16 Jan 2019

Three years ago, Tebogo Mhure decided to make a living by doing what she loves most in order to make ends meet.

The 30-year-old lady said in an interview that upon being conferred with Associate Degree in Textile Design from Limkokwing University of Technology and Creative Arts in 2015, she opted to practice ; sewing and needle work, unlike other graduates who pursue employment.

Ms Mhure highlighted that her strong passion to be a fashion designer was derived from her grandmother, who used to sew at home.

She said she applied for Youth Development Fund and she was funded with P99 000 and she purchased a caravan, three sewing machines and office material to start her fashion design business.

Trading under the name TM@F/TEXTILE DESIGN, she said her business designs a wide range of items from traditional clothes, uniform, wedding gowns, men’s suits, dresses, skirts and does alterations. 

She said on an average day she makes five dresses and this is achieved through hard work, adding that she is open to and accepts criticism from her clients to grow the business.

The passionate fashion designer said although her initial clients were friends and family members, her outstanding work has put her on the map and she now has many customers.

Ms Mhure said her earnings vary according to the seasons, revealing that winter is somewhat slow. 

“When it’s winter most people come to my workshop to do alterations as opposed to summer, when people come for designs,” she explained. 

She said even though business alternates, she was proud of her work, adding that she marketed her business through business cards and social media.

She said the vicinity of her business to the main road helped her to attract even more customers, adding that she treated her clients with outmost care; that is why she has loyal clients.

Ms Mhure said with the income that she gets from her business, she is able to support herself and her family, adding  that she has an initiative where she attaches students to acquire fashion design skills and put them into practice.

She also employs other youths and also mentors them.

She said in the next five years, she wants to have established a sewing firm, which produces uniform in Good Hope and create employment for other youths. 

Ms Mhure said she is open to offer any assistance to the youth who wish to apply for funding, and she encouraged them to utilise the youth development fund to enrich their lives. Ends