• Fashion

House of Poulton

Incubator inspires sustainable fashion

After a rigorous couple of months in the first House of Poulton Incubator masterclass hosted by veteran designer Melisa Poulton, winner Naemi Ndjuluwa was humbled by the industry recognition she received through the programme.

“Winning the masterclass means validation. It means my work and my story as a Namibian designer are being seen and believed in. It’s also proof that hard work and authentic storytelling pay off,” she said.

Naemi is one of eight rising designers who battled it out in a masterclass competition at the end of the programme, winning over the judging panel with her winning look.

Inspired by experience

The House of Poulton Incubator Programme is the brainchild of Melisa Poulton. Officially launched in June, it serves as a designer incubator where young fashion designers receive business mentorship and a space to turn their talent into sustainable businesses.

“This idea has always been on my mind. I had a long thought process of how I wanted to do it and how I wanted to start it off,” says Melisa on where her latest venture started.

As a designer who has faced a fair share of challenges throughout her career, Melisa realised that many other designers faced similar challenges, which included limited access to industry knowledge, business skills, mentorship and other opportunities. “There are so many talented designers out there, but many lack the support needed to turn that talent into sustainable businesses,” she says. This inspired Melisa to create an incubator: a space where all designers can learn from real industry experience and build brands that can thrive both locally and internationally.

From hosting her first runway show in her parents’ backyard to eventually opening one of Namibia’s first local fashion stores and eventually closing that retail shop and opting for a space back in her home, Melisa’s journey is no different from countless others in Namibia. Today, the lessons learnt over the years have led her to build one of Namibia’s most recognisable brands and grow a loyal fanbase that has kept her in business through every season.

“The business has its ups and downs. I learnt most of my business skills from my late father and through years of experience. I learnt by building my own brand, making mistakes, adapting and continuously educating myself,” she says. For Melisa, fashion is not just about creating beautiful garments; it is about understanding branding, pricing, production, marketing, customer relationships, financial management, time management and production management.

The curriculum focuses on the realities of running a creative business. This includes everything from pricing, negotiating, building a personal brand and effective marketing to financial management, networking with purpose, pitching, report writing, grant applications and more. Soft skills like professionalism, leadership and adaptability are also taught.

A puzzle piece to Namibia’s economic growth

Looking ahead, Melisa has big dreams for this programme to strengthen Namibia’s creative economy by helping designers build sustainable businesses that create employment and contribute to economic growth. “As more designers become commercially viable, we will see stronger local brands, increased collaboration, higher standards within the industry and greater confidence in Namibian fashion,” she says.

According to Melisa, this space has the potential to further usher Windhoek into becoming a city where fashion businesses can grow and ultimately compete locally and internationally.

On who can sign up for the programme, Melisa says, “Talent is important, but it is not the deciding factor. We are looking for individuals who are passionate, committed, open to learning and willing to put in the work, because to succeed as a designer you must work hard. Skills can be developed over time, but determination, discipline, resilience and a genuine desire to grow are what truly set successful entrepreneurs apart. We want people who are ready to invest in themselves and embrace the journey of building something meaningful.”

Partnerships that matter

The Creative Industry Institute Africa shares the House of Poulton Incubator Programme’s vision of empowering creatives through education, innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides an environment where creativity and business development go hand in hand, making it the ideal partner for this initiative. Together, the two organisations are building a platform that supports long-term growth for Namibia’s creative sector and helps unlock opportunities for emerging talent.

As a designer who firmly believes there is enough room for all to succeed in the creator economy, Melisa calls on all creative peers to avoid competing but rather build a strong community. “When we empower others, we strengthen the entire industry,” she says.

With all the lessons her journey has taught her, one of the main takeaways is that knowledge becomes more meaningful when it is shared. “For Namibia’s fashion industry to grow,” she continues, “all players need to realise that collaboration should always trump competition.”

But how will the success of this creative hub be measured? “It will not only be measured by graduation certificates. It will be seen in participants launching sustainable businesses, securing new opportunities, creating employment, collaborating with industry partners and confidently representing Namibia on larger platforms,” according to Melisa.

She adds that if participants leave with the skills, confidence, networks and mindset to build lasting careers, the incubator will have achieved its purpose. Ultimately, her biggest hope is that the first cohort will become proof that investing in creative talent can transform lives, businesses and the future of Namibia’s fashion industry.

For Naemi, the programme changed everything about how she does business. “The incubator gave me structure and the confidence to treat my brand like a real business – not just garments, but planning, systems and a clear vision.” Armed with mentorship and upskilling, she aims to move forward with discipline and purpose, and with a strategic approach to her brand.

From the October 2026 issue

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