How Mirembe is earning big from interior design

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No one would have thought that Mirembe Irene Nagawa could become a big achiever, given her humble and poor family background in the deep villages of Buikwe district.

Born to Kaddu Joseph, Mirembe grew up facing hardships, but she refused to let her circumstances define her future. Her journey was not an easy one, but her determination, resilience, and passion for decoration changed her story.

During her O-Level education, Mirembe discovered her passion for decoration. However, after completing school, she returned home with no hope, as the sight of her parents' house constantly reminded her of their struggles.

With the help of her brother, she travelled to Entebbe City for the first time. They lived together in his rental as she searched for work.

“I eventually started selling car spare parts in my brother’s garage, earning a mere sh60,000 per month,” she recounts.

After some time, her hospitality and hardworking nature impressed a businessman in the vicinity who offered her a better opportunity selling curtains. Though she earned Sh150,000 a month, she had no home, as her brother lived far from her workplace.

A church friend helped by allowing her to keep her belongings in her kitchen, and at night, Mirembe secretly slept there.

“With time, my dedication paid off. My salary increased, and I was promoted to manage the business. Despite my struggles, I divided my earnings to support my parents and siblings without revealing my hardships to them,” she remembers.

Determined to grow, Mirembe started studying interior design, visiting project sites, and maintaining trustworthiness with her boss. Customers appreciated her hard work, often tipping her generously.

“With my savings, I bought my first tailoring machine and decided to start my own business,” she says.

She moved to Namulanda and entered into a business partnership with a friend. Unfortunately, one day, she arrived at work to find all her tailoring machines gone—her partner had betrayed her.

Through powerful prayers with her mother and a small capital boost from her father, Mirembe regained her strength.

She connected with reliable business partners and began uploading videos of her work on TikTok. Encouraging comments and growing popularity led to increased sales and profits.

She later ventured into mobile money services, but this led to a painful setback.

Her breakthrough came through a Kenyan university student who admired her work on TikTok. She hired Mirembe to design her hostel room, and the final outcome impressed her wealthy mother in Nairobi. The woman invited Mirembe to Kenya to design her apartments, including beddings and curtains. This project earned Mirembe sh70m, marking the turning point in her life. She never looked back.

Mirembe during her work. (Courtesy)

Since then, Mirembe has worked on numerous projects, including hotels, schools, and apartments, with over 50 projects completed and counting.

She now owns a registered company with over 40 employees. Her journey also introduced her to the Rotary Club, where she learned the power of networking.

Her success goes beyond business—she now supports 30 children by paying their school fees, determined to give them the opportunities she never had. She takes pride in having transformed her family's life, ensuring her parents and siblings never have to worry again. Fulfilling her dream, she renovated and improved their home.

From pitching a business on various sites to managing large projects, her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of believing in oneself. Today, she continues to inspire many, proving that no matter where you come from, success is possible with determination and perseverance.

Currently, Mirembe has locations at Namulanda along Entebbe Road, Modern Shoplex in Kampala city centre and Nsambya. Her business page boasts of over 600,000 followers on TikTok.



What others say about Mirembe

Persie Nshuti Irakoze – Businesswoman dealing in cosmetics

I've always admired Irene's passion and dedication in everything she does. Her love for hard work and determination is truly unmatched. Without a doubt, she is the best marketeer and business influencer I've come across on TikTok. Her content is not only motivating but also deeply inspiring, especially for the youth. She encourages young girls to stay positive and believe in themselves.

Nuhu Ssebuuma - Painter

Besides the prayers I say for my parents, I always pray for Mirembe Irene Nagawa because she is the reason I am successful today. Before she became a well-known figure, I supported her work when she was still employed by someone else. When she decided to start her own business, she informed me and even hired me to work with her.

Through our business interactions, I learned a powerful lesson: never underestimate anyone. There was a time I would go three or four days without a customer. With her support and influence, my business grew, and today, I employ over 20 workers.  She has a rare gift she knows how to separate business from friendship. I truly thank God that she has been a part of my journey and development.

A Mother’s Gratitude and Pride

Namakula Leticia Babirye

As a mother, there is no greater joy than watching your child grow into someone the world admires. But even more special is seeing your child become a blessing to the very family she came from. Mirembe Irene Nagawa is my second-born and my first daughter, yet in many ways, she has taken on the role of a mother in our home. From a young age, she carried herself with strength, responsibility, and care beyond her years. She has always been the pillar of our family standing tall for her siblings, shielding them from hardship, and making sure no one ever feels left behind. Sometimes I look at her and feel as though God gave me another version of myself, only stronger and more determined.