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Entrepreneur Advice from Juliana Nasasira: The fashion business is about more than just creativity

September 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh, Uganda

Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh, Uganda

Todays Entrpreneur Advice Logo.jpg

You require a lot more than just creativity to succeed as a fashion entrepreneur....

"I have faced a lot of challenges that come with trying to start and run a fashion business, particularly in this part of the world. I got into fashion because I love the creative side of it, but I soon realised that it is very much a business. It is important to recognise early on that success requires a lot more than creativity."

- Juliana Nasasira is a Ugandan fashion designer and the founder of Kwesh. She launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creating ready-to-wear and bespoke apparel for both women and men. Juliana successfully combines contemporary African-inspired design with skilfully crafted, high quality clothing.

Read Juliana's startup story here.

In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Fashion
← Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun AlemuQuote of the Day by Carrol Boyes →

This is your opportunity as a woman tech (co)founder in Africa to win up to $100,000 in equity-free grants, mentorship and visibility to accelerate your business growth.

Applications close at midnight CAT on 30 September 2025. APPLY HERE.


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Afro-Indian Accessories…We love brands that create jobs and impact, and these handcrafted accessories from KONA, a unique fashion and lifestyle company in Uganda, founded by Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, do ju
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Image of the Day / Naturals Beauty

All Natural Skincare…If you want to get closer to nature with your skincare, then look no further than Naturals Beauty, a South African company born out of a love and curiosity for natural beauty and body pr Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Khokho Collection

If you want to capture the essence of summer all year long, then the Palm Picnic Basket from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilakati in eSw Image of the Day / The Wren Design

Sustainability with Style…Calling all eco and design-conscious consumers who love products that are both sustainable and beautiful, check out this Paper Back Pack from The Wren Design, founded by Wendren Set Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Taeillo

Stylish seating…We love these stylish statement stools created by Jumoke Dada, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Taeillo, an e-commerce furniture and lifestyle brand based in Lagos Nigeria and Nairobi Image of the Day / KONA

Afro-Indian Accessories…We love brands that create jobs and impact, and these handcrafted accessories from KONA, a unique fashion and lifestyle company in Uganda, founded by Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, do ju Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map

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The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
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After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
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Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul

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