Boujee UG is a striking new luxury concept store located in Kisementi in Kampala, which offers a curated edit of signature international labels as well as prominent African labels. This multi-brand store is a great place to find and shop some of the best brands across womenswear, accessories and beauty, which all sit comfortably under one roof. Owner Deborah Nantongo (Mami Deb) has made it her mission to support brands that push sartorial boundaries, while also offering women size-inclusive pieces. In this interview, she talks about her journey in fashion and business.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Deborah Nantongo, but most people know me as Mami Deb. I’m a Ugandan entrepreneur and content creator who loves fashion, lifestyle and building brands that celebrate elegance with a modern African sensibility. I started Boujee.ug in 2017 because I wanted to create a destination where discerning Ugandan shoppers could find carefully curated, luxury and statement pieces things that feel exclusive but are still relatable to the modern Ugandan woman. My online platforms (Instagram and other channels) are where I share style, business moments and the everyday life that accompanies running a boutique.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS BUSINESS?
Boujee UG officially launched last year, so the brand is in its first full year of trading and early growth. Before Boujee I was involved in fashion and lifestyle projects and building a personal platform online, so the boutique was a natural next step, turning my passion for fashion into a business that serves Uganda’s rising appetite for premium, trend-led pieces.
HOW ARE UGANDANS RESPONDING TO THE WHOLE IDEA OF BOUJEE.UG?
The response has been very encouraging. People are excited to see a local platform that actually curates a luxury aesthetic, it’s different from typical high-street or market offerings. Early customers often tell me they love that Boujee brings together international looks with pieces that suit our climate and lifestyle. There’s curiosity, pride and a real appetite for quality especially among younger professionals and women who want to wear pieces that feel aspirational but also practical. Word-of-mouth and social media have been big drivers: customers discover us online, come into the store to feel the fabrics and then share their purchases with friends. That organic buzz has been one of our most important early successes.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF BOUJEE.UG. WHAT INSPIRED IT?
Boujee came from a mix of personal frustration and opportunity. I often found that finding truly special, well-curated pieces in Kampala meant searching a lot across markets, boutiques and online and sometimes settling for something that wasn’t quite right. I saw a gap: a boutique that could responsibly source premium fashion, mix international labels and carefully selected local designers, and present them in a refined, boutique setting. My inspiration is the idea that luxury can be local that Ugandans deserve an elevated shopping experience without having to travel abroad. I wanted to create a place where style, taste and convenience meet. The store is as much about education (helping customers understand quality and fit) as it is about discovery.
AS A WOMAN, WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION?
My inspiration comes from seeing women move confidently in the world, women who are mothers, professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs. I think fashion is a form of self-expression and empowerment. For me, Boujee is a way to uplift women by offering them clothes and accessories that make them feel seen and powerful. I’m also inspired by strong female entrepreneurs around me and the idea of creating opportunities whether through employment at the boutique or by showcasing designers who might otherwise not have a visible retail platform. Ultimately, I want to build a brand that supports women’s ambition and taste.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
Balance is an ongoing practice and sometimes a challenge. I prioritize by creating routines and delegating: building a reliable team is essential so the day-to-day store operations don’t always fall on me. I use my online presence to communicate and market the brand, but I try to limit work time so I can be present with family and recharge. I also set boundaries: certain times of the day are for business, certain times are for family. Importantly, I try to bring intention into both roles whether I’m in the boutique or at home, so each space gets my focused energy. In a young business like Boujee, there are long hours, but it helps to remember why I started and that keeps me motivated.
IF YOU ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO CHANGE ONE THING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would invest massively in local production infrastructure and skills development. Right now, too many great African ideas end up being produced overseas or remain small because there’s limited access to reliable local manufacturing, quality finishes, and technical know-how. If we had stronger local mills, better pattern-making and sewing training, and accessible finishing/quality control, designers could scale, create decent jobs, and retain more value locally. That change would boost the entire ecosystem; from designers to artisans to retailers and make African fashion more competitive globally while preserving authenticity.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Funding Boujee UG and seeing it resonate with actual customers has been huge but if I had to pick one moment, it would be the first time a customer came into the boutique and told me the piece they bought made them feel confident in a job interview or at a major life event. Building a brand is not only about sales; it’s about changing how people feel. That direct feedback knowing I helped someone feel seen is more emotional and powerful than any press or accolade.
YOUR TOP 3 FASHION BRANDS IN AFRICA
This is tough because there are so many brilliant creatives, but right now three brands I really admire are:
- Maxhosa by Laduma (South Africa) — spectacular knitwear that’s proudly African and technically outstanding.
- Maki Oh (Nigeria) — beautiful storytelling in fabric, with strong artisanal techniques and global appeal.
- Deola Sagoe (Nigeria) — long established, couture-level craftsmanship that’s an inspiration for how African luxury can sit on the world stage.
WHAT FASHION BRANDS ARE TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2018?
A few exciting names I’d watch closely are;
Orange Culture (Adebayo Oke-Lawal) — fresh menswear energy and a strong voice.
Lisa Folawiyo — refined ready-to-wear with innovative fabric treatments and embellishment.
Rich Mnisi (South Africa) — bold, youthful, and culturally rooted design direction that’s gaining traction.
These designers are pushing boundaries, getting international attention, and redefining contemporary African style.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG WOMEN OUT THERE WHO ‘D LIKE TO TO GET INTO FASHION?
Learn the craft. Even if you want to be a stylist or buyer, technical knowledge (fabric, pattern cutting, and construction) is invaluable.
Start small, test fast. Make prototypes, sell samples, get feedback, iterate quickly rather than waiting for a “perfect” launch.
Build your network. Collaborate with photographers, models, makers and other creatives. Community opens doors.
- Use social media smartly. Present a clear aesthetic and consistent storytelling; social platforms are the strongest way to be discovered now.
- Be business-minded. Understand pricing, margins, supply chains and how to manage cashflow creativity without commercial sense won’t survive.
- Be resilient. This industry has ups and downs. Learn from failure, protect your mental health, and keep your values front and centre.
