Umswenko Online promotes local brands

The Langaville youngster will soon start up an online shop called ‘Umswenko Online’ which will help promote local designers’ items.

With the motto ‘From Desktop to Door Step’ he says he knows this new venture will be a hit for both the clothing makers and those seeking a taste of township style.

Read: For the love of fashion

“I know a couple of local designers who I support, but the challenge I was experiencing, was that every time I wanted to place an order, I would be told to go and collect the item which would sometimes be far away and inconvenient for me.

“So I thought of combining my knowledge of sales and marketing and bringing these designers together to get different local styles under one roof, while making their pieces more accessible to their supporters.

“This then means I don’t stock items but source them from these designers and at the moment the major focus is on clothing.

“Later, however, it will shift to shoes, accessories and baby ranges,” he says.

Swartbooi adds that he has a lot of faith in this product as online shopping is a trend that is growing fast.

Read: When art meets fashion

As with any new business, however, it comes with its own set of teething problems.

“It has been a bit difficult finding designers from Kwatsaduza which is why I ended up broadening the search to other townships.

“This is mainly becomes some have a lack of capital to market themselves while others are not active on online platforms.

“And unfortunately when you are not visible you cannot be marketed properly.

“Another challenge is finding people with good enough quality of items,” he says.

This young man believes a lot still needs to be done to get locals to trust unknown brands or even use their money online.

But this is a challenge the team is ready for.

“We will be having road trips to educate people on what safety measures they can use to ensure that they are safe when shopping online.

“I currently also have seven brands that are on board and am looking for more before, and after, the official launch of the website on February 14,” he says.

The brands that are already on board for this project include:

• Original Mpama

• Jay Rabz Creations

• Keng Clothing

• Haii Suka

• Taken

• One Day So Poppa

• Embedded Headwear and Apparel

Anyone who would love to be part of this venture, within or outside of Kwatsaduza, can contact Swartbooi on 074 354 0642 or 081 511 1423.

You can also email him at designers@umswenkoonline.co.za