Testimonials
See what our community has to
say about working with UDGN.
UDGN Incubator Designers Testimonials
Throughout the process of the academy, what the academy has done, it has developed my vision made it clear, clarified certain things and certain points, the things that i was missing that I was lacking, and what the mentors have helped me to do is to define what exactly the collection is about and to help me bring that about in a creative way but also in a very formal way and business way. I have learned how to tell the story of the initial vison better, I think the story now makes more sense. The academy has, throughout every step the academy honestly has been there, helping me develop this collection in a way that would make sense to the public and the broader audience internationally, I dont think there's any step honestly that i have done things alone, to say, they have helped me each step, the academy has helped me sredefine and refine what I initially had planned to do, and that has taught me how, if I can just say, get straight to the point with storytelling of this collection
Yolanda Ngwenya
Instagram: @bakhar.official
​I joined the UDGN Academy because, I felt I had the creativity and Ideas, but I wanted to develop them further and understand how to build a stronger, more intentional brand with international potential.
The Academy helped me understand that developing a collection is more than just creating beautiful garments. It challenged to me research my concept, question my design decision, and make sure that the story was actually visible in the collection. The feedback and mentorship helped me refine my silhouettes, my design language and the way I communicate the collection. For me, the most valuable part was the mentorship and sense of community. Having people who look at my work, understand what I was trying to communicate, then challenge me in a constructive way, was incredibly valuable. The master classes also gave me a broader understanding of what it means to build a fashion brand, not just creatively but also thinking about things like storytelling, positioning, pricing, and understanding my customer. I really appreciate having a space where I could learn, ask questions, receive honest feedback and grow alongside other designers.
Margaret Matambo
Instagram: @maggie_bones_
I joined the udgn academy because I wanted to grow beyond just designing I wanted to learn how to develop my ideas into a complete collection and to also build a stronger fashion business.
When I started out I had a strong creative vision of what I wanted my collection to look like. The academy helped me refine it, I became more intentional about my research, my silhouettes, and fabric selection, and storytelling as well, I learnt how to create a more cohesive collection.
The mentorship, and feedback has really helped me throughout the development process. I learnt how to take an idea from sketches and research to the pattern development and toys and to the final garment.
The mentorship has definitely been the most valuable part for me, having industry professionals challenge my ideas and give me a different perspective has really helped me grow creatively and professionally.
Nakai Karuwo
Instagram: @nahh.ky
My experience in the udgn incubator has been incredibly insightful, becuase each session has actually added a new layer of clarity to how i approach fashion as an art and as a business.
The incubator has helped me grow in all facets and it has actually challenged me to think more strategically and also learn how to accept constructive criticism.
The main highlight for me during the incubator process is the insight given by the mentors, which has grown me to become a better designer in terms of my piece of collections made and I really look forward to work with them to grow my brand to be a global and notable brand in the community
My experience in the incubator has been inspiring yet challenging, it's been a mixture of these two feelings, takeaway for me would be the feedbacks we got from mentors and those were the highlights of the session for me. I was always looking forward to sessions where the mentors would talk to us about our design and where we tap from their wealth of knowledge.
Motunrayo
Instagram: @shop_motunrayo
It has been an incredible journey of growth. I learned to refine my brand identity, connected with other talented creatives, and used my storytelling as a business strategy. Creatively, it pushed me to think deeper on how to communicate culture through design. Professionally I have gained confidence presenting my brand to a wider audience and positioning Zubere not just as a fashion label, but a storyteller of African heritage.
Motunrayo
Instagram: @zu_be_re
I believe UDGN is a platform for brand owners, especially the ones from Africa, you know, to connect with like minds in the industry.
Seyi
Instagram: @itele_
"Tare helped me bring my brand to life — literally. From the earliest stages, she guided me through shaping my identity, refining my vision, and building a brand that truly reflects who I am. With her support, I went from sketches to a full production run, including manufacturing advice, sampling, and sourcing. She also connected me to the right platforms — getting me stocked at Wolf & Badger and featured in press like FashionUnited.
Beyond all that, my sales grew. I saw real traction, real results. Tare doesn’t just consult — she partners with you to make it happen.
Seeing UDGN now makes complete sense. She’s been doing this work behind the scenes — and now, more designers will get the chance to rise."
