Friday 9 December 2011, by Gloria A.Irabagiza

http://www.theservicemag.com/?Woman-ENTREPRENEUR-at-30-years#forum3779

Gloria Uwizera Kamanzi is a young, sassy and at 30 years of age, she has already ventured into the world that is considered to be an ‘all men’s club’ called entrepreneurship. She is the founder and owner of GLO REATIONS, an art and fashion business with a batik art specialty. Her passion is basically art and fashion, specialties that she believes can be expanded to neighboring markets in the East Africa and the region. Below is the excerpt of our interview with Gloria.

”My passion for artwork is greatly inspired by the success stories of those who have made it in this profession. For example; I love the work of Emilia Tan, a Malaysian Batik artist whose passion is clearly seen in her design work,” Uwizera says.

Gloria Uwizera grew up in a business background that inspired her to start her own venture. While a teenager she worked with her mother, doing some artistic work and appreciated her grandfather’s values as a businessman.

Her beginnings stem way back in Senegal where she was pursuing her studies. In Senegal she pursued batik art lessons as well and with a little determination and confidence, Gloria started her business including selling t-shirts with batik.

The business became a success in Senegal and that is when Gloria decided to return back home to continue making a difference in her own society.

“What I like most is being independent, discovering my skills and abilities and this enables me to know what I can offer. Since I ventured into business, I gained so much confidence and I have even become more passionate about my work,” Uwizera adds.

Upon her return, in 2008, Gloria established her art company then noticed the lack of awareness in the batik art. This realization opened to her a door of opportunity. Pursuing her business in Rwanda was exciting but very challenging to obtain the raw materials needed for the production of her creations and accessing financial support.

As a young female entrepreneur in Rwanda, Gloria faced a challenge of being accepted by offering her services because of her age and utlook, but with time, people started trusting the quality and uniqueness to her creations.

”I was new in Rwanda when I started; my business was new to the market here. It was kind of hard being accepted in the society as a young business oriented woman. I was not trusted enough and this made selling our products and services as well as getting some financial support, difficult.”

Gloria realized that there were real opportunities in tourism and joined the ‘Fair Trade Association of Artisans’, with an intention of being exposed to a bigger market either regionally or internationally. Gloria started partnering with artisan’s cooperatives to diversify her products including interior decor items and fashion items.

Today Gloria serves on the board of the RFTAA as president representing the artisan’s voices. Gloria has since become a source of inspiration to the Rwandan youth. She shares her entrepreneurial journey through TV, radio shows and other events.

“I appreciate people who work hard. Oprah Winfrey inspires me because of how she started small and became one of the richest women in the world despite her hardships earlier on in life,” she says.

ADVICE TO THOSE ASPIRING:

They should first write down their business idea, gather information on their target market through research and raise or save their starting capital that keeps the business moving before it generates an income.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT:

The dream to own this art business at my young age, building a reputation of what I can offer and impacting the lives of the people I work with. I am learning a lot and I believe that I am on the right track to growth and success in money making as I become a master in this line of business.

HOW GLORIA HAS ACHIEVED GROWTH:

I attended several business trainings such as the Peace Through Business (PTB) that was an eye opener. I connect with other women entrepreneurs, learn new skills and also challenge myself frequently. I have been able to make changes on how to run Glo Creations and give back to the community.