This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
Leah Otieno, the founder of Mshonaji, has a passion for African prints and a vision to take them to the high-end market. Born and raised in Kisumu County, Leah moved to Nairobi at the age of 11 and later relocated to Iowa, USA, where she studied economics at a university.
After completing her studies, Leah returned to Kenya in March 2016 and launched Mshonaji in March 2017. The brand's mission is to promote the local industry of fundis and connect them to a class of clientele they do not regularly have access to.
Leah's confidence as an entrepreneur and stylist has grown over the years, and she is now able to voice her opinions to her clients and charge them what she feels is the value of what they will get. The brand's turnaround production time is between seven to 10 days, and Leah delivers the items to her clients as part of their concierge service.
Leah's experience in Iowa had a profound impact on her, and she credits it with helping her understand how to translate her personal style into a fashion concept driven by African culture. She aims to break the association between custom-made clothing and Ankara fabric, and instead, use a variety of fabrics, including cotton, chiffon, and more.
Leah's journey with Mshonaji has been marked by growth and learning, and she is now looking to the future. In 2026, she envisions her business producing its own designs for export, creating a demand and appreciation for locally handcrafted custom designs in Kenya.
Leah's approach to fashion is unique, and her commitment to promoting African prints and supporting local artisans is inspiring. As Mshonaji continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how Leah's vision unfolds.
