I was not prepared for labour - Kussima

Fashionista: Audrey Kussima. 

What you need to know:

  • Kussima talks to Edgar R Batte about her first and routine.

Audrey Kussima is a former model who has transitioned into a businesswoman. She runs an events organisation and management company which also aspires to go beyond weddings and into excursions. Kussima talks to Edgar R Batte about her first and routine.

The first thing I do in the morning is…
Pray.
The first thing I do when I get to work…
 I worship and praise God. 
My earliest childhood memory…
I love eating. So back then whenever they brought eggs, milk and bread, I told my mother that Abakulu tebalya  (loosely translated as, adults do not eat). This meant that it was only me who had to eat all the eggs, bread and milk.
My first best friend…
My niece. We both liked the same things and she understood my personality.
My first kiss…
It was in Senior Two with my teacher of French. I was a netballer and that teacher was our coach. 
So, one day, we went for a match and I played so well. 
We won the match. He found me in the bus alone and to thank me for the job well done, we kissed and he was too irresistible.
My childhood hero…
None, because I was a Tomboy. We played emirundi , a game  where you bounced the ball on your thighs and the bystander team mates counted. 
I was the champion because I used to line up 10 big boys and beat them. In short, I had no time for fantasies. 
The first book I read…
The Secret Terrorists  by Bill Hughes.
My  first  job…
I used to sell boxers, vests, toothpaste and socks when I was  in Senior Four. I used to put some merchandise at the canteen and I used to move to offices at the weekends. 
My first salary…
I used to work on a commission basis. For example, a vest went for Shs5,000 or Shs10,000 depending on the customer.  If I sold it at Shs5,000 or Shs10,000 my commission would be between Shs2,000 and Shs5,000.
My current job…
I sell wine, honey, clothes and perfume.
I got my first boyfriend…
When I was in Senior Four.
What I like about my job…
Travelling and networking. I have travelled to so many parts of the country such as  Mbale, Jinja, Mbarara, Lira, and Arua. I have liked Mbale mostly because the place is so clean and I also got a chance to visit some tourist sites such as the Sipi Falls. 
Networking opens doors for new business deals or clients. It is also an avenue to exchange ideas with different stakeholders. It gives you a chance to learn more skills and know new trends.
What I dislike about it…
A client places an order but at the time of delivery, they switch off their phones, or pay less than you had agreed. 
Most memorable experience…
Going to give birth in a G-string, and without taking anything in the hospital because I did not know it was labour time. I had gone for a check-up.
Biggest regret in life…
Not going further with my modelling career. I stopped modelling because I got a job somewhere and since I was at university, I needed money more yet in modelling, the pay was poor.