10 Sep 2017

One business guru once said everything that one does begins with an idea which when systematically followed will produce the desired results.

That is the motive for the Okemp5 Company women involved in leather making. 

The company consists of five young women, Kefilwe Gaonosi and Mpho Bogatsu, who are 34 years, Otlaarongwa Moagi (29) and the Bili sisters Masego (35) and Keemenao (28).

All the five women hold Degrees in Fashion Design from Limkokwing University, where they graduated in 2014.

Narrating their story, the women said from the experience that Bogatsu got where she was attached at Gaborone Technical College, she sold them the leather production business idea, which they seized and they decided to make the leather classy.

Armed with fashion design skills, the five women opted to settle for a short course with LEA to sharpen their skills on leather work management.

Located at LEA incubator in Gaborone, a distinctive smell of leather, glue and the sound of machines are vital elements which make up the Okamp5 workshop, which specialises in the production of leather products ranging from classic handbags, shoes, belts, stools and wine holders, among others.

Their dream of becoming entrepreneurs came true as they applied for funding through Youth Development Fund (YDF) and received P450 000 in 2015, which they used to buy equipment, machinery and production materials.

Their determination has seen them move around, displaying their crafts and learning new methods and techniques of working with leather in expos and workshops.

They said despite the good quality and uniqueness of their products, they still faced unavailability of market.

“We are still failing to find a reliable market where we can sell our products in bulk, but with courage that will be something of the past in no time,” the optimistic Gaonosi said.

The passionate women of leather also cited shortage of some materials locally as a challenge, noting that they were forced to purchase their raw materials from South Africa and Zimbabwe.

She also cited as challenge customer complaints about prices. 

They said some customers only raise their eyebrows when it comes to prices without any consideration of what it takes to produce the product.

According to Gaonosi, the type of material used determines the price of the products, adding that the more the raw materials, the higher the product cost.

However, she said they address such a challenge by patiently explaining to the customers how they reached that price.

For her part, Bogatsu said against all odds, their business was running smoothly, hence the increase in demand for their goods. 

She said they worked tirelessly to come up with fashionable products that always matched the dynamic culture and fashion trends.

She said they also make customised products and give customers the privilege of bringing their own designs.

Quizzed on their key to success, they said being service-driven and working as a team would take their company afar. 

They also attributed the success of their company to passion, commitment and patience, especially when business is low.

They also appreciated that local communities support their business by not only buying from them, but also by selling out their products.

They encouraged their fellow youth to avoid idling, saying each individual has something in them which they can use to make a living.

The Okemp5 women encouraged people to be unique and explore all the opportunities they find to help diversify the economy and create jobs.  ENDS