Wishing a very happy birthday to Ms. Sylvia Owori.
Owori is widely regarded as the pioneering force behind Uganda’s now burgeoning fashion industry. The now elusive businesswoman was everywhere, and at every event making this business of ‘making glamorous clothes’ look cool. ‘Making it’ in this part of the world is a daunting challenge, but she made it seem all seem breezy and fun, with a string of glitzy parties, fashion shows and events held under her watch.
Yes, people were making clothes before her, but she added that glitz and glamour we probably needed, but didn’t know how to create.
Her other, but seemingly related pursuits included a stint as a publisher of the first glossy magazines in Kampala. African Woman did a lot of great things, but what stands out for me, is putting Aamito on their cover before we all noticed she would become a supermodel. Others include managing the Miss Uganda franchise and more.
If you work in fashion right now, doesn’t matter which docket, there must be a piece of inspiration from her you carry with you as you trudge through.
I had met Sylivia Owori a couple of times before at different events and at her immaculately decorated Garden City store, but had never interacted with her. She carried with her this intimidating aura which, threw you out immediately if you felt you weren’t cool enough. In 2015, at an event, I overcame all this and approached her to say hello. I don’t know of it’s just me, meeting someone I admire so much sends a chill down my spine, which often results into sweaty palms. That’s exactly what happened when I walked up to this woman who inspired everything that I am now.
However, when she turned to speak to me, she didn’t make it any easier to deal with it. Immediately it felt like I was in the presence of greatness. She spoke with so much energy and intensity; but also fun often smiling, the kind of smile for which I couldn’t tell if she was smiling because of what I saying or the fact that she noticed that I was as nervous as F, and was trying to make me feel comfortable.
To Ms. Owori: Now that you’re enjoying your quiet life working in government, don’t forget to be who you are, the fly girl who means fashion business all the time, but is never afraid of having fun while at it.
At the end of the day today, listen to the powerful lyrics of Whitney Houston’s ‘Higher Love’.
“Think about it, there must be a higher love.
Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above.
Without it, life is wasted time
Look inside your heart, and I’ll look inside mine!”
Girl, you made your mark!
Check out our July cover story here.
hassan@satisfashionug.com
