At just 31, Tuyishime Clementine is redefining what strength looks like. A single mother to a 10-year-old boy now in Primary Six, Clemence has turned her struggles into purpose using her creativity and faith to build a life for herself and her child.
“It’s not easy to be a single mom,” she says softly. “But I made it. You just have to look at your child and remind yourself that you are blessed because you have them.”
From Childhood Passion to Purpose
Clemence’s love for craft started early. “When I was young, I loved crocheting,” she recalls. Years later, after struggling to find work, she turned back to her childhood hobby, this time, not for fun, but for survival.
“I was looking for money to help my child,” she explains. “A sponsor helped me get a tailoring machine, and I started learning how to use it on YouTube while finding inspiration on Pinterest.” That determination gave birth to “Kev Baby”, her growing tailoring brand. “I use online platforms to showcase my creativity,” she adds proudly.
Balancing Motherhood and Work
Running a business while raising a child alone has not been easy. “When I started working, my child was in primary school. I’d work during the day, then when he came home, we’d spend time together,” Clemence says.
“You can’t keep staying sad when you are a single mom,” she continues. “You have to be strong for your child.”
Learning Beyond Tailoring
Before fully focusing on tailoring, Clemence explored other paths, taking courses in IT, Culinary Arts, and Tour Operations. Those experiences, she says, helped her build useful skills for her current work.
“In 2018, while taking IT courses, I learned how to design websites and use social media to market products,” she says. “Now I’m planning to design my own website when I get more clients. I even learned how to make and edit video
Challenges of a Small Business
Like many entrepreneurs, Clemence faces ongoing challenges, especially in sourcing materials.
“The problem now is finding materials to make clothes,” she explains. “We only have one wholesaler, and sometimes people criticize our prices without understanding the costs we incur.”
Still, she remains motivated by her passion. “I enjoy making sweaters for my clients, and I love that they connect me to new customers,” she smiles
Empowering Others
Clemence’s story is not just about her own progress; it’s also about helping others rise.
“I trained one of my friends who is also a single mom, and she’s doing well,” she says. “Now, I want to find other single mothers who are still struggling, so we can form a group and look for sponsors to help them.”
Strength, Prayer, and Positivity
Motherhood, she says, has taught her what true strength means.
“You have to be strong for your child’s sake. Pray and cry at night if you must, but wake up strong in the morning. Don’t listen to the negative.”
She’s also faced judgment from others but learned how to stay grounded. “Yes, people have talked badly about me,” she admits. “But I’ve learned to avoid such people and protect my peace of mind.”
Looking Ahead
Clemence’s eyes are set on the future. “In three years, my business will be doing well,” she says confidently. “I need to get a new machine and find another woman to work with me. My child will be in secondary school, and I’ll be able to support him fully.”
A Message to Single Mothers
Her words to other single mothers come from experience and heart:
“Being a single mother is not the end of the world. Stop relying on the past, be strong for your child. Don’t blame them for anything. Work hard because your child looks up to you. Learn to forgive and don’t let the hatred for the father affect your child. And please, don’t do dirty jobs like prostitution, there are many things you can do.”
With every stitch she makes, Tuyishime Clemence is sewing together strength, hope, and inspiration proving that even when life unravels, it’s possible to weave it back with courage and grace.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
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