Fashion enterprise secures Dundee city-centre premise

A hardworking husband-and-wife team balancing full-time employment and family life alongside their growing fashion venture are set to open the doors to their first city-centre premises, bringing bespoke African design and specialist tailoring services to the heart of Dundee. 

Posted 13 March 2026

About the business

Founded by Marian and her husband Justin, ChinyCouture combines creative excellence with strategic business development. Marian leads as the head seamstress and designer, specialising in bespoke African traditional clothing and custom garments, while her husband manages social media marketing and customer engagement, helping the business steadily build a loyal and expanding customer base. 

Building this business while working full time and caring for our family hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something we truly believe in. The support we’ve received from Business Gateway has given us the confidence and structure to grow sustainably. Having our own shop in the city is a huge milestone for us, and we’re excited to serve the local community.

Marian Ojiba, Owner, ChinyCouture

How Business Gateway has helped

Since April 2024, they have worked closely with Business Gateway to ensure the business was built on solid foundations. Through tailored one-to-one sessions, they accessed expert advice on compliance, planning, pricing, branding and operations, alongside UK-specific start-up guidance aligned with visa requirements.