Victoria Kageni’s Inspiring Path From Kenya to the Oscars Red Carpet

Kenyan-born fashion designer Victoria Kageni Woodard has opened up about her remarkable journey from Kenya to the United States and her thriving career in the fashion industry.

Kageni, the creative mind behind the label “Gusa by Victoria,” began her career in fashion by repurposing materials from the historic Yorktown Hotel, including curtains used in the hotel’s renovation. She transformed these materials into stylish accessories such as pocket squares, bow ties, and purses, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and upcycling in fashion design. Kageni shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring fashion designers. She encourages young designers to stay true to their unique talents, avoid comparing themselves to others, and focus on personal growth and development.

Kageni’s own journey, which took nearly three decades to reach the Oscars, exemplifies the dedication required to succeed in the fashion industry. Reflecting on the future of Kenya’s fashion industry, Kageni expresses optimism highlighting the talent of young designers and the potential for growth with support and celebration. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive community and sharing cultural diversity through fashion. However, Kageni also discusses the challenges she faced as a fashion entrepreneur, including funding constraints, the need to create a team, and being a minority entrepreneur in her community.

Despite these challenges, Kageni remained resilient, relying on community support and networking to overcome obstacles. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding her business to offer comprehensive lifestyle solutions including fashion, music, food, and more. She aims to delegate tasks while maintaining authenticity, serving a wider range of customers and providing holistic experiences. Kageni started sewing at a very young age. Her parents were not supportive at first, but eventually they recognized her talent and supported her decision to pursue a degree in fashion in the United States.

After graduating from college, Kageni began working in the clothing industry. She started by working for local companies and factories. Then she decided to open her own store. Her business grew slowly but steadily. Her big break came when Cindy Owens, the mother of Oscar-winning producer Erin Owens, walked into her store. Cindy was looking for a unique outfit for the Academy Awards. Kageni designed a jacket for Cindy, and when Cindy wore it on the red carpet, Kageni’s business exploded. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had and the challenges she has faced. She hopes that her story will encourage young people to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.