Morine Aringo believes African fashion is more than tribal prints. Read our interview with the brain behind Hando Afrikan Designs. She has ProTips for you as well.
1.Tell us a bit about your business
Hando Afrikan Designs; just as the name suggests, specializes in making African print dresses. The beautiful prints we design and make tell an African story that is easy to relate to and associate with. We are passionate about African clothes, we love colors and believe African fashion is much more than tribal prints.
African fashion is not a trend, it is here to stay and Hando Afrikan Designs take you through the journey. We both lady clothes, men clothes, Ankara table mats and even Ankara clutch bags.
2.How do / did you raise funds for your business?
Through personal savings, I managed to start small, get sewing machines and a tailor. Saved some more and got more machines and more tailors.
3.What do you think is the most important thing a start-up needs to be a success?
I would say Persistence and Determination. It needs one to constantly keep up with the pressures so as to be able to satisfy clients and get going.
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4.What do you know now that you wish you knew before you started your business?
That it needs one to be hard working. That I need to be open minded and more accommodative of different kinds of people. Also, that it does not happen overnight. One needs to toil.
5.What advice would you give a young woman who wants to venture into business?
It is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and can grow.
Do you believe in yourself as a woman entrepreneur? Then let us feature you. Email us, hello@business.co.ke