About Deepa

Deepa Dosaja: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

For as long as Deepa can remember, fashion has been her greatest passion. Her earliest memory of this love is of piano lessons, where she spent the entire time discussing fashion with her teacher, Mr. Miani—much to her father’s dismay! At the age of thirteen, a sewing machine she received for her birthday became the spark that ignited her lifelong dream. From that moment, Deepa knew she was destined to pursue a career in fashion.

With the unwavering support of her parents, who served as the backbone of her journey, Deepa set out to fulfill her vision of contributing to a burgeoning fashion industry in her homeland, Kenya. After completing her studies at a fashion college in Montreal, she returned to Kenya and launched her first fashion brand, Vabene Couture, in the early 1990s. In 2013, she opened her first boutique in Nairobi and rebranded her label to Deepa Dosaja, establishing herself as one of Kenya’s leading fashion designers, recognized both locally and internationally.

In between growing her career, Deepa and her husband, Ajay, have been graced with three wonderful children, who are a constant source of inspiration. In 2013, Deepa was honored as the winner of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government – Industries Sector. Her contributions to the Kenyan fashion industry have been profound, playing an influential role in shaping both its landscape and its global image.

Deepa’s designs and company embody her mission to celebrate and empower women. Her business honors her soul by creating beautiful, clean, and consciously produced clothing. Sustainability and ethical practices are at the heart of her work. Deepa has spoken at various forums on the environmental and social impact of fashion, advocating for a more responsible industry. Her commitment to the environment is evident in her lifelong refusal to use synthetic fabrics, choosing instead to work exclusively with natural materials.

Deepa also places immense value on the people behind the clothing. She views her team as the heartbeat of her company and is passionate about honoring their artistry. She believes true sustainability in fashion is achieved by keeping processes as hands-on as possible, rather than relying on machines.

Through her work, Deepa strives to grow the artisanal class in Kenya and across Africa, championing the immense talent of local craftspeople while proving that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful.