25 Apr 2018

 The dream of raking in tonnes of money and making a mark in the fashion industry is what drives Modiro Mashimega.

The 32-year-old man from Molepolole founded Mophato Clothing Company.

He said when he started the company in 2016, what he had in mind was something big, but that at the moment he was taking things one step at a time.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” said Mashimega, adding that what drives him is his passion of working with fabrics.

 He said  he was intrigued by textures, patterns and colours. “Fabrics are our friend, we make dresses, track suits, shirts, t-shirts and uniforms with them, we create magic with them,” he said.

He explained that at Mophato clothing they also create designs from scratch or enhance the already existing ones that clients bring along.

Before establishing his own company the young entrepreneur said he worked for other companies until he decided to register his own.

“For six years, I was working for other companies, and I realised that I was helping them to achieve their dreams while no one was assisting me in reaching my dream,” he said.

The self-driven man said he then decided to focus his energy on perfecting his craft by enrolling for short courses, and he obtained two certificates in dress making at Pitsane Vocational Training Centre.

“After quitting my 9 to 5 job I sat down and started to make shirts. The reception was promising as I managed to get tenders from schools and choirs and that was the beginning of everything.”

He said it gave him courage to approach the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development and apply for a Youth Development Fund. Luck was on his side as he received funding the same year.

Mophato Clothing Company received P83 680 from the ministry which enabled him to buy machines and materials for his company as well as pay expenses and employ three people.

His future plans include applying for a business plot where he will build his dream empire and create employment for other youth who share the same passion.

“There is a lot that my dream entails but at the moment my eyes are fixed on building my company, having my own factory and establishing my own label,” he said.

Local labels such as All Kasi and Odipecca are a motivation to the young entrepreneur to also follow his dream.

He believes that in time he will also be sharing with the world his own label. Mashimega describes himself as a versatile designer, and he also revealed that he was an underground rapper and poet.

“At the moment I am only focusing on getting my company off the ground and music will have to take the back seat for a while,” he stated.

For Mashimega, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a customer happy with his creations. Although his company is relatively new, he said he plans to come up with his own label and designs that would set him apart from the rest.

“It brings warmth in my heart to see my customers happy and recommending my services to other potential clients.”

He said his wish was to make a mark in the country by making his company the go to business when people wanted top designs for wedding ceremonies or any occasion.

 “We are blessed since we have a government that cares about our lives. If it were not for the youth grant, I would still be making someone rich and accomplishing their dream for them.

 I urge the youth to make use of such schemes as they will change their lives drastically” he advised. ENDS