Her secret is in artistic baby wear
Catherine Sawe displays some of the bibs. Inset are some of her children products. Photos by Douglas D. Sebamala
What you need to know:
Into baby stuff. Catherine Sawe is the proprietor of Beauty, Managing The Pearl, a beauty and makeup shop in Kampala. Among her latest innovation is baby wear and accessories such as bibs and bootees. Her bibs and shoes endow that artistic element, in beautifully designed, yet comfortable outfits for babies to wear when they are feeding. Sawe talked to Douglas D. Sebamala about her business.
When did you start making bibs?
I started in July 2014. This was after watching many friends giving birth and failing to find unique baby gifts and attires, I was inspired to come up with unique products for babies. I wanted a product that was African. That is why I chose to work with African fabric. I thought of making dresses and clothes, but I figured those were more accessible so I chose shoes (bootees) and bibs.
What is the age range?
Between three to four months.
Did you do any market research?
Yes, I realised what was trending was African prints, and with babies, there weren’t many options. One had to buy imported products from either China or the US. Yet, there are more clothes (dresses, shorts and shirts) in African print, but not shoes and bibs.
What was your initial capital?
I invested Shs300,000 in fabric and tools and Shs200,000 as startup labour for my tailor. I do the pattern drafting and cutting at home, and just take the parts to him for stitching. I am the designer. But I am also taking tailoring lessons.
[While she makes the cuttings, Sawe sits comfortably on the floor of her tiled living room, neatly turning edges of each sketch. She resizes the shapes of the feet and measures fabric to them for fitting. She chooses the fabric carefully, creating unlike and like patterns for a childlike colourful appeal.]
Children are definitely your target for the product, but how do you market them?
I do direct distribution. I make sure I convince mothers that the product is worth their money. I have samples on my artist website and I recently had the opportunity to sell and showcase at Milege World Music Festival.
What is your biggest challenge?
Getting awareness among the local market is not easy. People need to be convinced that the product is of the same quality or even better than those from the US and China.
What quality assurance then should they have?
They are really durable with triple layered material that makes them waterproof. There is sponge, mackintosh (for water protection) and smooth silky absorbent layered cotton for triple effect in the bibs. The shoes have a sponge layer for comfort and are easy to wear. Besides, they are easy to wash.
What is your plan for 2016?
I am going to try out different designs, experimenting with more print, mixing up fabric such as denim and African print. I will also indulge mosaic (the kind on art paintings) by making art pieces on fabric. And because the competition is not that much yet, I intend to do more marketing and get the product out there.
