Living off her fashion passion

Briefly tell us about yourself
My name is Gloria Nalwoga, a resident of Bweyogerere in Wakiso District.

What do you do?
I am an artist but I think I can call myself a designer since I deal in African jewellery pieces using material such as bottle lids, seeds, pliers, buttons and beads ,among others.

When did you come up with this idea of making jewellery?
I came up with the idea in 2013 because I had love for making my own jewellery. This was after seeing the Zulu pieces that really made me look up to my talent of weaving.

Who inspired you to join fashion?
It was the Kenyans I used to see them during my stay at university. Today, I’m even proud of myself because every piece I make is a success.

Have you ever exhibited your jewellery at any function?
Yes. My first exhibition was at Mulago in 2014. Then the current ones were on save Tina charity fashion that took place at Imperial Royale Hotel last year, and another at Muganziwaza.

Do people like your work?
Definitely. It is one of the main reasons I continue to make jewellery.

Apart from making jewellery, what else do you do?
I have other small businesses I run but they are not as well paying as the jewellery gig.

What kind of people do you sell your pieces to?
I used to sell my pieces to people outside Uganda but it is now good that some Ugandans have understood the African art.

Do you normally take your pieces outside Uganda?
I used to but now I get enough market here.

What do your parents say about your work?
It was not so easy to convince my mother about my work. She always wanted me to look for office jobs since I had acquired education but she later realised how good it was for me to do my own business.
Have you ever been appreciated?
Most people do appreciate me, especially those who buy pieces and also those who see my work.

Where do you sell your pieces?
Online selling via mobile money and Western Union and in the market.

Which wearers do you target with your jewellery?
My jewellery goes almost to every function. But mostly on parties, introductions, Kuhingira and weddings.

What are your best colours in this kind of fashion you do?
I normally use yellow, green, blue and red. But I usually sit down and think of the colours that will match the piece.

How do you make them?
I use my fingers with the help of some materials such as wire gauze, threads, needles, glue locks, buttons, among others.

What are some of the challenges in this kind of industry?
Market is the hardest part of it and the clients we sell to are still very few.