UFA & The CEO

Hi there, I’m Ishimwe (Nadia) Uwase, a Certified Public Accountant and the founder of Uwase Financial Advisory (UFA). I help business owners gain clarity and confidence in their finances so they can make better decisions and grow sustainably.

Quick back story, I was born in Lukole, a refugee camp in Tanzania, where becoming a college student in America—let alone a business owner—once felt unimaginable. As the oldest of five children, I grew up in an environment where resources were limited and the future was uncertain. Those early experiences shaped my resilience, work ethic, and determination to build something greater.

In 2007, I moved to the United States and had to quickly adapt to a completely new environment. While I was always known to be academically strong, I also developed an entrepreneurial mindset at a very young age. At just six years old, I began learning how to braid hair by assisting my aunt at her salon. Over time, that skill became more than just a hobby—it became my first business.

By the age of twelve, I was braiding hair for classmates and adults, and when I started college at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, I became known as the go-to braider on campus. I majored in Accounting with a minor in Economics while growing my client base through word-of-mouth and eventually social media. What started as a small service evolved into my brand, Nadified, where I expanded into braided wigs and other products.

Alongside that, my love for fashion led me to create Nadified Closet, a reflection of my personal style and creativity. Balancing multiple businesses, content creation, and school wasn’t easy, but it taught me discipline, structure, and how to manage and grow a business from the ground up.

I later earned my MBA in 2022 and became a CPA in 2025, strengthening my expertise and allowing me to support other business owners at a higher level.

Today, through Uwase Financial Advisory, I combine my technical knowledge with real-world business experience to help entrepreneurs understand their numbers, stay organized, and make smarter financial decisions. My goal is to remove the confusion around finances and give business owners the clarity they need to grow with confidence.

More than anything, I want my journey to inspire others—especially young women who come from nothing—to believe that more is possible. I was once the girl walking around a refugee camp fetching water and firewood, unsure of what tomorrow would bring. Today, I’m building a business, creating opportunities, and turning my vision into reality.

“Work hard, work for you. Invest in you, be proud of you. Do it for you, and you will inspire another person to do it for themselves.”

— I. Uwase