Being your own boss
Lorna Mutegyeki runs a low-waste operation that benefits women across continents
Lorna Mutegyeki CPA, CGA doesn’t believe in blending in. Through her sustainable fashion label, Msichana Inc., she empowers women to be self-sufficient, to be bold, and to bring their uniqueness to their workplaces.
The name “Msichana” (pronounced Mis-cha-na) embodies Lorna’s pride in her African heritage and her passion to make a positive impact in women’s lives. Msichana means “woman” in Swahili, a popular African language. (If you’ve watched the Disney movie The Lion King, you may already be familiar with a few Swahili words. Simba means “lion,” Rafiki means “friend,” and Hakuna Matata means “no worries.”)
Despite studying molecular genetics in university, Lorna never lost sight of her true passion to eventually create a social enterprise and become her own boss. “I have always wanted to build a business that is self-sustaining and gets more people involved in the economy. I chose the CPA path because I knew the designation would provide me with the necessary skills to pursue my lifelong goals,” says Lorna.
Msichana operates in Edmonton, Canada and in Uganda, Africa. In Edmonton, Lorna uses colourful African fabrics to design fashions for women from diverse backgrounds. In Uganda, the company employs and trains local women to create the garments. “The idea is to equip Ugandan women with the skills to make a sustainable living,” says Lorna. “We also partner with women-owned businesses in the region because they have the potential to hire more people.”
Msichana fashions empower not only the women who make the clothing but also those who wear them. “I wanted the clothing to be bold and distinct. It’s okay to turn heads,” says Lorna. “Women often try to conform and go with the flow, but how do you add to the world if you’re just trying to blend into it? We need to be comfortable in ourselves so that we can bring our uniqueness to the table.”
Lorna’s combination of skills makes her unique in the field of fashion. Her creativity and CPA designation enable her to make decisions with confidence, define fashion her own way, and stand out. “My fashion style says I belong here. It shows that I value quality, craftsmanship, and how my clothing is made,” she says. “Beyond my social goals, I understand business because of my CPA training. I use these skills everyday. People comment that I really know my numbers. That’s when it hits me that I have both the creative and business acumen. It is a huge advantage.”