The 26-year-old is a model under Mambo Modelling Agency. When he’s not on the runway, he is at his boutique at Arua Park in downtown Kampala.
What is the name of your business?
It is called Geofix Collections. Geofix is from my name Geofrey. It is located on Kati Kati building in Arua Park. I am not in a shop but I operate in the corridors.
What exactly do you deal in?
I sell men’s outfits such as shoes, casual trousers, shirts and T-shirts.
When did you start this business?
I started the business in 2011, with just Shs50,000 as my starting capital. I used to buy second hand clothes from downtown, then move around different arcades trying to find customers.
When did you stop moving around arcades?
After two years, I raised more capital and brought those second hand clothes to where I am now. I had a friend who used to give me brand new clothes just to display as I sold for him and at the same time I sold my second hand clothes. I could give him his asking price and retain the excess. I did this for a few months then started bringing in my own clothes.
Where do you get the clothes from?
I buy them from wholesalers in town and once in a while when I have money, I send friends who are travelling to China to bring them for me when they return.
How much rent do you pay every month?
I pay Shs200,000 per month.
How much do you make in profits every month ?
I can make about Shs300,000 and when it is bad, I can make around shs50,000 to100,000.
How much do you sell your clothes?
It depends. Shoes range from Shs20,000 to Shs35000, T-shirts are from Shs15,000 to shs25,000, then trousers are between Shs20,000 and Shs35,000 while shirts cost between Shs15,000 and Shs25,000.
What future plans do you have for this business?
I’m planning to get a shop next year.
What are the challenges you face?
There are always customers who come in and disorganise the clothes and then end up not buying anything. They leave everything disorganised which gives me hard time to reorganise.
What has been your worst moment in the business?
It was in 2012 when I was still struggling with the business, the person who I had paid to carry for me luggage that had my merchandise disappeared with it. It was worth Shs6m.