Uhambo 8286: The Most Impactful Experience of My Life
The Prequel: Where It All Began
When I was 18, sitting in a college orientation, I had no idea what direction my life would take. I had only taken two art classes in high school, but I remembered how often my art teacher encouraged me to pursue something creative. Almost on a whim, I chose graphic design as my major.
What started as a random decision quickly grew into something deeper. I discovered a passion for design — not just the aesthetics, but the psychology of it. The curiosity about people, their stories, and how visuals could connect with them on a human level.
Still, something was missing. I didn’t just want to design; I wanted my work to help people.
The Spark in South Africa
In 2019, everything shifted. I was accepted into a study abroad program that paired design students with marketing students to support entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha, South Africa — the largest and poorest township in the country, where unemployment hovers around 70%.
That fall, I was paired with Ridge, a passionate entrepreneur with a dream of opening a pizza business called Ekasi Pizza. My role was to create his brand: a logo, menus, signage, and promotional pieces to help bring his vision to life.
When I finally traveled to South Africa and met Ridge in person, I’ll never forget the experience. Despite overwhelming challenges, the community radiated resilience and hope. I didn’t hear a single complaint — just determination, love, and grit.
Design, I realized, could be so much more than visuals. It could empower, uplift, and spark real change.
Uhambo 8286 Is Born
When the pandemic hit, everything we had built was at risk. The program was nearly cut, entrepreneurs were barely hanging on, and students no longer signed up since travel was paused.
That’s when we decided this couldn’t end here. Along with two friends and my professor, we created Uhambo 8286 — a nonprofit named after the Zulu word for “journey” and the mileage between Khayelitsha and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Together, we raised money to keep our entrepreneurs afloat. I donated my stimulus checks, rallied family and friends, and did everything I could to support Ridge and others through this season.
Uhambo grew beyond a course. Today, we continue mentoring students, designing brands for entrepreneurs, and — most importantly — sponsoring their education so they can grow sustainable businesses for generations to come.
The Lasting Impact
Uhambo will always hold a piece of my heart. It taught me that design is never just about graphics on a page — it’s about people. About building something that empowers, connects, and endures.
That belief is at the very core of how I run Nat Marie Design today. Every brand we build, every project we take on, is rooted in that same commitment: to treat design as a tool for transformation, not just decoration.
One day, I hope to go back to Khayelitsha and see Ridge and the other entrepreneurs thriving in their businesses. Until then, I’ll keep carrying this lesson with me in everything I create.
You can follow the journey atuhambo8286.com and @uhambo8286 on social.
