Biz Lounge: How Shadrack Nyenze turned a Sh5,000 loan into a thriving fashion brand

Shadrack Nyenze, popularly known as Spice Stitches, is a Nakuru-based fashion designer whose journey began in 2013, when he was just a Form One student.

Inspired by watching his sister work on various projects, he developed a passion for creative work with fabric. “Seeing her work sparked something in me,” he recalls.

A pivotal moment came when he joined home science classes, later winning the Mr Naivasha Boys High title twice in a row — a confidence boost that cemented his path in fashion.

"Winning that title gave me the confidence I needed and confirmed that fashion was truly my calling," he says.

After high school, he pursued fashion studies as he was determined to build something of his own rather than seek employment. “Even in class 7, I knew I didn’t want to work for someone else. Once I had finished college, I immediately started working as a designer,” he adds.

His first foray into the fashion industry was modest — armed with a small sewing machine and a Sh5,000  loan from his father, Shadrack began working from home, creating his first dress, worth Sh1,800, for his younger sister. Though his parents were initially hesitant, they soon came around to fully support his venture.

What began as a passion project has now grown into a thriving business. A spontaneous stroll through Nakuru town led him to a vacant room that he converted into his first official shop in 2020 using his savings.

Today, Spice Stitches is a fast-rising fashion brand specialising in bold, confident, modern-traditional menswear. The business employs two people and serves an expanding customer base, including grooms, professionals and creative individuals seeking distinctive pieces.

Driven by a vision to create a fashion line that speaks to the modern man, Shadrack fuses traditional African fabrics with contemporary designs.

“Our focus is on making men feel confident. Our pieces are sharp, expressive and rooted in culture, yet stylish enough for modern tastes,” he explains.

He started out without a physical shop, relying on word-of-mouth and social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to showcase his work.

His designs quickly gained popularity, and most clients now trust him to choose the fabric, colour and design on their behalf.

“We’ve built trust. Many clients leave the creative direction entirely to me,” he says.

Despite facing challenges such as difficult customers and seasonal demand, he thrives on the creativity and pressure of the job. “Some customers change their minds mid-process or forget their original design. We’ve learned to stay flexible and customer-focused,” he says.

Winning the 2025 Kitenge Fest Designer of the Year award was a defining moment in his career. 'It opened up many opportunities, such as partnerships and referrals, even from outside Nakuru,' he adds.

The award also brought credibility and visibility to Spice Stitches, positioning it as a brand to watch in the fashion industry.

Looking ahead, Shadrack plans to expand into a fully equipped workshop and open an outlet store. He also hopes to train young designers and offer tailoring internships.

“I started with one machine, and now I have three. I want to create an environment that empowers others to grow too,” he says.