This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
From Flight Attendant to Fashionista: Juddy Samba's Journey ¶
Published on July 12, 2019, Juddy Samba's story is one of transformation and perseverance. At 25, she is the founder and CEO of Sambafashions, a fashion brand that specializes in African wear.
Before venturing into fashion, Samba had a different career path in mind. She had studied to be a flight attendant and customer service representative, but the monotony of her job stifled her creative juices. She decided to take a risk and quit her job to pursue her passion for fashion.
"I was too creative for an 8 to 5 job," Samba told Business Today in an interview. "I decided to take the risk and started Samba Fashion out of whatever savings I had."
Since then, Samba has worked tirelessly to develop African wear fashion designs and host fashion events. She specializes in designing clothes, shoes, and bags for both men and women.
As a Kenyan-Tanzanian, Samba identifies as Kenyan and is passionate about promoting made-in-Kenya fashion. "We do not accept our own, and as Kenyans and Africans, we ought to enjoy and be comfortable with fashion that represents us," she says.
Despite facing challenges, Samba has received support from her family and friends. Her first clients were referrals from her loved ones, and she has also developed a strong online presence through social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.
Through her journey, Samba has learned valuable lessons about patience, hard work, and self-motivation. "I used to be very impatient, but I have learnt that you need patience to deal with people," she says.
As she looks to the future, Samba advises aspiring fashion entrepreneurs to take the risk and start their own businesses. "Ensure you have a good tailor. That is the most important basic need in the fashion industry," she says.
