At the Hilltop in Lubowa inside the premises of Quality Supermarket, there is fantastic design shop that deals in African designs. It is called SICCO designs.
Today we visited the shop and met with Madam Asiimwe Scovia, the proprietor SICCO designs at Quality Supermarket Lubowa.
Monday Times: What exactly does SICCO designs do?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: We do variety of items in African design. We are inspired by African traditional way of life, meaning everything is inspired by Africa. Within these we have fashion such as men, ladies and kids garments. We have shoes, bags, beads, and jewelry.
We have done for dignitaries and other customers who are interested in this kind of designs.
I also train people who want to learn tailoring and African designs.
Monday Times: How different are you from others who do the same thing?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: I do the things by myself. I design and create everything you see in the shop.
Monday Times: How did you learn how to do this?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: I started when I was a child. I believe it was inborn. Later I even took part in competitions with Posta Uganda when we used to make posters for envelopes. I became a winner in the goal in which I was in. We even came to Hotel Africa for competitions and I won prizes. I did art and scored an A in ‘A’ Level. From there I went to Makerere to do Bachelors of Industrial and Fine Art (BIFA). Even in my work I majored in fashion design and jewelry.
Even in class I was very good. My lecturers up to now invite me to go and showcase my work at Makerere when they have exhibitions.
I majored in both fashion and jewelry. That piece I did is still in Makerere being used as a teaching aid.
I got a second upper degree and I was given a scholarship but I did not have money because it was a partial student. So after graduation I said let me look for startup capital and just create because I saw I had the skill. I was very confident that I could do something.
My start was not easy. I started with the works I would do at Campus. People liked it and they were happy with what they saw. So since then I have made something. I could organize the displays on a week to week basis.
I am creative, everything to do with hand I am okay. I can even plait hair and do it very well. I am sure that where I am, tomorrow will be better than this.
I have participated in fashion shows and have received very good comments. I like being creative, coming up with good ideas and people appreciate.
Monday Times: What are your working hours and days?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: We work from Monday to Sunday from 8am to 9.30pm but if a customer calls and says they are on the way we can wait for them.
Monday Times: How are your prices like?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: They are really affordable. I have some highly priced and some reasonably priced. So I have a garment that goes for Uganda Shillings 450,000 yet I also have another that goes for Uganda Shillings 50,000.
Monday Times: Do you deliver to where people are?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: We do if the transport costs are met by the client, because some places are very far.
Monday Times: How do you describe a good African designs?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: First of all what attracts me first is color. The color patterns need to be unique. The other thing is the texture of the materials. These African materials are a bit funny to people who do not know them. I can taste with the tongue, I can touch and use other ways to know this is good African material. Then we move to the whole outfit. It depends on the design, how is this garment designed? I also look at color contrast. Is there color contrast in the design? For example is there a skillful blend in the patching of colors.
Monday Times: Where are you located?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: I am located at Quality Supermarket Lubowa.
Monday Times: What are your phone numbers for business?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: We have +256774689914 (it is on whatsapp)
Monday Times: Do you have a Facebook page?
Madam Asiimwe Scovia: Yes I have of Asiimwe Scovia.
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