How Kaijuka Abbas Became Kampala’s Most Sought After Stylist

Welcome to a new series ‘Fashion At Work’, where we talk to people earning a living in the fashion industry in Uganda, how they are thriving at what they do and the challenges therein. Fashion is a fast-growing industry offering a wide range of employment opportunities to Ugandans. Fashion At Work is highlighting some of the talented Ugandans working in it.

This week, we meet the most sought after stylist in Kampala at the moment. Kaijuka Abbas, owner, and proprietor of Kai’s Divo Collection is the creative force behind some of the best-dressed celebrities from Bettina Tiana and Malaika Nnyanzi to Winnie Nwagi and Maurice Kirya. He talked to us about his work with celebrities and how it’s helping him grow his brand.

How and when did you venture into styling?

It all started back in 2014 after I took a trip to China and bought several items including women and men’s clothing.  I started out by dressing my former workmates, friends, and family. Shortly after that, my client base grew to artistes, media personalities and models.

When did you realize you wanted to work in fashion?

During my first job after completing university, I was always the center of attention at work and got compliments from the way I dressed. This was mainly from my workmates who wanted to know where I bought my clothes. It gave me the extra push I needed, and 11 months later I quit my job and ventured into fashion. I worked at GIZ which is an NGO

First things first, you styled Winnie Nwagi’s ‘Magic’ music video, how was the experience working with her?

I’ve been working with Swangz Avenue Artists for a while now so it was easy, she’s very professional and down to earth.

You’ve styled many celebrities, how is celebrity style changing over the years?

Celebrities are now focused on building their brands using fashion. Each of them wants to have a unique style that sets them apart from the rest, which is very interesting.

Your styling aesthetic is usually edgy and over the top, where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. I put a lot of thought into clothing and styling in general, aesthetics are important to me, but I care more about what’s “in” or “out”, I pay a lot of attention to brand names, and fashion magazines. I’m very practical, I do some research beforehand.

Kindly share some of the projects and celebrities you’ve worked on.

Three editions of Bride and groom magazine, Buzz magazine, chano8 magazine and many other editorial jobs. I’ve worked with celebrities such as Jose chameleon, Maurice kirya, Irene Ntale, Sheebah , Geosteady, Malaika Nnyanzi, Crystal Newman, Ceaserous, Voltage Music, J Kazoora, Jamal, Bettina Tiana, Winnie Nwagi, Miss Uganda and many others.

Wow. Basically everyone! Which projects are you most proud of?

The bride and groom Magazine shoot. I had a 14-page feature. I’m proud of this because it’s one of the biggest fashion magazines in the country and for one to be given such a huge opportunity to be featured is a big deal and a great achievement.

What does it take to run a thriving fashion business in Kampala?

Patience and resilience are key. You also have to know your worth.

Your brand is really active on social media, how has that helped you get where you are? 

Social media gives you a wider platform to advertise your product or service and reach a mass audience, especially through Face book and Instagram which are the leading social media platforms.

What challenges have you faced working in fashion in Uganda?

Ugandans do not value or understand the role of a stylist, but they are quickly catching up which is a great thing

What’s your average day like?  

My average workday, I wake up early pray (subuhi), prepare myself for work, the first thing I do is check my emails and messages from clients, update them on the progress of their outfits. I also check the web to get inspiration on the trending fashion. Then after I meet a few clients and head to either a photo shoot or a music video shoot or fittings for models

What advice do you have for someone that wants to do what you do?

Be unique and ready to persevere because that’s what will get you to the top.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Who should be featured on #FashionAtWork next week? Sound off in the message box below. 

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