14 Oct 2020

Professional DJ, promoter and marketing agent, Mr Billy Modise (27) is using his creative talent to make a living.

In addition to his other talents, he has turned into a crafter of vintage lamps, tables and chairs using recycled material through his company; Modise Enterprise  in Mochudi.

When the COVID-19 pandemic left the entertainment industry in shambles, he was compelled to find other means of survival. He was able to realise his hidden-talent of crafting vintage lamps.

Some of his popular products included a gold lamp  made with mogonono tree and a singer side lamp made from old sewing machines.

He said the national lockdown gave him time to think out of the box and meditate on other projects he could explore in order to make a living.

“My grandmother has an old sewing machine that I wanted to try my first project on.

Although she refused to give it to me, I bought old ones from people,” he said.

According to Mr Modise, one of the biggest challenges was that most people did not believe in him and his craft.

“When I told people about my ideas, some did not believe that I could actually craft a lamp using, for example wooden ice cream spoons.

This, however, did not demoralise me.  I kept going on and now everyone is in awe of my work,” he said.

Mr Modise said his business was growing and continued to receive orders from individuals and businesses such as lodges and hotels.

He said the rate at which he continued to receive orders might force him to consider engaging one or two people who would help to meet the demand.

“My products have been trending across social media platforms and this gave me recognition in South Africa.  

There are clients in South Africa who have shown interest in buying my products, but because of the closure of borders, it becomes difficult for me to deliver,” he said. ENDS