Behind the cloth

Did you know that every cloth you wear tells a story? 

Meet the beautiful Mushirah Rabaab Abdallah, a 23-year-old Ugandan Muslim woman tailor making beautiful outfits to blend each individual's personalities and experiences.

Tell a Story had a chit-chat with her about her journey into the fashion industry.

Tell us about your company?

Keesha is a modest fashion brand that enables people largely women, to create memorable statements, build confidence and reflect their true personalities through fashion and style.

     What inspired you to start Keesha?

My mother and I have dreams that are knitted together. She like me wanted to tailor beautiful clothes for people.  Unfortunately, because of the daily juggles that come with motherhood, she could not pursue them. 

However, I carried the same passion as her as early as my childhood, I used to play a lot with dolls, cutting pieces of clothes to make dresses for them.

I was determined to see her dream come alive through me and what a better way than naming Keesha after her.

Tell us about your customers?

My customers are mainly women from different social spaces. Keesha welcomes everyone.

Though coming from a Muslim background, I have a big heart for my Muslim sisters.

Our society today identifies us as women without a fashion sense. Through Keesha, I want to present Muslim women as elegant and flamboyant in their clothes just like other women too.

Does Keesha design clothes for men too?

Yes we do, but to a very small percentage.  Our biggest clientele is 90 percent women .

Do you have a mentor that has walked you through this fashion journey?

Oh yes, Ras Kasozi, one of Uganda's best fashion designers. He has greatly helped me have a clear road map for my fashion dream ever since I stepped into his fashion school foregoing my admission to Makerere University to do Procurement.

What are some of the challenges you have faced?

The taxes levied on exporting materials outside Uganda have increased. When I charge highly, my customers complain a lot yet it is never intentional at all.

The Covid lock-down was a big setback too, with all shops closed, there was no place to buy fabric from, the number of clients also reduced.

As a Muslim woman, some of these fashion nights contradict the set religious values, for instance, some  happen at night and I can not attend them. I am trying to avail myself of those I can physically attend at appropriate times.

Have you won any accolades in your fashion journey?

Yes, I have been recognized as the best fashion designer at the Seed Show Ugandan fashion awards.

What are your plans for Keesha?.

I envision Keesha known all over Africa with a bridal concept and Fashion school incorporated into it.

What has been your biggest joy when dressing people?

I have built a network of different women together with a few men from different backgrounds. I have listened to their stories and for some felt the need to empower them through fashion.

What distinguishes your products from others?

Keesha is authenticity itself. For every cloth we tailor, we derive its beauty from the client's stories and inspirations behind the clothes they want to wear and design them to fit their personalities.

What message do you have for someone who wants to be like you?

Be humble and kind. Do not forget to trust the process too because it will calm you down, you will be the captain of your ship, moving at only your pace and no one else's.

Why this story has our heart?

Now more than ever, we need women rising to challenge the status quo. Mushirah is proof that there is no limit to what women can do despite coming from diverse social backgrounds.

Follow and Contact Keesha on 

Instagram @k.e.e.sha 

Facebook @keesha creations /Mushirarabbib 

Twitter. k.e.e.sha 

Tiktok  @mushirarabbib

📞+256701761272

Clothes tell stories too.