For young entrepreneur Mugisha Olivier, the journey from graphic designer to the founder of one of Kigali’s most popular fashion houses, Fav Palettes, is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, his fashion house is a beacon of skillfully crafted clothing that caters to both Rwandans and international clients alike, but it all began with a simple idea: dressing people in clothes that made them feel confident and proud.
Mugisha’s journey into fashion was not a random one. It started long before he registered Fav Palettes in 2022. As a graphic designer, Mugisha’s creative instincts were always sharp, but it wasn’t until he started designing his own clothes that he discovered the unique intersection of his skills and passions. His experience in visual design gave him a keen eye for patterns, colors, and proportions, all of which translated seamlessly into fashion.
The idea of starting a fashion house was born in his mind long before he could afford to turn it into a reality. “I always wanted to contribute to society in a way that made people feel good about themselves,” Mugisha reflects. “Fashion was my way of doing that.”
But the road to making his dream a reality wasn’t smooth. Like any ambitious entrepreneur, Mugisha faced the challenges of starting small with limited resources. “I spent a year preparing—learning about operations, sourcing capital, and securing the right suppliers,” he shares. That year of preparation was crucial in shaping the foundation of Fav Palettes, allowing him to map out a plan that included not just a workspace, but the right relationships and the right mindset for success.
The capital to launch his business came from an unlikely place: his own savings. Mugisha admits, “I started by saving part of my salary. It was a struggle, but it was worth it.” His dedication to investing in his vision not only provided the necessary funds to get started, but also helped him refine his understanding of what it would take to run a successful fashion house.
The early days were tough. Mugisha recalls, “At the beginning, it was just me and two others. We worked hard, with few resources, and a lot of passion. But we didn’t give up. We kept pushing.”
And push they did. Fav Palettes began as a small team, but within a year, it had grown to a staff of ten people—each bringing something valuable to the table. “We now have full-time and part-time employees depending on the projects we take on,” he explains, proud of the team he’s built.
One key to Mugisha’s success has been his ability to listen to his audience. “I started by posting a few clothes on social media. People liked them, but I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. It was the encouragement from those people that pushed me to keep going,” he says with a smile.
Among the many moments that have defined Mugisha’s journey, one stands out in particular—the day one of his clients, Umutoniwabo Cynthia, received the prestigious Hanga PitchFest 2023 award from none other than President Paul Kagame. The emotional pride in Mugisha’s voice is palpable as he recalls the moment: “To see my work alongside President Kagame, and to know that the person wearing my designs is making an impact—it’s a feeling I can’t put into words. That was a milestone in my career, one that made all the struggles worth it.”
Despite the recognition and growth, the path has never been easy. One of Mugisha’s biggest challenges was distinguishing his creations from the many other fashion brands out there. “I wanted my designs to stand for something more than just aesthetics. I needed a symbol—something that set my work apart,” he says. His solution was to turn to his roots, incorporating traditional African patterns into his clothing. These weren’t just decorative embellishments; they were symbols of culture, health, and wellness—powerful messages woven into every garment.
Today, Fav Palettes stands as a testament to the power of boldness and vision. Mugisha’s designs are not only celebrated for their beauty but also for their cultural significance, making a statement that is both local and global.
Mugisha’s message to the youth is simple yet profound: “Be bold. If you have an idea, don’t be afraid to make it happen. Nothing is impossible when there’s determination and passion. The road won’t be easy, but your dreams are worth every challenge.”
