#MakingIt – Vendor stitches his way out of poverty

#MakingIt – Philip Samuel is gradually building his tailor service business to send poverty away from his doorstep.

This husband and a father of two is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to self-determination in running a small business.

His roadside tailor service business is his only source of income and he is hell bent on making it a success.

“I started the business in 2012 while I was selling peanuts on the street.

“When my tailor business became a success, I left the peanut business which was becoming less profitable due to ever-escalating prices,” said Mr Samuel.

Mr Samuel’s secret in small businesses is saving every cent that he makes from the business.

He said this enabled him to buy a bakkie that he now uses for the business.

When he ventured into the tailor business he had no start-up capital whatsoever and he had to save up for his dream business.

“I first bought one sewing machine and now I have two. I already had sewing skills which I learnt from a fellow vendor while I was selling peanuts,” said Mr Samuel.

He said when he started it was difficult and business was slow as customers didn’t know him.

“Now I can survive on the business. I’m able to look after my wife and two children. I chose to operate on the street pavement because renting property for the business is too expensive and it would take my entire profit,” said Mr Samuel.

He said the community is very supportive of his business and he is grateful for their support which has brought it to where it is today.

“I want this business to grow. At the moment I am teaching skills to my young brother so that he can run the business when I am not around,” he said.

He said he wishes to create employment for many unemployed people by growing the business to become a formal one.

“Unemployed people must try small businesses and not be ashamed,” said Mr Samuel.

Mr Samuel’s business alters clothes when they are too big or small, too long or short for the client and he also replaces broken zips.

Anyone who wants to use his services can call him on 078 680 6128.