Tembisa entrepreneur builds her own jewellery business
Former fine and applied arts student builds a business with her art.
Many artists who struggle to find employment resort to packing shelves at big supermarkets in making ends meet.
Refilwe Phetla (27) is one such artist who once derailed from the world of art to fend for her child in the retail business.
After serving for a long time in the retail industry, Phetla finally established her own business called Artref Jewellery.
She is a qualified artist who pursued a Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts.
Phetla finished the course but due to financial constraints, she could not graduate which means she has to pay the outstanding tuition fees before she can receive the hard copy of her diploma.
After completing the course at the Tshwane University of Technology, Phetla said she could not qualify for internship programmes as she did not have her diploma with her. She, therefore, began to volunteer at one of the museums in Pretoria where she served as a tour guide for more than a year.
“After giving birth I had to join one of the big reputable supermarkets to support my child. I worked there for three years.
“My art got suffocated by my nine to five job and I yearned to go back.
“One day I drew portraits of my three bosses and one of them took his home and his wife liked it, thereafter we connected as she also loved art.
“I learned more from her and she assisted me in spotting the stall in which I run my current business,” said Phetla.
This Tembisa resident now runs her Artref Jewellery at Elgin Mall, Kempton Park.
She said it was difficult starting the business as she had no startup capital.
“I started off with 10 earrings, 10 bracelets and no necklaces.
“With the money I made from the earrings and bracelets, I would save up and buy more material to create my own jewellery.
“Today my stall is fully stocked up.
“I have been running the business for eight months now and the support is growing,” she explained.
She said she is working hard to realise her dream of one day owning Artref Jewellery stores in malls around Gauteng.
“I sell my jewellery to people with different personalities. It makes me happy to see my jewellery complement different fashion statements.
“It encourages me to push more. I have had clients who buy jewellery for their family members who live abroad.
“I would love to accessorise actors and actresses on TV.
“I would also love to supply big fashion stores and have my products distributed around the country,” Phetla said.
She hopes for financial assistance to set up her first jewellery store.
Phetla creates jewellery with an African influence and modern style. Interested people can find Phetla at Elgin Mall, Kempton Park or contact her on 072 998 3809 or [email protected]
