Mukasa Joseph Price is the visionary founder of Price Creationz, a Kampala-based company dedicated to crafting eco-friendly bags from diverse materials. Price’s story is one of coincidental discovery and unwavering dedication. His true calling has always been hidden until a pivotal moment during his university studies at Kyambogo University. Price’s initial thrust into fashion during high school involved selling and branding school T-shirts. He initially disliked the practical aspects of sewing but his perspective shifted during an internship opportunity with a bag producer in Seeta, Mukono.
After pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Textiles and design at Kyambogo University,he hated the practical part of working with a sewing machine until he got an opportunity to intern with the bag producer. This internship period sparked a love, desire and compassion towards creating products with a sewing machine.
Price has dedicated himself to mastering the art of bag making, channeling his creativity into crafting unique and sustainable designs and this he has done for the past five years. His signature product the “MUKOZI handbag” is a testation of his innovative approach to fashion. This tote bag boasts of a design of multiple interior pockets and it displays practicality and style which allows it to cater to the needs of modern individuals who carry a multitude of personal belongings. This tote bag with various inside pockets was named “Mukozi bag” as it handles more personal properties than all the bags he has ever produced,” he explains.
Price is dedicated to collaboration as he understands it plays a crucial role in his creative journey. Partnerships with different designers such as Senkulu Fashion House, Mawejje creations and Jo fashion House have each provided valuable insights and opportunities for growth. He is full of praises for the different collaborations, senkulu fashion house, “the owner is so professional I consider him as my mentor,” “Mawejje Creationz use very intricate fibres,” “Jo fashion house oh my God, she always levels you up to speed,” he shares. Despite the challenges inherent in collaborative projects, Price has found each experience to be enriching and seamless.
Price prioritizes the use of discarded materials such as sponge and recycled plastic polythene bags. “We use a bi-product called sponge to give the bags. We also recycle plastic polythene bags although this is not on a wide range,” he explains. His deep understanding on the environmental impact of the fashion industry and his desire to create a positive change is reflected in his commitment to sustainability.
Beyond crafting high-quality bags Price is deeply committed to making his products accessible to a wider audience. He strives to offer his bags at affordable prices ensuring that even those less privileged can enjoy stylish and functional accessories. “Our goal is to provide quality bags at a friendly price such that even the less privileged can attain nice bags,” he states. Price Creationz also engages in community outreach programs were he donates bags to school-going children and collaborates with other organizations to provide products at reduced prices.
Price’s vision extends beyond his own business as he is passionate about promoting the growth of the Ugandan bag-producing sector and challenging the dominance of imported products. “When I grasped all the techniques of bag production. I got on to fighting the use of Chinese bags in Uganda,” he explains. He is proud of the progress made in the industry as he notes the increasing presence of locally produced handbags, backpacks and travel bags in the market. “And as per now, I am happy with the bag producing sector. Nowadays you will easily come across locally produced hand-bags, backpacks, travel bag and that delights my heart. Our people have started to appreciate the local artisans and this depicts a brighter future for our products on the world market,” he observes.
Price recognizes the importance of establishing a distinct identity for the bag industry within the broader fashion landscape. He is pleased to see that bags are now being recognized as an integral part of fashion, moving beyond the traditional focus on garment construction. “As the bag industry continues to grow, we strive for identity in the fashion industry for instance, many fashion shows stop at the garment construction theory. But even bags are part of fashion, am happy that we have an identity now and many are joining the bag producing industry.”
His creative process is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for material selection. “Being a perfectionist with a material selection specialty, as bag production is entirely about material and being creative,” he explains. This combination of technical skill and artistic vision allows him to create bags that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
