DAR ES SALAAM: DREAMS often begin as quiet whispers in the heart, fragile and unseen. Yet, when nurtured with courage, discipline and persistence, they grow into powerful stories of transformation.
This is the journey of Gogard Binzi, a designer, the founder and CEO of Gogavaa Classic Brand, a fashion and creative clothing company built on vision, authenticity and bold self-belief.
He is a young Tanzanian who chose not merely to imagine success, but to stitch it carefully into reality thread by thread. Mr Gogard has turned his education and natural talent into a source of confidence for many people. Through his designs, he does more than enhance appearance, he tells stories.
His garments reflect history, creativity and a distinctive way of thinking. They allow people to wear not just fabric, but identity and expression.
In an exclusive interview with Daily News, Mr Gogard shared a story filled with inspiration, resilience and valuable lessons about daring to pursue one’s calling. Interestingly, his journey into fashion did not begin in a lecture hall.
It began in childhood, long before he understood that fashion could be studied as a professional discipline. He recalls that he first learned to sew while still in Standard Two.
What began as childhood curiosity and playful boldness gradually evolved into skill. Raised in a rural setting, his environment unknowingly shaped his destiny. His family home was located near an open market that operated once a week. Several tailors, including his uncle, stored their sewing machines at his home.
Because of his good behaviour and willingness to help, Mr Gogard often assisted his uncle in carrying equipment to the market. In doing so, he observed how garments were cut, measured and assembled. Occasionally, he was left to watch over the workspace.
That was when he began handling scissors, cutting small pieces of fabric and experimenting with a tape measure. Without formal instruction, his hands and mind were quietly absorbing knowledge. A skill was forming, naturally and steadily.
Despite this growing talent, fashion was never part of his parents’ expectations for his future. Like many families, they envisioned a more conventional profession for him, such as teaching.
Respecting their wishes, Mr Gogard committed himself to his studies and worked hard academically. Nevertheless, sewing remained part of his life. It became a way to earn small amounts of money to support his personal needs.
After classes, he would visit local tailors and ask for work. Those who trusted him with responsibilities quickly realised his dedication and ability, and they began relying on him in their businesses.
After completing his Advanced Level studies, Mr Gogard was admitted to the University of Dar es Salaam to pursue a degree in education, fulfilling both family and societal expectations.
However, university life marked a turning point. For the first time, he had greater freedom to organise his own schedule.
Alongside his academic work, he continued designing and sewing for clients. Demand grew rapidly. Using part of his student loan allowance, he purchased his first sewing machine.
This investment significantly increased his independence and productivity. His reputation began spreading across campus. Fellow students and even lecturers admired the outfits he wore and frequently asked to be referred to his tailor often unaware that he himself was the designer.
Word of mouth became his most powerful marketing tool. Clients recommended him to others, and his network expanded organically.
Mr Gogard believes that divine guidance played a role in his journey. He felt a strong inner conviction pushing him to work harder and refine his craft.
At one point, his exceptional talent attracted the attention of a senior professor at the university. The professor was impressed not only by the quality of his designs but also by the fact that he excelled in fashion while studying education.
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“The professor posed a lifechanging question, why invest years studying a profession you did not intend to practise, when you could formally pursue the craft that already flowed naturally through you?” That conversation gave Gogard the courage to make a bold decision.
He shifted from education to studying Fashion and Design, even though many people initially struggled to understand his choice.
Starting afresh was not easy, he was close to completing his education degree, yet he chose to begin again in a different field. He says he converted his university room into his first office space.
There was no grand opening, no major capital investment. As he describes it, his business began in the hearts of people who believed in him. Trust became his foundation. From that small beginning, he gradually built a recognised brand and eventually established a formal office.
The journey was demanding. Balancing coursework with client deadlines required discipline and careful time management.
There were also challenges with high-profile clients who preferred to receive garments before making payments, despite his established reputation.
Nevertheless, Mr Gogard remained committed to professionalism. He emphasises that what distinguishes him in the market is not only creativity but integrity.
Clients receive their garments within agreed timelines. Reliability, he believes, is as valuable as artistic talent.
Beyond the quality of his work, Mr Gogard strategically uses social media to showcase his portfolio and attract new clients.
He understands the importance of visibility in a digital era and plans to implement a more structured marketing strategy in the future. His ambition extends far beyond local recognition.
He aims to penetrate the international market and position Tanzania prominently within the global fashion industry. For him, clothing is more than material stitched together.
It is culture, identity and national representation. He believes fashion can serve as a signature for Tanzania on the world stage, a creative export that communicates heritage and innovation simultaneously.
Although proud of his progress, Mr Gogard remains forward-looking, he expresses deep gratitude to God for how far he has come, acknowledging that he is no longer where he once was, yet also recognising that he has not reached his ultimate destination.
His long-term vision includes establishing a clothing manufacturing factory and launching a fashion academy to equip young people with practical design skills.
He wants to formalise and elevate the creative industry while creating employment opportunities. His message to Tanzanian youth is clear and direct: do not be afraid to take risks.
Fear, he says, is often the beginning of failure before one even attempts to start. He encourages young people to understand that no environment is perfectly prepared for their success.
They must create opportunities themselves. Mental readiness, resilience and belief in one’s vision are essential. Mr Gogard also urges youths to explore entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on formal employment. Starting small is not a weakness, it is a strategy.
“Sustainable success requires patience, discipline and gradual growth. Even everyday life challenges, he explains, can be transformed into income-generating opportunities with the right mindset,”he believes.
Beyond his professional ambitions, Mr Gogard holds personal aspirations, he hopes one day to design outfits for prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and celebrated musicians Alikiba and Diamond.
For him, he believes such moments would represent both honour and fulfilment. He also expresses a desire to see stronger governmental support for young entrepreneurs through effective policies that protect local markets from excessive foreign imports.
Mr Gogard believes that unchecked external competition can suppress local creativity, talent and ambition, leaving young innovators discouraged and dependent.