Because womanhood and motherhood come with a lot responsibilities, many women choose to put themselves last, caring less about their well being and happiness, but rather for those they are watching over. Although, this is a noble cause, every woman deserves to do something for themselves every once in a while. This begins with love, you can’t love others before you love yourself. Self-love breeds self confidence, self worth, self respect and self forgiveness. Sera Martha, the founder of Peponi Clothings, believes that “you’ve got to love yourself first inorder to dress up and feel gorgeous.” Her brand caters to women who desire to have self-love.
After completing her Business Administration degree in India, Sera returned to Uganda and got a job as a banker at DFCU. At the time, “fashion and design was just a hobby, although I had taken a 6-week training course during summer holidays.”
Every time she got a chance she practiced with a machine she had bought while at campus. Just like every fearless enterprenuer, she risked it all, and quit her job to focus on her passion, just 3 months into her job.
“It was scary. I had to work from home for a while before I opened up a physical location,” she recalls. In August of 2013, she noticed it was a risk no more, this was her true calling. She rented a small space and kicked off. Peponi Clothings was born.
The story of how the brand got its name is quite interesting.
“I was dating this handsome Kenyan guy, born and raised in Uganda. Because the love I had for him is what kept me going, I chose a name that told our story, ” she remembers. ‘Peponi’ is ‘paradise’ in Swahili. “I wanted everyone to feel like they are in paradise when they wear a dress from this brand.”
Every piece produced by the brand has Sera’s touch. “I’m involved in the entire process of design; from fabric selection, cutting, tailoring and also fitting,” she explains. “I enjoy seeing my clients looking and feeling good. I always ask myself, would I wear this? If the answer is no, then I won’t let anybody wear it.”
See some of their work
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