Traditional bridals: Eleanor Nabwiso’s TV career may have ended with her role in the NTV Hostel series but the hustler in her was still alive. To make ends meet, she opened up a shop for traditional outfits.
What business do you run?
I run Nabwiso films during the day and in the afternoons I run my boutique “El’s collection”, a one stop introduction centre for all clothes.
When did you start?
It has been a month now.
How much did you invest in this business?
I have invested some good money and I will keep investing until my store is full.
Where is this business located?
In Ntinda complex, shop GF15.
What services do you offer?
We offer bridal gomesis, ordinary gomesis, kanzus, African materials, bridal jewellery, baskets both for hire and sell, western wears, bridal jewellery and simple earrings.
How much do your items cost?
The costs are moderate and depend on what you choose to buy. Gomesis range from 80k to 500k. African print ranges from 60k to 100k, kanzus from 45k to 150k. The price list is long but I try to accommodate every price range.
Where do you get the materials from?
I get materials from India and Congo for African material. I have a supplier in town who is a call away. She stocks up things for me.
Eleanor
Why did you pick interest in this kind of business?
It is a rare business. I was inspired after my introduction ceremony. The hustle of going around to find what to wear from different shops is hectic so I decided to do a one stop traditional bridal centre.
Why should someone buy from you and not elsewhere?
Well, people should come to El’s collection because you are guaranteed to find all items at one stop without stress. If someone asks for something I do not have, I endeavour to get it.
Ceremonies such as kwanjula have a season. Is this the business that you really trust to bring you money?
Everything has seasons and it is not the only thing I count on for income. Like I told you, I also run Nabwiso films with my husband.
What does the future hold for this business?
The future should be great; I want El’s collection to be a re-known one stop introduction centre. I want to look at social media, wedding magazines, and see brides and grooms wearing stuff from my shop. I want to hear the bako and sengas being so grateful for their presents from the groom all from El’s collection.
