Darkon614, Empowering Women Struggling with Bipolar Through Skills Training

“As part of our mandate to reduce poverty, we train and skill disadvantaged women, particularly those that are suffering from mental health issues namely bipolar disorder. We have seen an increase in the statistics of mental health sufferers in Uganda and yet there’s very little awareness and so much stigma associated with mental health illness. We know that sufferers of bipolar disorder once on consistent medication can have a reasonably fulfilling life with the right psychosocial support from family and the community. Our trainings are intended to give these women some form of employable skill so that they can support themselves financially and feel a sense of self-worth and accomplishment which is very key in their recovery process and psychosocial support.” – Fiona Mwesigwa, Founder & CEO, Darkon 614 Limited.

…

Darkon614, under their brand name Hyssop, is a company that aims to ‘rebuild’ the narrative of various communities, through the products and services offered. Whilst the company name’s origins can be traced to the history and scripture in the paragraphs below as shared by the CEO, the brand name Hyssop is derived from ‘hyssop’ the plant, and Miss Fiona describes it as; “a green herbal plant used in ceremonial cleansing rituals in ancient Jewish tradition. It was also used to mark the doorposts with blood when the angel of death was passing over the houses of the Israelites to signify that God had marked his people as “pure” and not targets of the impending judgment. 

The Psalmist David is also quoted to have said “cleanse me with hyssop and I shall be white as snow.” It also appears at Jesus’ crucifixion when the Roman soldiers offered Jesus a drink of wine vinegar on a sponge at the end of a stalk perhaps meant as a picture of purification as Jesus would buy our forgiveness with his sacrifice. As a symbol of purification and cleansing, it was only fitting to name our cleaning detergents Hyssop.”

Hyssop manufactures home care products and ethically sources ingredients to ensure the highest quality. Hyssop products include their signature sulphate-free handwash and dish-wash; that is mild on sensitive skin and thus suitable for children and those suffering from eczema. The company also makes handcrafted lemon-fragranced laundry bar soap.

The business is located at Luziira, Plot 288 Mukasa Close, Portbell Road. In a chat with Fiona Mwesigwa, she shares more about the company below. 

What’s your story and why do you do what you do? 

I started during the COVID pandemic in 2020 with my very first handwash right in my kitchen! It had some flaws in its inconsistency so I didn’t pursue it but instead took on an online Biz and entrepreneurship course that emboldened me to pick up from where I left off. I searched for trainers and refined and improved my craft and skill. I later added two key staff and our team for Hyssop was formed.

As part of our mandate to reduce poverty, we train and skill disadvantaged women, particularly those who are suffering from mental health issues namely bipolar disorder. We have seen an increase in the statistics of mental health sufferers in Uganda and yet there’s very little awareness and so much stigma associated with mental health illness. We know that sufferers of bipolar disorder once on consistent medication can have a reasonably fulfilling life with the right psychosocial support from family and the community. Our trainings are intended to give these women some form of employable skill so that they can support themselves financially and feel a sense of self-worth and accomplishment which is very key in their recovery process and psychosocial support.

Why the name Darkon 614? 

“DARKON definitions write that children of Darkon were among the servants of Solomon who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel and would later take part in rebuilding the ancient ruins of Jerusalem.  614 is taken from Isaiah 61:4 which says “They shall rebuild the ancient ruins…” Our ethos and belief as a company stems from this. We believe our purpose is to bring hope and restoration to God’s people in our business interactions, and thereby in a sense “rebuilding the ancient ruins” with God-inspired solutions that transform and “rebuild” societies.  We desire that the true purpose for which we are placed here on earth, which is to glorify God; will shine through our work as we serve the community. Our pulpit is the marketplace, our tools are our trade.” – Fiona Mwesigwa, Founder & CEO, Darkon 614 Limited.

Darkon614 is among the businesses that were selected in the NSSF Hi-Innovator Program Cohort-3 in October 2023, to receive a $20,000 grant from NSSF in Partnership with MasterCard Foundation & it’s implementing partner Outbox. 

What would you like other entrepreneurs to know?

I would like the other entrepreneurs to know that they must be resilient in the face of challenges. Business especially in Uganda can be tough but with faith, persistence, and a razor-sharp focus its benefits are rewarding. Also, I believe that business is a form of ministry and that some of us are specifically called to this type of ministry. If you are particularly a believing entrepreneur, I want to encourage you that God has called you to become a co-creator with Him. So let your ultimate goal be for His glory as He uses your business as a platform to extend his purposes.  

Miss Fiona Mwesigwa’s message to those struggling with Bipolar disorder either personally or as caretakers to family and friends struggling with Bipolar is that;

“Bipolar disorder, once identified and treated, can be easily managed. It is said that out of all the mental illnesses bipolar is easy to manage once given the right intervention, medication, psychosocial support from family, and regular counseling and review.  Mental health illness is challenging, but I believe all men have been made in the likeness and image of God and therefore we should have empathy for sufferers of mental health illness.”