We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Martha Christine Amongin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Martha Christine below.
Martha Christine, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I am always open to embracing new perspectives and I’m able to do so by surrounding myself with diverse people and ideas. I engage in conversations with lots of people about my businesses to gain fresh insights and this helps me to keep my creativity alive.
I also often take breaks and recharge. I give myself time to relax and unwind. This could be a week or less or even more. During this time, I engage in activities that inspire me, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends. It helps rejuvenate my mind.
I am also always curious. I continuously seek knowledge and explore different industries especially online. This is in an aim to broaden my horizons and discover new ideas and to keep up with different trends that I later incorporate into my business. This inspires me to stay creative and come up with new ideas to make the business thrive.
I am not afraid to take risks and try new approaches. If something doesn’t work out, I view it as a learning opportunity and adapt accordingly.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a 24 year old Ugandan Entrepreneur currently running and managing two online businesses Amo Store Ug and Kris Amo Ug. I graduated with a Diploma in Law from Law Development Center and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Makerere University, Uganda.
Amo Store is a variety store selling products such as jewelry, cards games, hair accessories and other products.
Kris Amo Ug is an African print business that deals in Afrocentric pieces such as clothing and accessories. The main focus is on African print fabrics that we manipulate to create beautiful clothes, bags, accessories and so on.
I begun the business when I was 18 years old in my high school with no clear direction but just with the hope that it will one day grow into something that I am proud of. 6 years down the road and I can say that the brand has grown and is at the point where I hoped for it to be by now.
What is most special about this brand to me is how I started out. I started with no taught knowledge or skills on how to run a business just an idea and a plan on how to execute it and it worked out. I had no mentorship whatsoever in the beginning on how a business should be run, how to handle and make business decisions and even how to make sales but I eventually figured it out along the way.
The most exciting thing about Kris Amo is the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. As the business continues to grow and evolve, I have the chance to explore new designs, collaborate with other artists, and expand our reach to even more people who appreciate Afrocentric pieces. The thrill of seeing the creations come to life and making a positive impact in the fashion industry is truly exhilarating.
In a few years, I see Kris Amo becoming a well-known and respected brand not only within Uganda but also internationally. Our beautiful Afrocentric pieces and exquisite craftsmanship will continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts around the world. I imagine the brand collaborating with renowned designers, showcasing our collections at major fashion events, and even opening stores in different cities. The possibilities are endless, and I have no doubt that Kris Amo will continue to flourish and leave a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
I also have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in the lives of people in different communities and that’s why I got into Social Work career wise. It is a way for me to support individuals and communities in need and it brings me so much fulfillment. It is a rewarding field where I can make a difference.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I would say that three qualities that were most impactful for me were perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
Perseverance is key because there will inevitably be challenges and setbacks along the way. It’s important to stay determined and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Creativity is another crucial quality. It allows me to think outside the box, come up with unique ideas, and differentiate myself from others in the industry. I embraced my creativity and let it guide my designs and business strategies.
Lastly, a willingness to learn is essential. The industry and world is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay curious and open-minded. Seek out opportunities for growth, whether it’s through networking with other professionals, or staying up-to-date with industry trends.
My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace these qualities and actively work on developing them. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creatives who can provide guidance and inspiration. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. And most importantly, never stop learning and growing. With dedication and a passion for what you do, you’ll continue to thrive on your journey. Best of luck!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
In my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network of friends, family, mentors, and fellow creatives who have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills. They have provided guidance, advice, and encouragement when I needed it most. Additionally, I’ve found great inspiration and learning opportunities through online communities.
Surrounding myself with people who believe in my vision and are willing to support and share their knowledge made a world of difference to me.
In a special way my parents have played a big role in always believing in me and supporting my dreams. They encouraged me to pursue my passions and provided me with the opportunities to explore my interests. Their unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to take risks and strive for success. I am grateful for their love and support, as it has shaped me into the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kris_amo_ug
- Twitter: kris_amo_ug
- Other: The Instagram handle for Kris Amo Ug is kris_amo_ug and for Amo Store is amo_store_ug
