#MakingIt – Turning talent into profit
The entrepreneur claims he has never attempted to secure formal employment.
Uladi Sloggard’s life in South Africa depends on a shoe sole and strands of leather.
The 39-year-old Malawian national makes shoe soles out of car tyres, which then uses to manufacture shoes.
Mr Sloggard has assorted designs of leather shoes, which he says are adored by Tembisa residents.
“I arrived in South Africa in 2007 and started business by selling sweets. I realised that the business was too slow. I then contemplated another business,” said Mr Sloggard.
The entrepreneur claims he has never attempted to secure formal employment.
In 2014 he approached a friend who was also a shoe maker and begged him to learn the skill.
“I used to pay him to teach me shoe making. He encouraged me to take the shoe making business seriously,” said Mr Sloggard.
The shoe maker said the trade was not as easy as anyone would think.
“It is very challenging when you do not have all the materials. Customers are not a problem,” he said.
Mr Sloggard sells his shoes at a reasonable price. He also takes orders for big events like weddings, where customers require items like trendy bags, wallets and sandals. The businessman sells his shoes outsides the Birch Acres Mall and said Tembisa customers are very supportive.
“If I could partner with someone who has the relevant shoe manufacturing machinery, this business would grow into a factory and create employment for many unemployed Tembisa people,” said Mr Sloggard.
He needs a leather sewing machine, a grinder for shaping the tyre soles and a proper working space.
He said one can make a lot of money in the business in a short space of time, as compared to what one could make in formal employment.
“To those who are not working, I want to say don’t waste time looking for a job, there’s no employment. Just have money and start a small business. If it is working, expand. Think of what else you are capable of and take the leap,” said Mr Slaggard.
He started his business with only R450 and it is generating a good profit at the moment.
“I want to supply shoes to big shops one day,” he said.
He can be contacted for orders on 083 769 7545.
He said customers can even bring their own designs for him to make.
