09 Jan 2019

Ms Opelo Letshwiti is one of the youth who has decided to use their talent to eke a living.

Her ladies apparel business, called Lesweedy Diaries was established in 2011 and is located in Gaborone’s Phase 4.

Lesweedy Diaries makes anything textile and tutors people on related undertakings such as ladies’ garments, African print cushions, gift purses, wardrobe for theatre, drama and dance shows.

“My favourite is curating outfits for theatre. With shows of that kind, you only see your designs on stage. It is an amazing experience,” she related.

Ms Letshwiti has studied computing at Byte Size and did an honorary degree in Microsoft Network at Botho College and dressmaking at Tlokweng Brigade.

“I have always been passionate about making my own clothes even when I was at tertiary. Although they were not perfect, I kept on practicing and decided to perfect my craft by going to formal vocational training,” she said.

She said she was inspired by her creativity, noting that customising clothes and curiosity were the driving factors in her career.

The business, she said, was started through tertiary stipend after she deprived herself of luxuries and managed to buy a sewing machine and later increased to two due to support she got from the family.

Ms Letshwiti said her decision to operate from home was due to the fact that she was a full-time student at vocational training. She was consequently always in the workshop for about eight hours every day.

She said after finishing level one of her qualification, she felt she could juggle business and studies.

Ms Letshwiti said she marketed her company through expos, high teas, social media and going to elderly people who did not have access to social media and promoting her services.

In addition, she said she got support from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, who hired costumes for artists or MCs.

Ms Letshwiti revealed that she did not make runway or couture but makes clothes that were found in retail stores.

She said one of her challenges was her dissatisfaction with local fabric quality, stating that some were not durable.

She said she would be fulfilled if everything in the supply chain was from Botswana, noting that there was nothing wrong with having imports, but that it would boost the economy to have locally produced items.

Ms Letshwiti expressed gratitude that the business was doing well all year round, adding that she was strategic and always has a plan to make her business work in all seasons.

“Retail stores come here and find their niche. The same cake I am supposed to be cutting from, foreign companies are getting,” she said.

She said she wanted her clothes to be franchised and be up to par, adding that it was a mission that she was trying to push as a member of the Textile Association.

She advised other individuals seeking to venture into textile to be patient, as it took experience and hard work to have a brand. ENDS