The Decor Hub

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Meet Procee Akuno, a Ugandan female entrepreneur that used the lockdown period to create a decor hub, Design Osama.


Tell us about your company?

 Design Osama is an interior home adding a touch of customized cushions and pillows to homes and offices. We also do a bit of graphic designing.
What inspired you to start Design Osama?

 I have always loved to create and see spaces that look beautiful. 

Do you have any fond childhood memories that triggered your passion as a creative artist?

Oh yes, I used to plait grass and pretend it was hair so that I could learn how to braid, and I learned.

Did you love art while at school?

More than 100 percent, I also believe I was naturally born an artist. While my classmates found Art a difficult subject, it was as easy as ABC to me.

Many people do not take art seriously, Is there anyone that has encouraged you to pursue it?

 My father has always encouraged me and my siblings to follow our dreams. He was very comfortable with me pursuing art other than accounting. He allowed me to grow my craft. While in secondary school,  he asked me to design a poster for his guest house, Although he did not use it, he was amazed at how it turned out.

Did you attend any class on designing cushions?

YouTube was my best friend. I watched plenty of tutorials on how to make cushions. It was a lot easier than I envisioned.

Where did you get the money to buy your first sewing machine?

It came from my part-time job as a graphics designer is Timeless Services Uganda, a construction company located along Mbuya Kinawataka Road.

By the start of the year 2020, I had saved up some money but it was not enough. I am thankful to my boss, Keera Derek, I had told him about Design Osama and my plans for it. He topped up some money and I was able to get a machine and buy some materials.

What is unique about your throw cushions?..

All our cushions are differently designed with an outpouring of love.

I also give my customers what I would love to receive myself. A cushion that is durable of good quality and most importantly with a personalized touch.

What has been the biggest challenge in your business?

I find it tricky to price new unique designs of cushions.  I always under cost.

What does the future hold for Design Osama?

The future is bright for us, I look forward to it  Design Osama is an upcoming interior design company and an academy for creative minds. The future looks bright ☺️

What pushes you not to give up?

When I started, it was hard, my machine broke down in two months, I was out of business until I got a new one. 

I kept saying,  If I went past that disappointment, 
I can conquer anything. I also want to help my parents support my siblings and be an inspiration for my family. 

The name Osama is unique, what is the story?

Osama identifies with me, It is my father's name and a family name as well. It is a legacy I want to build even when I am long gone. 

What message can you tell a Procee out there?

 I would say, " Find what you love and give it as much as you can".  I was never sure how this dream would play out, but when I started, evolution happened to me, the missing puzzles started aligning themselves and well here we are today.

Follow Design Osama on Instagram | Facebook. You can also buy online on Jiji and Jumia.

Why Tell a Story Loves this tale?

It is gratifying to see women like Procee remind us of the beauty in pursuing the things dear to our hearts even in uncertain times as Covid 19.


Comments

  1. DimmaDecember 8, 2021 at 12:22 AM

    Inspiring tale, hope one day I will be enrolled in her class of design to learn how to make cushions and other fashionable products

    ReplyDelete

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