Jamhuri Wear: Star label

BUZZ: Welcome back!

Thank you man. Feels good to be home after 10 years away. I have come to be re-inspired and study the market and see how we can revitalise Jamhuri Wear.

What took you so long?

When I got to America, I started a journey of self discovery and trying to empower myself. I left as an economic refugee and by the time I was up on my feet, 10 years had lapsed.

What necessitated your relocating to America?

I just wanted to try and see what business was there for me. As a child, I travelled across the world with my mum and so I had been exposed to quite a lot and I thought America would be just the place to seek the challenge. My mum was into art and I wanted to follow that but when I got there, I got another inspiration.

How did you find America?

The first things you find out is that you are not home, it’s very different on all aspects, it’s colder, tougher but you also realise that if you play your cards well, you can be all you want to be there. There’s a lot of racism, counter-racism and a lot of perceptions and mis-education about people from Africa and that really gets to you.

You had problems blending in?

No. Due to my travels with my mom, I knew how to deal with people from different places plus it was not my first time in America, although I overstayed.

You became illegal?

Yeah man. I was to be there for a year but I overstayed. I managed to get myself cleared and got a work permit.

Did you do odd jobs like most Kenyans when they get to the US?

Definitely! I had to start at the bottom and I worked as a waiter at a sandwich store, in a Subway store, at a shoe store, call centre and also for Budget.

It’s not like your family was struggling, why did you have to go through all that?