"There is no barrier, if you believe in your talent and take the next step. I want to encourage and create beauty, where people don't expect." - Avido
David Avido Ochieng was born and raised in Kibera, Nairobi. As the firstborn in a family raised by a single mum, he had to take responsibility early. Dropping out of school, because money was short, he started to work long hours - without any hope that his paycheck will ever be enough to support his three siblings and mother the way they deserve.
Nothing to be Sorry for
Frustrated, he quit his jobs and reflected on what he wants from life and what is holding him back. Was it Kibra? People have strong opinions on this place, but most of them have never come here. Avido never felt that coming from Kibra was something to be sorry for. The opposite was the case. Kibra inspired him.
This awareness is what started the Lookslike Avido story in 2017, when Avido decided to sew stage-outfits for his dance crew himself. Through finishing his fashion & design diploma at Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts, he developed a solid skill set to grow as a designer. He took it from there and started expressing his message through crafting handmade pieces in Kibera.
We create jobs
We currently hire 12 local tailors (7 female, 5 male) on assignment basis. As we grow, our aim is to create permanent jobs.
Community
We paid school fees for 10 students and made 74 school uniforms. We mentor youths and regularly organize compund cleaning activites.
No Fabric Waste
All left-overs are processed to creating free masks for Kibra residents from COVID-19, shopper bags or donated to tailoring classes in the area.
20% or Profits Re-Invested
into localizing the value chain. Items tailoring, product photoshoots and collaborations with artists - it is all done here in Kibra.
Climate Neutral logistics
We use DHL GoGreen and buy Carbon Allowances from our TÜV-certified German partner Arktik.de. Our packaging from Colompac is FSC-certified and climate neutral.
COVID-19 MASKS INITIATIVE
In collaboration with Uweza foundation distributed nearly 23.000 free face masks and did over 600 food distributions for Kibra residents in 2020.
THE AVIDO FOUNDATION
We are passionate about re-investing into localising the value chain and creating multiple opportunities for Kenyan youth
We are working on a new collection, you don't want to be the last one to hear about it. Let us inform you over email.
