Career & Money

How Martin Larry Mukooza Went from Training as a Chef to Dressing Kampala’s Elite

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Martin Larry Mukooza’s turning point is when he made the decision to surround himself with only the things and people that inspire him. The fashion designer is the founder and proprietor of Larry Casual, a Kampala based fashion brand that offers both menswear, with a true taste of African creativity.

Located on Tirupati Mazima Mall in Nsambya, the brand has outfitted everyone from Jackie Chandiru, Sheebah Karungi to Andrew Kyamagero and many more.

Mukooza, who trained as a Chef sits down with Satisfashion UG to share his journey of challenges, trials and success.

Tell us a bit about yourself – growing up, education and career?

My name is Mukooza Martin Larry. I was born and raised in a small town called Lugazi, Mukono District then, but it’s now Buikwe. I was born in a family of 8 children and I’m the last born. For my education, I went to Lugazi Mixed School for my O levels and Seroma Christian High School and St. Lawrence School Cream land Campus for my A level. I then joined Kampala International University where I did Tourism and Hotel Management. I majored in production and service and graduated as a Chef.

How did you, a Chef end up in fashion?

It was a dream of mine since I was child. I grew up with my grandmother who was a seamstress. Her work deeply inspired me, and I fell in love with fashion because of her. I would stitch little dresses out of offcuts she would throw away after her work.

During My S4 vacation I took part in a music competition which was called ‘The Next Ugandan Music Icon’. That’s when I met Brenda Nanyonjo, who was the Style Editor at African Woman Magazine then. She’s now the CEO of Miss Uganda. She was the makeup artist and stylist of the show, so naturally we got a chance to interact backstage. She advised me to first finish school before giving my fashion dreams a shot.

After my S6, I shared my intentions to start a career in fashion with my uncle, who was my caretaker. He wasn’t impressed at all. He told me, he couldn’t stand having a son who is a tailor. When I approached Brenda Nanyonjo again, this time she welcomed me with open arms. During my days at university I would spend time at her fashion house ‘Miss Fix it’ after my classes. I would also juggle that with time at Ahumuza Brian’s Abryanz Collection, whose styling genius hugely inspired me as well. I did this for about five years.

Later, I joined Glitz by Nalu as Brand Manager and Assistant Designer. All this offered me a sizeable amount experience working in fashion, and understanding what goes on behind the scenes, from fabric selection, design, fitting plus also marketing and branding.

How then did you start Larry Casual?

As I gained experience, I started making clothes for myself and a few of my friends as a hobby. Through social media, people would approach me to create one or two outfits for them which I did. One of the first famous people to approach me was Paddy Man, a popular music producer here in Kampala.

A couple of months into this, one of my friends asks me to make something trendy for him for his Kuhingira. Apparently, he didn’t want to wear a ‘Kanzu’. I did his kaftan shirt and matching pants in just a couple of hours. He was blown by the design, and so was everyone at the Kuhingira. From this event, I got quite a number of recommendations, and the orders never stopped coming in. That’s when I realised that I needed to actually get serious about this.

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Larry Casual was born! Coming up with the name was quite easy, Larry is my name and Casual defined the style I was creating with the brand. It’s been two years and I’ve never looked back.

What gave you the confidence to start this business?

I saved quite a lot before, this money came in handy as start-up capital. I also had the full support of my family and a few close friends. The experience I had attained working in fashion for all those years without having to pay for it is the only confidence I needed to start. 

Describe your regular day at work?

My day starts in my bed early in the morning at 4am. After waking up, I say a prayer and get to my laptop. I do research on new trends, styles, colours and fabrics. This keeps abreast of what’s hot and not. Sometimes I also do some reading as well. At 8am, I’m updating my team on the schedule of the day. I leave home at about 9:30 am and head to the studio. I’m usually there at 10 am sharp.

From then on it is back to back fittings, meetings and appointments with clients. I leave late, sometimes 10pm or 11pm depending on the work load of the day.

What do you love most about your job?

There’s so much I love about my job. When designing my studio space, I made sure to make it as comfortable as possible. It’s like my living room since I spend most of my time at work.

When a client walks in, does their fitting and the team is happy, that alone gives me a sense of satisfaction. I also meet and mingle with so many people.

You have a number of celebrity clients. How did you manage to land these contacts in such a short time?

I made a lot of contacts before I started here. For example, I did Sheebah’s red suit, the one she wore to the Hipipo Awards in 2015. There’s Diana Nalubega, Maureen Nantume, Sylvia Namutebi, Andrew Kyamagero, Paddy Man and many more.

Amongst your clients who are you most proud of?

Sheebah stands out. She had never seen my work prior to working with me. Her brother, who was graduating reached out to me to make him a suit. When Sheebah saw it, she was blown away. She called me right away, and asked that I make for her a suit.

Then, Brenda Kirumira, daughter of tycoon Godfrey Kirumira. She has supported this brand right from day one. Also, Andrew Kyamagero. I’m proud of what he has turned into thanks to my work.

There are so many established designers in Kampala. How did you carve out your place in this already saturated market?

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I focused on my strength, which is the uniqueness of my designs. I also used social media extensively, which is still our biggest marketing tool. Competition is generally healthy, I know my position in the market, and everyone else knows their own too.

What has been your biggest lesson and challenge doing business in Uganda?

My biggest challenge was perception. People don’t take us seriously, with the idea that “they are just tailors”! However, with proper branding and marketing, that is now behind us. Fashion as a business in Uganda still has a long way, but I’m confident that we’re almost there.

The other challenge is what literally every designer goes through, ‘seamstress drama’. Having the entire creative team aligned to one common goal and aesthetic is not such an easy task. I however found the right people (finally) and the drama is not as much.

What do you consider your turning point?

Making the decision to surround myself with only the things and people that inspire me.

What in your opinion is the biggest challenge of young entrepreneurs in Uganda? What should they do about it?

So many people are afraid to start because of the things they’ve been told. Yet they are listening to negative voices half the time. Whoever told me that I couldn’t do it, I simply cut them off. I believe that’s what they should do too.

Check out Larry Casual on Instagram here

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Satisfashionug@gmail.com

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