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| Designer Peggy Wambua behind the scenes at launch |
BIRTH
OF LESOH
When Peggy Wambua dropped a career in the legal
field six years ago, she had no clue how far , her fashion empire would be
today.
Her job was to assist women in legal affairs on
matters pertaining justice in divorce cases.
While working then for FIDA, it
became an eye opener that she , could bring change for these women.
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| Models catwalk LESOH design |
Right until the clock of year 2007, the legal field exposed her to new challenges. She further developed interests to empower women through fashion, which was her hidden passion.
Fighting to balance between her career and her new
found passion; she struggled to let loose. She finally quit , exploring her
artistic side through garments.
Initially, her steps strutted into Interior
decoration before establishing herself as a local Fashion designer.
Today, she sets the pace for female designers in a
very challenging industry. She is currently, making an income while mixing
creativity for an already identified market.
LAUNCH
OF LESOH
Recently, she launched fashion label ‘LESOH’, focusing on wash and wear
materials like chiffon and leso all in one.
Still in her early years of youth, she shares her achievements
in joy.
Peggy reflects on the growth of
her business which began in the year 2007.
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| Model Fauzya,Lesoh designer Peggy and Event planner Cugu |
She spoke to Lifestyle during the blissful launch:
“I realized most problems faced by women during these cases were economic
problems.” she said.
In a theme dubbed “Unapologetically LESOH” at Palacina
, models showcased her unique designs fit for all summer wear locally.
Trendy pieces on tops, skirts, swim wear, trousers
and shorts were visibly designed for local leso lovers.
She admits to being a simple designer who dislikes
unnecessarily ironing clothes. “The theme markets chiffon and leso as one. It
is easy to maintain and does not fade away like other cotton forms.”
Clearly, the material rhymes with those who leave a
fast life; willing to just wash and pick the garment later from the line
without considering an iron box .
MARKET
AND IDENTITY
She like to emphasizes her label is intended to
empower women through good payment and ‘Ethical living’ concept.
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| Fauzya models LESOH designs. |
Considering majority of participants were women in
the show all efforts were paid from: design , tailoring to catwalk. “ Lesoh is
about making a difference.” She clarifies.
For her, the export business works well through a
vibrant online business. “ My great
response is from USA and Europe markets. This means I do a lot of traveling to
continue my marketing.” She explains.
The business has never depended on local market;
this would require a location in anticipation of constant buyers.
But , LESOH still
sells to the few middle class , who are few in numbers locally.
According to Peggy, this class books orders from
time to time and continues in word of mouth marketing. “I target them through fashion shows and networks
of other designers too.” She smiles.
CHALLENGES
One has to constantly keep up with trends of time
and be above the bar. “ You must be creative and willing to go the extra mile
to research.” She reveals.
Noting that most of the textile industry is dead in
quality, she prefers to settle in for Rivertex a product of Moi university.
Detesting on foreign garments flooding the local market:
“ Rivertex is made by the local farmer. This is how Lesoh further supports the
Ethical living concept.” She adds.
Her greatest challenge was saving up for capital and
dealing with incompetent tailors.
What can she advise aspiring designers ? “ Always be patient and never give
up. The journey is worth the passion.” She concludes.
