From a young age, Cynthia Tame had a knack for creativity. She would craft doll dresses from gunny bags and repurpose old clothes into new outfits for herself and her dolls.

"My mom tells me that even as a child, I loved making things out of old clothes. Sometimes, I would even destroy perfectly good ones, which would frustrate her," she recalls.

Despite her early interest in design, Tame never imagined a future in fashion. Instead, she aspired to become a weather forecaster.

However, life had other plans.

After completing high school, she began looking for a job to save money for college. That plan took a turn when a scholarship opportunity unexpectedly came her way.

"While I was working, a group visited to promote the former Rift Valley National Polytechnic, offering scholarships. My mom seized the opportunity and filled out a form on my behalf," she says.

When her mother called her to join the institution, Tame assumed it was for her dream course. However, upon arrival, she realized it was for fashion and design—a path she had never considered. Changing courses proved difficult, so she enrolled, determined to complete the program for her mother's sake.

However, during her first practical lesson, something unexpected happened.

"My teacher pulled me aside and told me I had the courage to work on the sewing machine right away. She said if I took it seriously, I could become a great fashion designer. At the time, I thought she was just trying to make me like the course," she shares.

Tame’s perspective started shifting when she went for an attachment at her aunt's tailoring shop who encouraged her to take fashion seriously after the aunt discovered her eye for detail.

Cynthia Tame and her models pose for a photo during the street fashion event on February 23, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

When she went back to school, a friend asked her to design an outfit for the Mr. and Miss RVST contest. Though her design didn’t secure a win, the experience ignited her passion for fashion.

Encouraged by her friend, Tame went on to dress Valine Abiola, a contestant for Miss Face of Nakuru 2024. Valine won the title, reinforcing Tame’s confidence in her work.

"Dressing Valine and seeing her win was a turning point. It made me appreciate my craft and push myself to get better. It was a huge achievement," she says.

Determined to showcase her work, she founded Tame World of Fashion, where she not only designs but also trains children in modelling. The idea stemmed from her mother.

"Since dressing established models is costly, my mom suggested I start working with children from Rhonda. This way, I could freely showcase my designs while also nurturing a love for fashion in them," she explains.

Currently, Tame mentors 30 children, teaching them runway modelling and sewing. Beyond fashion, her initiative aims to reduce teenage pregnancies, crime, and substance abuse in her community.

"Other than my mom, my church has been incredibly supportive. They allow me to train the children at the church free of charge and always back me during events, which can sometimes be challenging to organize and participate," she adds.

Despite still being in school, Tame has already dressed models beyond Nakuru, participating in various contests.

Locally, she has showcased her work at the Nakuru County Vintage Colour Festival, Nakuru Street Dance, and many other events.

With a growing clientele, her next goal is to open a physical shop, as she currently operates from home.

How college student became a successful fashion designer in Nakuru

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Muthoni Wanjiku