Fashion designer Ahumuza Bryan, one of the ambassadors in the ongoing Coca-Cola “Billion Reasons to Believe” campaign that seeks to inspire the youth to believe in themselves and their full potential in order to motivate them, opens up on his reasons to believe.
How did you get started?
I was still in campus and needed to make extra cash, so I started hunting for a job. Luckily Huawei hired me, as a cleaner. But that did not drift me away from my passion, which is fashion. Having no capital, I sold items out of my backpack to friends and work mates. Five years down the line and I’ve managed to grow Abrayanz into a household name, slowly growing into a continental sensation.
Have you had any major challenges along the way?
Like any other business, there are good and bad days. Sometimes, the cash flow is really slow. And some other days, expectations are exceeded. One other challenge is the constant judgment from those around me – negative criticism is a constant in my daily life. But I don’t absorb any of this negativity, that’s how I have managed to stay afloat.
Had you ever thought of quitting at some point?
Yes, that crossed my mind on a number of occasions. The first time I did so was at the university. I had to juggle my passion for fashion with school, as well as please my parents who thought I was being distracted. The backlash from most people at some point had me rethinking my decision. But I took a moment and realized that I had invested way too much time and finances in my dream to let it go. So I pushed on.
Is there something you always look back and laugh about?
Oh yeah. Whenever I think of how I started, selling clothes out of my backpack, I can’t help but laugh. I was my own shop.To be a fashion stylist, one has to be stylish. So imagine rocking a trendy piece of attire, but accompanied by a weighty bag on my back. What a clash huh? (He laughs)
Is there a daily routine that you can’t do without?
Prayer is a constant in my life. I don’t think I could have come this far, if it wasn’t for God’s favour. I pray and thank God every moment of my life.
Has there been anything that almost cost you your career at some point?
Nothing in particular. One thing for sure is that, I have always known what I wanted from the very beginning. So there is nothing I can point out and say it almost cost my career.
What would you say to boys and girls out there in pursuit of their dreams?
For starters, you need to be passionate about whatever career path you choose. You have to know what it is that you want from the very beginning. Do not let anyone, not even your parents dictate what you should be doing. Because when you wake up one day, and realize you made the wrong career choice, they won’t be there with you.
There is a common tendency of boys and girl going to school to pursuing a career, but end up in a whole different field. All that can be avoided if you realize where your potentials lie at an early age, and focus on that all through your education.
