Twenty six-year-old Neema Mbonigaba is an upcoming fashion designer and runs a boutique at Kigali City Market.  She designs clothes and makes necklaces for women using a collection of beads and different fabrics. Mbonigaba graduated from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2014, with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Design.

The talented designer spoke to The New Times’ Lydia Atieno about her career.

Excerpts:

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I really wanted to be a designer my whole life, but I didn’t know it would lead to starting my own fashion boutique until about a year ago. When I was a little girl, I fell in love with making bags for myself. I also used to watch fashion shows and the styles that were used.  I got inspired and with time I started making my own clothes.  Fashion is about creating a story, and everything needs to be seamlessly in place.

What’s your experience working in the industry?

I love being surrounded by creative people who are also very involved in the business aspect of the fashion world. One of the things I value most about this industry is that everyone works long hours and is really talented at what they do. If you put in the work, people in this business notice and appreciate it.

But you do have to be the face of your brand, right?

I don’t necessarily think it is about being the face, but it is important to really believe in the products you are creating. I’ve always admired designers, especially women who embody their brand in a genuine way.

Where do you buy your fabrics from and who are your target clients?

I get most of my fabrics from Tanzania and some from Dubai. I also use our own Rwandan material, some people have a wrong perception that we don’t use stuff from within the country to make quality products, this is not true.  I design clothes for women mostly because this is where there is high competition.

What are some of the challenges you have encountered in the course of your career?

I have learnt that I can’t do everything. In my business, I handle sales only. I used to do everything by myself and it was so hectic and tiresome. I never enjoyed it. There are also some clients who are impatient. Others work with deadlines which at times maybe hectic as well.

What hobbies do you have that relate to the fashion industry?

I love drawing. In my free time when I don’t have customers, I always sketch something for my work or sometimes for fun. I also love being creative, every time I see a new design at the market, I start thinking of how to make it different.

What’s your favourite current fashion trend in the market?

Long dresses are my ultimate style. They have been there for many years but they still rock up to now. If you know how to accessorize them well, you will never go wrong. They make you look decent and trendy.

Do you see yourself staying long in this market?

Yes, I think the Rwandan fashion industry is steadily growing. There are very many fashion designers joining everyday with brilliant ideas. It’s also a business that allows for a certain freedom in terms of creating specialty items and Rwandans are beginning to understand and appreciate the quality of the locally made products.