We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Kageni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

One of the most astonishing and transformative experiences I’ve encountered as an entrepreneur unfolded unexpectedly on a quiet Tuesday afternoon in my small clothing shop. A poised woman walked through the door with a request that would forever change my perspective on the impact of my work. She was looking for something exceptional to wear as she accompanied her daughter, a film producer, to the Oscars. The revelation that individuals in my community were connected to such prestigious international events was both shocking and inspiring.

The woman had scoured through numerous local entrepreneurs before choosing me to craft her outfit for the Oscars. The realization that she believed in my ability to deliver on such a significant occasion was incredibly affirming. The excitement was palpable, mingled with a dose of apprehension about meeting her high expectations.

We embarked on a detailed consultation process, discussing everything from designs to fabrics. I decided on a luxurious brocade fabric for her jacket, chosen for its rich texture and the way its colors mirrored the iconic golden hue of the Oscar statuettes. The fittings were meticulous, ensuring every contour of the jacket accentuated her elegance and confidence.

When the final piece was delivered, it was nothing short of a masterpiece. The jacket not only complemented her stature but also resonated with the grandeur of the Oscars. Watching the Oscars broadcast and seeing my creation on the red carpet was surreal. Her daughter’s film went on to win an award, and there was my jacket, under the bright lights and in front of global audiences, a testament to our craftsmanship and passion.

This experience has become a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey. There were times when the challenges of running a business felt overwhelming, and I questioned the path I had chosen. Yet, whenever I feel disenchanted, I recall that evening – the sight of my work celebrated on such a magnificent stage. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact and reach my creations can achieve.

This moment not only boosted my business but also reinvigorated my passion and commitment to my craft. It underscored the potential within my community and within myself as a designer. Whenever I need motivation, I look back at this achievement, give myself a pat on the back, and continue to navigate through this treacherous, rewarding, and profoundly fulfilling career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Victoria Kageni, and I am the proud owner of Gusa, a women’s clothing shop deeply influenced by my Kenyan heritage and committed to celebrating cultural diversity through fashion. Born and raised in Kenya, my passion for garment construction was apparent from a young age. Recognizing my early interest in fashion, my progressive parents provided me with a sewing machine, allowing me to explore and cater to the emerging needs of my community. By the age of 20, I had already designed and made my first wedding dress, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey in fashion design.

My parents played a crucial role in nurturing my talents. Despite facing skepticism from others, they supported my dreams relentlessly, even sending me to the United States to study at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. This bold move was not just about pursuing education; it was a testament to their belief in my calling to serve the community through my gifts. Both of my parents were entrepreneurs themselves, constantly innovating and launching new products and services. Growing up in such an environment, I was naturally inclined to entrepreneurship and creativity.

After completing my studies and gaining valuable experience across different roles, I opened Gusa in 2016. The name ‘Gusa’ is derived from the Swahili word meaning ‘to touch,’ reflecting my desire to touch and enrich lives through my creations. My shop offers a unique blend of African print fabrics with classic Western silhouettes, merging two distinct worlds into harmonious fashion statements. This approach has not only set Gusa apart but also made it a focal point for those intrigued by global influences.

At Gusa, we cater to a wide variety of clients, offering both ready-to-wear items and bespoke pieces tailored to individual specifications. This flexibility allows us to address specific needs and preferences, providing a personalized experience that stands out in the fashion industry. Our commitment to cultural diversity extends beyond clothing, permeating through music and food, enhancing the holistic experience of our brand.

I am most proud of how Gusa has become a platform for cultural dialogue and appreciation through fashion. It’s a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage and showcasing it to the world. For anyone new to our brand, Gusa is more than just a clothing shop—it is a celebration of cultural heritage and creativity, a place where every piece tells a story and every fabric pattern represents a piece of history.

To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Gusa is here to serve you with not just garments but experiences that celebrate diversity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of global unity. Whether you are looking for something unique off the rack or need a custom piece crafted for a special occasion, Gusa promises to deliver fashion that not only dresses you but also speaks to you.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The art of pivoting in business is crucial, particularly during unforeseen circumstances that challenge our conventional ways of operating. For me, the COVID-19 pandemic was a stark example of when swift adaptation was not just beneficial but necessary.

As the owner of Gusa, a women’s clothing shop, I faced an immediate disruption when it became clear that the pandemic would limit traditional retail interactions. With public health measures in place and a community in need, I recognized an opportunity to serve and stay relevant despite the crisis. The widespread requirement for face masks highlighted a new, urgent demand.

I quickly mobilized resources to pivot our focus towards producing face masks. Setting up a mini-factory at home, my children and I worked tirelessly to meet this new need. It was a rigorous endeavor—balancing the fine line between seizing a significant income opportunity and the risk of overpromising and under-delivering. The workload was immense and the hours were long, but the reward came through our ability to contribute tangibly to the safety and well-being of our community in York, Pennsylvania.

This period was undoubtedly exhausting, yet it proved to be extraordinarily fulfilling. The experience not only reinforced my role as an entrepreneur and a problem solver but also underscored the essence of entrepreneurship—adaptability in the face of adversity. This pivot was not just about business survival; it was about responding meaningfully to a community in crisis, an approach that has left a lasting imprint on both my personal and professional life.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Currently, Gusa by Victoria operates on a one-woman show model, where every garment available in the shop is meticulously crafted by my own hands. This hands-on approach ensures that each piece of clothing not only embodies my personal touch and creative vision but also maintains the high quality that my clients have come to expect and cherish. Each item is a testament to the art of garment construction that I’ve been passionate about since my youth in Kenya.

As my business continues to grow, I’m contemplating the establishment of a mini manufacturing space. This expansion would enable me to broaden Gusa’s activities and incorporate a team that could help scale the production without compromising the essence of our unique offerings. The transition from a one-woman operation to a team-oriented environment will be significant. It involves embracing the art of delegation—a critical step for any business looking to scale. This move will require a careful balance to maintain the intimate, personalized experience that my customers value deeply.

In the process of planning this expansion, I’ve learned that maintaining focus and discipline is essential, especially as a solo entrepreneur. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself with others, which can lead to frustration and a dilution of one’s core message. My strategy has been to stay true to my original vision for Gusa, focusing on blending cultural heritage with contemporary fashion. This focus has helped me navigate the challenges of running and thinking of expanding a business single-handedly.

The lessons I’ve learned are numerous, but a key takeaway is the importance of understanding every facet of your business before scaling. Knowing the intricate details of each process has prepared me to make informed decisions about when and how to delegate these tasks as I expand. This knowledge is crucial not just for quality control but also for training future employees to meet the standards that Gusa’s customers expect.

Looking ahead, while the idea of expanding production is exciting, it’s also grounded in a realistic assessment of what it takes to scale responsibly—preserving the quality and personal touch that define Gusa while growing to meet increased demand.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.gusabyVictoria.com
• Instagram: Gusa By Victoria
• Facebook: Gusa By Victoria

Image Credits
The first image in me in a blue suit, which is all my creation, was taken by John Williams of Jdub photography.