07 Aug 2017

Many a times, life's adversities have a way of slowing one down, especially in today’s economic climate.

Many choose different modes of earning an income, some illegal.

This is not the case for Ms Gaomontle Mosweu, 52, of Nokaneng.

She took a different route, she chose to rely on her God-given talent to butter her bread.

Crocheting became the centre base of Ms Mosweu’s life at a very tender age.

She says they used to crotchet handbags and hats using wool back in Nokaneng Primary School in early 70’s and this raw talent was indeed self- taught.

Fast forward at a youthful age, Ms Mosweu realised that odd jobs were hard to come by, especially for somebody who did not excel in her education since she only managed to go up to standard six.

“After completing school I really didn’t know what to do with myself. Odd jobs were very scarce in Nokaneng, and if something did come up, those with higher qualifications grabbed the opportunity with both hands, leaving some of us in adverse despair,” said Ms Mosweu.

Nonetheless, this did not daunt nor faze her in anyway.

She decided to take the bull by the horns - she faced her troubles head on.

Ms Mosweu retraced her steps and revisited an idea.

She decided to take her hidden talent and expose it for the world to see.

She started crocheting, not using wool this time, but rather plastics.

“Nobody used the idea of crocheting using plastic in our village, so I opted to fill that gap. Plastics are unique, readily available as they can be seen anywhere and when you crotchet they make the most beautiful merchandises. They are colorful and intriguing to the eye,” she said.

Mosweu highlighted that the beauty of her business is that she does not have to buy material because plastics are seen disposed anywhere in Nokaneng.

Her business mainly entails crocheting anything she can think of and puts in orders according to her clients’ preferences.

She makes handbags, scarves, doormats, placemats, floor and cushion coverings as well as others.

Ms Mosweu also extended to using wool to add on to her already existing products.

She says her merchandises has made a valid impression in Nokaneng and surrounding areas and her loyal clientele usually puts in orders and religiously pay on time.

Her target is usually the elderly and employed and they are forever raving about her eye-catching stitch.

Looking at her, one thing that separates Mosweu from the rest of the cluster is that she has good business acumen. She takes what she does seriously and is not ashamed of what she does.
Rather profoundly, she has a deep sense of self contentment in what she does.

“One thing that is hindering a lot of people from trying is that they are afraid to use their innate talent to earn a living, especially when the society deems that particular talent as substandard. I use my hands to build a future for my children. I have responsibilities to fulfill. So people should embrace whatever flair they have and run with it without looking back,” Ms Mosweu explained.

The shrewd business woman explains that some of the secret ingredients of making it in this industry is passion and dedication, even when times are tough or there are no earnings coming in.

Self-motivation and positive thinking toughens one during a rainy day.

One has to be knowledgeable of crocheting at all times and do extensive research of new patterns or colours in the market.

Being abreast with new trends in the market is equally important.

Seek help from old hands who are passionate about the subject and enhance your craft.

Like any other business, crocheting has its perks and drawbacks.

Ms Mosweu also mentioned that at times, when days are dark, she uses all her savings to seal a need which sometimes sets her back in business.

Wearing a smile on her face, Ms Mosweu explains that her future plans and aspirations is to see her business grown.

Even though she effortlessly tried to search for funding for her business, she remains hopeful that a good Samaritan will one day see her good deeds and support her.

She is also glad that the residents of Nokaneng are always behind her in supporting her business in every aspect.

Ms Mosweu noticed that our culture is gradually fading, hence she encourages the youth to go back to the old ways of doing things and learn the basics of culture like weaving, grinding and crocheting. ENDS