By Valereen Mwahulhwa
Ever wondered what it’s like to start a business? Bridget Hellen Byogero, a 21-year-old student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Art and Design, chose to test the waters as an entrepreneur, and it has been pure ecstasy ever since.
Byogero launched her business ‘Bridge’s Closet’ on a whim because she wanted to imitate the looks she saw on Pinterest. Bridget, a fashion enthusiast, enjoys playing with garments and designing them into something she would like to wear.
As the name implies, she primarily sells women’s clothing, basing her selection on what customers ask her to acquire for them and steadily expanding her range.
The UCU Bazaar, which was arranged by the Guild government on January 15, provided an opportunity for ‘Bridge’s Closet’ to be seen by the general public, as acknowledged by UCU students.
She was able to secure a working place on the Bazaar grounds, where she was able to display her items and expand her market and audience.
From a small company run out of a hostel room to one that attracts UCU students to the Bazaar grounds to purchase sweatshirts, jumpers, and corduroy pants, among other items.
She is partnering with ‘Bethel Threads’, a business run by a friend, Prince Tagoola, at the bazaar, and they are doing well together. According to Byogero, they are independent businesses, but they frequently collaborate.
Byogero says it has been a good experience selling her merchandise at the bazaar because, at least by the end of it, people will know of her business, which is a good start, adding, “I have been able to make some friends through customers, and I am also making some good money.”
She highlighted that her biggest challenges in this business so far are balancing work and school. It has also been quite difficult for her to learn about different people’s styles since the types of clothes she is used to are not what her audience is into.
Byogero told the standard that her biggest support system is her grandmother, who goes in and out of her way to support Byogero’s dreams. She is proud that her granddaughter is passionate about work at such a young age, so she is willing to go out of her way to support her.
Bridget is, however, also thankful for her sister and Tagoola, who help her out with running the business, and her friends for supporting what she does.
This business has enabled Byogero to open up savings accounts, among other things, and she has been able to build very good social capital. She believes it’s opening up doors for her internationally, and she hopes to continue running the business even after she graduates because she believes in it and knows she might yet be the next big thing.
She advises her fellow entrepreneurs to be good at what they do. “Invest your time and energies into mastering, learning, and perfecting yourself in your field of work, and it will surely pay off. Gather your experience; it will help you a lot.” She said.
