Dusken Kamwi (26) has transformed his passion for creativity into a fashion design career despite hurdles that have been difficult to navigate, like performing poorly in school and losing hope.
He hails from the village of Mwanzi in the Kongola constituency in the Zambezi region. Kamwi’s early education began at Sikaunga Primary School, followed by Singalamwe Combined School from 2014 to 2017. He completed his secondary education at Sesheke Senior Secondary School in 2018.
Despite his natural talent for drawing and being a multi-talented child, he faced setbacks when he failed Grade 12 in 2019, as living with his grandmother placed him at a crossroads.
“Life was not easy. To support myself, I began making chairs and tables. My craftsmanship quickly garnered attention and appreciation from friends and locals,” he recalled.
He added that the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point for him. He crafted 15 facemasks by hand without a sewing machine, demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness.
“In pursuit of greater opportunities, I moved to town (Katima Mulilo) in 2020. There, I discovered a thriving community of fashion designers. I realised that in town, there are more fashion designers than in rural areas. Immersed in this environment, I understood the importance of good communication, friendliness and a constant online presence to keep up with the latest fashion trends,” he said.
He followed renowned Nigerian and Ghanaian tailors, adapting their styles to suit different seasons.
Despite the excitement, he faced numerous challenges as a young entrepreneur in Katima Mulilo. High competition made it difficult to attract customers, and local scepticism toward homegrown products sometimes led to the undervaluation of his work. Additionally, the lack of advanced equipment, such as industrial sewing machines and overlockers, hindered his productivity.
“At the moment, I’m looking for sponsors. The government and bigger businesses are not always willing to help with the equipment I need for my business. I’m struggling right now. If any good Samaritan is willing to assist, I will be grateful,” he added.
His determination and hard work have been his greatest assets. He continuously refines his designs, maintains his tools meticulously, and remains hopeful for support from larger entities.
“I’m a hardworking and focused young man. Creativity remains at the bottom of my heart.”
Looking ahead, he has ambitious goals for his business. He aims to expand it into a larger enterprise, employ interested individuals, support orphans with school uniforms, and engage in charitable giving.
“I want my clothing brand to be known in foreign countries through exporting products. Achieving these goals will require even more hard work, registering my business with the ministry of trade, and relentless dedication,” he said.
To the youth of Namibia, Kamwi offered sage advice: “Stay away from crime and harmful activities. Know who you are to identify your talents easily. Stay focused, no matter what you face, and always stay close to God.”
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