Hustler
How Jay K Mulungi Built ‘Fashion Clinik’, A Leading Men’s Fashion Outlet With Presence in Three Major Towns in Uganda
Jay K Mulungi is passionate about music and fashion. He’s one half of the singing duo ‘Undercover Brothers’, one of the groups that featured on season 6 of Tusker Project Fame. He’s also the founder and proprietor or Fashion Clinik, a men’s fashion outlet with presence in three major towns in Uganda.
At 27 years old, Mulungi believes he’s only playing his role of creating opportunities for other young people. He had a chat with Satisfashion UG on how he juggles music with fashion.
Tell us a bit about yourself – growing up, education and career?
My Name Is Jay K Mulungi. I was born 27 years ago in Rubaga. I’m the eldest in a family of 6. I went to Fields of Life Primary School, Grace High School and Winston Standard Secondary School. I then did a music course, and later a fashion course.
Growing up I had a strong passion for music. I was part of a choir called ‘Celebration Choir’ at school. I took part in a number of singing competitions such as Coca-Cola Rated Next and Tusker Project Fame where I met with my singing partner Kirya Timothy forming the duo ‘Undercover Brothers’.
Tell us about Fashion Clinik. When, why and how did you start the company?
I was introduced to fashion by my elder half-brother who was running a men’s fashion outlet in Kampala. I used to help him at his shop during holidays, an opportunity I used to learn everything I now know about styling men’s fashion. I found it very interesting, fun and also profitable.
After school, I decided to start an online fashion house called ‘Fashion Clinik’. This later grew into physical fashion outlets with the same name spread across the country.
You recently moved into this spacious location on Bombo road, what motivated the decision?
For a long time, we’ve been located in Makerere, Gadaffi road, which was a good location. But not the best. After growing the brand, I thought we were ready to move to a spacious location convenient for clients to reach us. And also expand to Mbale and Gulu to bring quality menswear to our clients.
How big is your team?
All together we are a team of 15 people; 4 in Mbale, 4 in Gulu and 7 in Kampala.
What’s sets Fashion Clinik apart?
We offer a wide collection of trendy menswear pieces at great prices. We’re all about meeting our clients’ expectations, the rest is just fun for us.
How did you access capital/ financing to set the business up?
Starting out I had zero monetary capital. All I had was the knowledge and passion I had attained while working with my brother. I started with an online shop and so I did not need to spend on rent or stock. I would source items from brother, take pictures and share on social media for potential clients to reach out.
In 6 months, I had saved up enough to open a little outlet. That’s how the brand has been growing, slow but consistently.
Describe your regular day at work?
I get to work at 10am, check through our collection, follow up on pending orders and follow up on deliveries. We (Undercover Brothers) usually have performances in the evening, so I’ll join my colleagues at the venue later in the evening.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I’m doing what I love. I also love the
fact that I’m the boss.
Who is that one person/ people that have
greatly influenced you as a business person?
My mum has greatly influenced me as a person. She has always pushed me to create opportunities not just for myself, but also other young people so that we can all live productive and decent lives. As a role model to young generation it is a task to be an example, which definitely means working hard.
Any people you look up to?
I look up to a better me tomorrow.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I check my social media feed before I opening my email.
What has been your biggest lesson and challenge doing business in Uganda?
The biggest challenge is definitely the terribly high taxes. My biggest lesson has been to never invest in a business you are not well versed with.
Define your personal style
I can’t define my personal style in words. I’m just a business man who works in fashion. So, I’m most definitely going to make sure I’m well put together all the time. I can’t put what I’ll wear in a box. As long as it fits perfectly, I’ll wear it.
How do you manage to juggle this business with music?
It’s so easy. Fashion Clinik dresses the band, while the band does marketing for the outlet everywhere it performs. So, I’m doing the same thing all through.
What’s that one quote you live by?
Live Now Die Later!
Fashion Clinik Kampala is located on Annex Building 1st Floor A16 On Bombo Road, Opposite YMCA.
This interview has been edited and condensed
satisfashionug@gmail.com
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