Rwanda’s fashion industry is referred to by some as ‘a baby learning how to walk’. Though shaky, as it is with many other fields, 25-year-old Kate Bashabe refuses to be daunted by the bumps in the creative industry, and is slowly making her way to the top of the fashion ladder.
Rwanda’s fashion industry is referred to by some as ‘a baby learning how to walk’. Though shaky, as it is with many other fields, 25-year-old Kate Bashabe refuses to be daunted by the bumps in the creative industry, and is slowly making her way to the top of the fashion ladder. In 2010, she was crowned Miss MTN and it was then that she started KABASH Fashion House, a crafts shop that deals in fashion accessories, clothes, among other things, and also interior design. She was also Miss Nyarugenge 2012.
Bashabe spoke to Julius Bizimungu about the stormy ride to success.
What has your journey been like?
I cannot say it has been easy, it all started from scratch as I managed the limited resources that I had (like time, money and personal relationships). But with determination, passion and motivation, self-belief, hard work and discipline, I managed to build my businesses without ‘getting bored’ because I enjoy what I do.
Tell us about your achievements.
I have not achieved much, neither have I achieved less, though I’m looking onto much more that is yet to come. But I can say I have so far improved on my communication skills and developed a good relationship with clients; I am running two businesses, I pay for my school tuition, and many more. The keenness that I have for the next level is the hope and confidence that keeps us in motion.
You must have a few tips on how to persevere in the fashion sector. What do people need to understand about this field?
Being in the fashion sector is fun because it requires a lot of creativity and being current, but most of all, you must have a sense of attraction. Who you are is who you attract. You have to attract people into your life and into your business and ideas. People need to understand that the greatest growth will always come as a result of finding people ahead of you who can show you the way forward.
You started your business at an early age, what was that like?
I have come to understand that it’s not all about you and your idea. My focus on my early business start led to just me, me, me. This was a lonely experience and it negatively affected me and my businesses. I’ve since changed and now, I continually make time for others. I look for opportunities to assist people and serve. This not only makes me feel better about myself but it helps my businesses. I don’t expect anything in return. Sometimes people you’ve helped will help you, other times they will not.
What do people need to understand about entrepreneurship?
I can’t say people have not seen it, but will just highlight it again; its adaptability and flexibility. It is good to be passionate or even stubborn about what you do. But being inflexible about clients or market needs will lead to failure. Entrepreneurial venture is not simply about doing what you believe is good, but also, making a successful business out of it. Market needs are dynamic, changes are a recurring phenomenon.
As an entrepreneur you need to welcome all suggestions for optimisation or customisation that enhances their offering and satisfies clients and market needs. A product you develop for yourself alone may qualify as a hobby, but a product for the market should satisfy market needs.
What are some of the challenges you faced, and what characterised your journey?
Challenges and interferences in business are always there but my own challenge is marketing and customer loyalty. This includes, how to market to potential customers effectively and retain your existing customers, figuring out the right marketing channels, and knowing where your customers are and how best to reach them.
Business is a battle of perception, focus, and marketing.
"When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.”- ZigZiglar. That quote describes my success.
Any advice you would like to share?
I have one word for the young people; self-motivation, that internal drive to achieve, to produce, to develop, and keep moving forward. With self-motivation, you’ll learn and grow regardless of the specific situation. That’s why it’s such a fundamental tool for reaching your goals, achieving your dreams, and succeeding, in this journey we call life.
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PROFILE
Name: Kate Bashabe
Age: 25
Nationality: Rwandan
Profession: Director, KABASH Fashion House
Message: With self-motivation, you’ll learn and grow regardless of the specific situation. That’s why it’s such a fundamental tool for reaching your goals, achieving your dreams, and succeeding, in this journey we call life.