NAIROBI, KENYA: A fashion idea born in the thick of a grueling engineering course has given Nairobi one of its most visible clothing brands. And it bears testament to the fact that you don’t have to start big to build an empire.

Home_254 is only two years old, but it has made a name for itself in the design of casual wear, both in Kenya and abroad. The clothing brand specializes in custom-made hoodies, T-shirts, sweatshirts, vests and caps.

Its founder, John Brian Jura, 25, better known as JB, says the fashion bug bit him while he was a fourth-year electronics and computer engineering student. He had to juggle his classes with figuring the business out.

“The idea of Home_254 started in June 2015. I created the designs myself. A lot of clothing lines to show patriotism exist, so I had to come up with something different that still celebrates our country,” he says.

In the beginning

JB says he started out with Sh4,800, which was supposed to be his rent.

“I used the cash to buy plain hoodies, sweat shirts and T-shirts, and then hired a heat-press vinyl to print the Home_254 logo,” he says.

However, his first products didn’t get any takers for about two weeks.

“This was really heartbreaking because I thought that my classmates would be my clients and make orders, but none of them made a single one.”

JB’s clothes, however, caught the attention of his neighbours, and through their referrals, the orders started streaming in from across the city.

Home_254 has since become a busy production outfit, adding new designs to its stable and creating employment for four tailors.

“It’s our clients and potential customers who challenge me to try out more stuff. That’s what got me to introduce new designs for the ladies, from crop tops to turtlenecks,” says JB.

He says his business earns about Sh20,000 a week, though this amount can rise to Sh50,000 when things are busy, especially during holiday seasons like Christmas.

Aside from its Kenyan customers, Home_254 also services orders from Dubai, the US, Canada and Germany; markets JB reached through an active social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.

The entrepreneur says one of the biggest lessons he’s learnt so far include using money to earn more money.

“Once you get money, you have to put it back into the business – in short, starve yourself for your business. You can’t afford to be reckless with money to show off. Don’t lose focus.”

Add value

He adds that negativity is another thing he’s had to learn to deal with.

“You shouldn’t let people’s opinions bring you down. Yes, you need their opinion but don’t let them get into your head and drown out your inner voice,” says JB.

“Lastly, hang out with friends who help you rise. Surround yourself with people who dominate, people who add value to your vision.”

JB hopes that Home_254’s focus on quality will see it one day trade on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.