By Esther Kibakaya
Creative, innovative and independent are words that describe Febronia Mihuwa, a lady who began humbly by carving earrings from wood, stitching them from fabric and designing others using Maasai beads. Initially, her motivation was to make a living out of an activity she considered a hobby. With time, she has become a master of beadwork.

“I was born with creativity,” she says, “And since my childhood, it has been very easy for me to use my hands to craft beautiful things.” Febronia Mihuwa is a true testimony to talent and passion. Despite not having any formal training, she is currently at the peak of her career as a specialised bead designer who has perfected the art of designing jewellery from glass beads. She took to this line of career after her Canada-based aunt returned home with readymade glass beads and shells.

Filling up a vacuum
“When my aunt made a quick trip into the country, she brought beads purposely for my business. Then, I was an ordinary designer specialising in Maasai beaded ornaments.  At the start of the revamped business, it was tough selling the new products, as people were not aware of glass beads. It took me close to a year before I made the decision to plunge full time into this business,” says Febronia.

Creating ‘Afrilook’ designs
Febronia redesigned her jewellery to fit the needs of the local market. “I dismantled the original pieces to create new art as per the tastes of people down here,” she said.

 It has been six years now and Febronia has managed to establish herself desite facing the usual challenges. Her creative skills are keeping her afloat in the depressed business climate. Life in the creative world hasn’t been smooth sailing for Febronia, but her love for handicraft has propelled her upwards. A close look at her jewellery reveals Febronia’s personal touch in each piece. “This is what I’m good at, that’s why I take my time to be perfect at it,” she says.

To be the master of this art, Febronia is constantly striving for professionalism. “You have a perfect plan that includes for instance, where to get the materials. In my case, I have identified local dealers of genuine glass beads but sometimes I order them from China,” Febronia says. “Unfortunately, some dealers sell plastic instead of glass.”

Win-win situation
To make her work easier she works with friends who are eager to learn the business. “There are women in my team who help me out, especially with the huge orders and in the process, I have taught them about this new art.”

During the years she has been in business, Febronia has participated in various Trade Fairs, opportunities she appreciates for giving her business and skills a boost.

“I have exhibited my products at the Saba Saba Trade fair under the Promotion of Rural Initiative and Development Enterprises (PRIDE), a microfinance institution which saw my work and was impressed by it. Last year during the Month of Women Entrepreneurs (MOWE) exhibition, Febronia met with several interested parties and entrepreneurs who introduced her to a new market base and enabled her to market her products in the community.

“Despite the low attendance at this exhibition, it was a good opportunity not only for me but also for other women entrepreneurs out there who are struggling to market their businesses,” she said.

Febronia is however, at war with some local entrepreneurs who do not share information regarding exhibitions within or outside the country. “Information is key to progress and we should share opportunities with fellow citizens because eventually we all stand to gain,” she says.

A few setbacks
One of the biggest challenges for Febronia is the uncertain market for her products.
“I have been trying to distribute my products in various outlets like boutiques and beauty shops, but people love cheap things. They disregard the fact that our products are custom made and very expensive.

Very few value products made locally by local people,” she says. This kind of attitude has hindered her progress because sometimes her income doesn’t cover her costs. “We buy raw materials at a high price, but people don’t understand our predicament as local artists and designers,” she says.

Febronia opened up a store for her products, but had to close it down to cut down on expenses. “I wasn’t getting any value for my money. At the end of the day, I realised I was toiling for rent and other utilities,” she says. “Currently, I distribute my products myself especially to customers who place their orders on Facebook. I use Facebook frequently to market my business.”

The other pitfall is the rigorous design process that requires much creativity. The mechanical process involves the use of simple hand tools and manpower, both of which cost money. But on a good day, Febronia makes up to thirty pieces of custom-made jewellery.

“Women can change the world if they set their minds to do so. They can cross the borders and compete internationally and bring home rewards. In today’s world, creativity is the new empowerment.”

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