Peter Mbasha Nkunda, better known as Mamba Designer, is the Rwandan stylist who’s been making waves in the fashion scene, dressing celebrities and trendsetters alike. But his journey to success wasn’t always glamorous—it’s a story of patience, persistence, and the power of starting small.
From a young age, Mamba Designer had an eye for style. He loved dressing sharp and keeping up with the latest trends. Even while he was still hitting the books in school, his entrepreneurial spirit was already brewing. Determined to chase his dreams, he began saving small amounts of money—yes, even as a broke university student.
After graduation, like many, Mamba tried his luck with job applications, but the doors never seemed to open. Instead of letting rejection get the best of him, he decided to take matters into his own hands. With the little savings he had, he jumped into the clothing
business. It wasn’t easy—his funds were tight, and he had to ask his parents for a bit of a boost to get started.
Setting up shop in the Gisozi sector, Mamba faced challenges that would’ve made most people throw in the towel—COVID-19, theft, and more. But giving up wasn’t in his playbook.
“One day, a guy parked his car outside my shop, and we agreed on the prices for some clothes. He asked me to bring them to his car, and when I did, instead of paying, he sped off and almost ran me over,” Mamba recalls. It was a rough experience, but it didn’t break him. He beefed up security, learned from his setbacks, and kept pushing forward.
Today, Mamba Designer is the go-to stylist for Rwandan artists, event attendees, and even TV journalists. What started with just a few items has now grown into a fully stocked shop. And he didn’t stop there—over the past four years, Mamba has even bought a taxi to generate extra income and fuel his business growth.
His advice to the youth? Start small, save smart, and don’t wait around for opportunities—create them. “When you’re starting out, don’t be afraid to take the leap. Small capital shouldn’t hold you back; even a little can grow into a lot. Be brave, learn to save, and remember that while jobs might be hard to come by, you can build something of your own and even create jobs for others,” he says.
Mamba Designer’s hustle has taken him beyond Rwanda’s borders, with clients from the United States and beyond rocking his styles.
