KENYAN FASHION ENTREPRENEUR AT A GLANCE Brian Roberts (BRADS FASHION $ Ent.)

Q1. What’s your name (stage/artistic/others)

 Well, I am Brian Robert. I don’t think I have a stage name but My friends called Model others called Mc Brian Robert and parents Mr. Totos. That’s because I spend most of ma time with their kids.

Q2. How did you get started?

Well the journey of ma life hasn’t been easy. It all started back in late 2008 when I came to Nairobi fresh from shags, ready to joined college. During that time I was in college, it was hard having my own pocket money, dressing well or having a proper meal. My uncles could only give me like Ksh. 80 bob for fare to and fro to college which is based in town. Life was hard, so I seek for an optional way to make extra cash. I remember one day I missed 6pm train to Dandora where I was staying with ma uncles. so I waited in town till 10pm to catch 30bob bus home. On ma way home I met a lady who was an actress in one of TV program. She later introduced me to the casting director of Tabasamu and Nairobi in Law program. But still nothing positive was coming out. Since I was naïve, he could give me nothing or ksh. 500.

In 2009 around March I met Chris Kirwa who helped out. He taught me tactics for industry, how to be model and choreograph modeling shows. That’s not all; he also taught me event management. That guy is my mentor. We did several projects with him, including Miss World Kenya 2010.

Q3.What have you done so far (in terms of your art work)

Have done several projects…but let me mention a few. Miss Kenya 2010 was my first ever greatest achievements. I am happy my team and I got a supper model, Susan Anyango who did well that year. But I haven’t stopped there. I have established my own company/organization called BRADS FASHION. Where I deal with Modeling and Fashion, Brand marketing, Advertisement casting, events organization and management and a group of Kids called TOTOS EXPO. I have hosted several Events as a Mc and manage others. I also do modeling choreography for both my company and modeling gigs like Fran-Tiara fashion. I have also judge beauty peagents within the country and university.

I became 2^nd runners up AFRICA LONDON FASHION WEEK last year

Q4. What organization/ Events have you worked with or for if any, so far?

Apart from my organization Brads Fashion where I worked at the moment, I have got an opportunity to work with EXP-momentum, ARENA MEDIA, Miss World Kenya (Ashley), KAT MODELS, Tujipambe models, Airtel Kenya….. events done…I have been behind or participated in TOTOS EXPO events, lakeside fashion, Zanzibar fashion week, ReTro, Fran-Tiara fashion, On ma way to Paris fashion, TUJIPAMBE FASHION SHOW, AFAD…there are many can’t recall all of them.

Q5 what great challenges have you encountered in what you are doing?

When I lost my mom last year September, I was torn to pieces and my career was at stake.  My mother always gave the courage to move on; step by step she was my number supporter and fan. She could even sponsor some of my gigs. She gave me the courage to move on. Loosing my mom was a great challenge I encountered in my career.

Other challenges are, it has been hard getting sponsorship here Kenya for events. Kenyan well established companies don’t want to invest in creative/Art industry or they only give sponsorship to successful people who have established themselves. That’s being selfish to the upcoming organization that has potential to run our economy.

 Around 2009, when you were a model, people could mistake you for homosexuality. Am happy we are in a new generation where that has become a past tense though there are still some useless people who don’t understand that being in fashion Industry is also a job.

Right now everyone wants to be a model and that is becoming a challenge. I will say not everyone can be a pilot or a doctor. Every industry has got its own guru or people.

Q6. If you had a chance, what would you change in the industry or your area?

Those are two different questions…well at my area I would wish to make my models to be a monthly payroll. In the industry, there is too much exploitation, corruption, quack agencies, rogue models, poor photographers…name it… this are the things I would love to change. I just wish Kenyans can acknowledge fashion industry like the Italians or other European countries.

Q7. What projects are you working on at the moment?

I have working on how perfect my organization. Last year was good for us, but I want it to better this year. The rest will follow and I promise you, it will be a bang!!!

Q8. Who do you look up to as an artist in your own area of art?

Hmmm...in Kenya none, because most Kenyans are none consistence.

Q9. Anything else you would like to share with us….maybe

a)    Any advice or encouraging words to people in the same industry as you and are finding it hard to make good money out of their work.

My advice is simple a word….B.R.A.D.S

Believe in yourself because there will be people who will always pull you down

Remember, image first.

Ask yourself why you are doing it

Do things that are right and appreciated by the public.

Spread your wings to conquer every opportunity that comes your way.

b)    People aspiring to get into the same industry

I started from low and here I am today. If you love something go for it, you can do it. Challenges are just obstacles towards your success .But remember never forget God.