06 Mar 2019

A newly established clothing design business, Team Six Fashion Designers, has made a successful entry into the textile and apparel industry in Lobatse.

The Department of Gender Affairs funded business is jointly owned by six budding entrepreneurs comprising five women and a man.

Ms Martha Motlhobi, who is the company’s treasurer, explained in an interview that they had managed to penetrate the market and secure tenders from schools despite being operational for less than a year.

She, however, said their business was still faced with a number of challenges, including lack of a suitable business place.

She said they had hope of cementing their place in the industry.

Ms Motlhobi said being new in the industry had motivated them to work hard in marketing their products.

The company secretary, Ms Keitumetse Thebe, explained that their products were only available in Lobatse since they were still growing their brand. 

In future, she pointed out, they would  extend to other parts of the country.

She, however, highlighted that one had to be patient and have passion to be successful in business.

Ms Thebe said they only attended one business expo since they started operating, but were hoping that they would get opportunities to attend more expos to grow and expose their business to other markets.

She further said gender affairs department did not only help them better their lives but it also gave them an opportunity to create employment for others.

 She advised other women to take advantage of government initiatives meant to better their lives. 

She added that even though the application process for women empowerment projects was long and sometimes frustrating, they should not give up. ENDS