Empowering Communities Through Craft

 

Stella Kyokushaba, a Makerere University graduate with a degree in Arts and Social Sciences (2017), has demonstrated the profound impact of passion, skill, and community service in her professional journey.

After completing her studies, she joined the Building Tomorrow Fellowship Program in 2018, where she worked in rural primary schools to improve children's learning outcomes. 

This role allowed her to not only contribute to education but also to engage with rural communities, a foundational experience that would later shape her entrepreneurial path.

During her tenure as a Fellow and later as a Technical Advisor for Building Tomorrow, Stella played a key role in driving literacy and numeracy initiatives across different districts in Uganda.

Her time with the organization, which ended in 2022, reinforced her commitment to improving the lives of children through education. However, Stella's ambitions extended beyond the classroom.

The Launch Of Her Endeavors

Her love for art, nurtured since her high school days, inspired her to pivot towards entrepreneurship—a decision that led to the founding of Stella Crafts Limited in 2023.

Stella's entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her experience with World Vision and a social enterprise, Usikate Tamaa Ltd, formed during her fellowship.

Usikate Tamaa empowered communities by teaching them business management and hands-on skills such as crafting hand bangles, shoes, bags, t-shirts, baskets, and much more.

This exposure to craft-making planted the seed for Stella Crafts Limited, a social enterprise focused on training and supporting young people in creating and selling a variety of crafts.

The initial steps to launch her enterprise were strategic. Stella credits the entrepreneurial training provided during her fellowship for equipping her with essential skills in business management, planning, and fundraising.

Consulting experienced individuals in the craft industry and securing a well-positioned shop were crucial to her early success. With savings she had diligently set aside, Stella opened her craft shop, poised to serve both her community and a growing customer base.

Her Triumphs

Since its founding, Stella Crafts Limited has achieved remarkable milestones. The enterprise has trained and impacted over 1,353 young people in districts such as Kiboga, Hoima, Kamwenge, Masaka, and Kibale.

These youths, equipped with craft-making skills, have gone on to open their own small shops, contributing to both their personal development and their communities’ economic growth. Some young people have even returned to school, using income from selling their crafts to support their education.

Building On Experience And Planning For The Future

Despite her successes, Stella acknowledges the challenges that come with running a craft-based business. Misconceptions about the difficulty of learning craft-making and concerns over the affordability of handmade products are common obstacles.

However, Stella has addressed these challenges head-on by educating her customers about the value of crafts and ensuring that they appreciate the unique beauty and fashion trends associated with handmade items.

Looking ahead, Stella has ambitious goals for her social enterprise. She plans to open stores across Uganda and eventually expand her reach globally by exporting her crafts. Her vision is clear: to continue empowering youth and providing them with the tools to achieve financial independence through craft-making.

Words Of Wisdom For The Network

Stella's advice to the Alumni Network is simple yet powerful: "Don't sit at home and fail to do something. God gifted us with many skills. Find out what you're good at and do it. God will bless you through the works of your hands."

For Current Fellows aspiring to start their own social enterprises, her message is equally inspiring: "Never fail to try something."

Stella Kyokushaba’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of combining passion, skills, and a desire to uplift others. Through Stella Crafts Limited, she continues to make a lasting impact, one craft at a time.