrates the international women’s day, she implores women and girls not to look at the barriers but opportunities in starting up personal ventures
“Dear Women, start now. As long as what you have can get you started, dont wait to start with a huge capital”.
For a well crafted piece from her workshop, one will have to part with between Shs15,000 and Shs 50,000. But the good news is that all her products are negotiable.
