Prince, a Ugandan refugee, found a new home in San Diego back in 2010 with assistance from the IRC. Embracing his fresh start in California, Prince was driven to make a difference. He founded a charitable organization dedicated to supporting children in Ugandan refugee camps, which he once called home. Recognizing the potential to make a lasting, positive impact by offering training and jobs, especially to single mothers, he founded Huruma Clothing Co. in 2019 with his business partner, John Bernard. Huruma Clothing Co. is a socially responsible small business that sells imported clothing made by refugee women in Uganda. Huruma offers a range of stylish products, including bomber jackets, hats, bags, and shirts, that embody the vibrant cultural legacy of African textiles. Initially, Prince and his business partner sold Huruma clothing products exclusively at farmers’ markets and pop-ups in San Diego. With support from the IRC, they have steadily grown their clientele base and now operate an online store.
How did the IRC help? Prince Shamamba was resettled in San Diego with support from the IRC in 2010. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Prince approached the IRC for business support and was enrolled in the CNPP. With support from his navigator, Prince improved Huruma Clothing Co.’s digital presence and applied for COVID-19 business grants. He also worked with his navigator to apply for and receive two $8,000 SBA-backed microloans from IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity in 2022 and 2023. Prince used the funds to acquire additional inventory and broaden the reach of his business.
“I am thankful for the help from the IRC San Diego, the team that made my dream a reality,” says Prince. Prince hopes to expand Huruma Clothing Co. to direct retail markets across the U.S. and beyond, further solidifying his position as a leader in the ethical entrepreneurship space.
