Costumes & Mascots

Carol Nyaga, 28, has turned a unique craft into a business writes SHIRLEY GENGA

What do you do for a living?

I own Birdie Mascots and Costumes, a business that specialises in making mascots and costumes. Mascots and costumes are used for entertainment, advertisement and promotions as an alternative to the mainstream means of advertising, especially for smaller businesses. Apart from that, I am a part time student at St Paul’s University studying Business Administration with Marketing as a specialty. I graduate next year.

What did you study originally in school?

Carol Nyaga Photo: Joseph Kiptarus/Standard

I studied journalism at the Kenya Polytechnic between 2004 and 2006. Immediately after graduating, I got a job at a production house in Westlands. Though I was not on the pay roll, I worked as everything from PA to producer to camera work. I then left to help a friend start up and run a magazine, Woman’s Hope — a free monthly that catered to the less fortunate women by addressing common issues as well informing them. I was there from mid-2007 to 2008.

I then did odd jobs for various media and production houses before being picked to join a famous alcohol producing company as a merchandiser and later, sales. During my time there, I began to realise I do not like the constrictions of a ‘nine to five job’.

I knew that I wanted to start my own business. I had the passion for socialising and marketing, so in 2009, I joined St Paul’s University to pursue a degree in business administration.

Do you regret leaving formal employment?

Actually, that was the best decision I ever made because in my first semester I had come up with a plan of what I wanted to do. I registered my company in November last year and officially began work in January 2011.

Why costume and mascot business?

I have always loved to make clothes, but not just any clothes, costumes specifically. When I was a little girl, I would make costumes for my dolls. I have also always loved action and super hero characters, basically anything colourful and outrageously out of the ordinary.

I decided to take a chance on my passion for costumes and I have never looked back. Since then, I have done costumes for dance and theatrical groups, as well as uniforms for the Special Olympics held in Greece mid this year.

What is the difference between a costume and a mascot?

Costumes are a particular set of clothes that are worn for a specific occasion while mascots are any person, animal or object used to represent a company, for example the Energizer bunny.

What is the most memorable job you have done so far?

The costumes I made for the Special Olympics team. They had to be good, as they would appear on an international podium and to cater for over 40 athletes. I had no money to finance the job, but by God’s grace and support from friends, I did everything well and ahead of time. The athletes were thrilled and I was beyond myself. That was the happiest moment of my life. In that moment I knew this is what I was made to do.

Tell us about mascots?

My company provides mascots for corporate companies. Mascots are used for a variety of uses from customisation to publicity stunts. I love mascots. They invoke everyone’s inner child and they are fun to work with. Currently, we have Ben 10 and a Penguin for hire accompanied by our team of Superheroes to entertain or capture attention.

What challenges have you faced since starting your business?

Business people locally are not yet convinced about the benefits or application of a mascot, so I have to go out of my way to sell my business. Another challenge is that people think that I charge too much for costumes. They do not realise that any tailor can put together clothes, but it takes someone with passion and drive to turn that cloth into a spectacular costume.

What do you do for fun?

I love to travel, socialise and try out new foods. In fact, I would love to be a food and beverage critic some day.

Who inspires you?

Richard Branson inspires me because he showed us that thinking different can be profitable. Locally I am inspired by Sam Thenya and Violet Nduku of networking in heels.

Any advice?

This is a niche business, make it an art, own what you make do not just put fabric together and call it costume. Also if it cannot be done be frank and tell the customer that it cannot be done. Learn the product manage the market. I also encourage people to believe in themselves, keep quiet about your ideas until you execute them and do not expect to please everyone.