"Tare was one of the first people I trusted with my brand — and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. From the beginning, she believed in the vision behind Elanway. She helped me build meaningful partnerships, including with Quap Magazine, secured celebrity placements for my designs, and supported with fashion shows that elevated my visibility.
She also opened doors to retail connections that helped me start stocking my clothes in the right spaces. Beyond all the strategy, Tare really poured into me — and since then, we’ve grown from client and consultant to genuine family.
Now that she’s created UDGN, I know even more designers will get the kind of support that makes dreams feel possible."
"I had the vision, I had the designs, but I didn’t always have access. Working with Tare changed that. She connected me to industry leaders who helped me refine my direction and build stronger brand presence. Through her support, I was able to participate in fashion shows that brought real visibility to my work — not just pretty moments, but meaningful opportunities. She also guided me on how to position myself in the media and secure press features that aligned with the story I wanted to tell.
Tare genuinely sees you — not just your work, but your potential. I’m so glad she’s now created UDGN, because more designers deserve this kind of support."
"When I met Tare, I had stepped away from my brand. It felt like everything had slowed down — I didn’t know how to re-enter the industry, especially in a new market. Tare helped me relaunch with purpose. She guided me through collection storytelling, product development, and positioned me as an emerging talent to watch.
With her support, I showed at fashion events, got stocked in retail spaces, and even landed a feature through UKFT. She connected me to manufacturers, gave brand clarity, and introduced me to the right networks. That kind of belief? It makes all the difference.
I’m so glad she’s now built UDGN — more designers deserve this level of care and strategy."
Seye, Plain by Seye,
Instagram: @plainbyseye
"Tare was with me from day one. As a new designer trying to find my place in the industry, I had passion — but I didn’t have a clear direction. Tare helped me shape everything: my brand identity, my first collection story, even how to think about production and marketing. She connected me with experts, press opportunities, and retailers who believed in my work.
Having her in my corner made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the process. She poured into me when I was still figuring it all out — and that’s something I’ll never forget.
Now with UDGN, I know so many more designers will get the same kind of care and guidance I was lucky to receive."
Maame Yaatutu, Mayajei
Instagram: @mayajei
"I came to Tare knowing exactly what I wanted for my brand — I just needed the right support to reach it. She helped me amplify the momentum I already had, connecting me to industry insiders, guiding me toward the right retail platforms, and helping me position my Vogue feature as part of a larger brand story.
With her support, I secured press placements, fashion showcase opportunities, and built a stronger foundation for A.T.K Fashion House to thrive internationally.
UDGN is such a necessary platform, and I’m proud to say I was part of Tare’s journey even before it existed. Now, more designers can get the same kind of strategic push we all need."
"Working with Tare helped me elevate my brand in ways I hadn’t imagined. She helped me shape a clearer story around my collection — one that connected with the kind of clients I wanted to reach. Through her guidance, I got access to fashion shows, press features, and retail opportunities that gave Apparel by Mo real visibility.
It wasn’t just about being seen — it was about being seen in the right spaces. Tare’s support was both strategic and personal. She cared about my growth and helped me step into the next level of my brand with confidence.
I’m so proud of what she’s doing with UDGN. More designers deserve this kind of thoughtful, hands-on support."
Madina, Apparel by Mo
Instagram: @apparelbymo
"Working with Tare gave my brand the kind of momentum I’d been hoping for. She connected me with industry leaders, opened doors to fashion shows, and introduced me to retail opportunities that helped get my pieces into the right hands. Her support also led to key press features that gave Aphia Himhanuel greater visibility in a competitive space.
What makes her different is that she doesn’t just push — she partners. Every recommendation came with intention, and every move was aligned with my vision.
Seeing her launch UDGN feels like the next natural step — now more designers can grow with the kind of holistic, thoughtful support I was fortunate to receive."
"Tare didn’t need to do much hand-holding — I had the vision, I had the plan. But having her in my corner helped me move smarter. Her guidance gave clarity where it counted — streamlining ideas, strengthening strategy, and making sure my moves aligned with my long-term goals.
She brings fresh insight and honesty, which is rare. I trusted her perspective and it paid off. With UDGN now live, more designers are going to experience the kind of support that doesn’t try to change you — just sharpens what’s already there."
Philip Ojire, Freak Vault
Instagram: @shirtfreak
UDGN Academy
See how our academy is shaping the next generation of design leaders. Here is what our talented designers have to say about their growth, mentorship, and journey with us.