Young entrepreneur is passionate about clothing label

Getting a business off the ground can be a great challenge, but local young entrepreneur Thabiso Mokoena has managed to create a clothing label which was officially launched in Umthambeka Section on June 16.

This young lad, known as Shene Ed, is not only managing the clothing label but he is committed to community projects when he formed a soccer team for youngsters called Chablis Boys FC.

When he ventured into business, Mokoena said he couldn’t settle in one position for more than six months and that made him realise where his passion lies.

“I am a business minded type of person and had always dreamed of running my own company before I even ventured into this clothing brand,” he added. His clothing brand is called Chablis Life with the tagline “O bua sebono”.

According to Mokoena, in Sesotho language when someone says to you “O bua sebono” they simply mean, you are not making sense, you are lost, and you are derailing from the topic.

“My brand speaks to people who will always talk about you behind your back. People who want to see you miserable and wishing you bad luck. So, I want my detractors to simply continue talking behind my back because that is where they belong, at the back and when someone is at your back, they are clearly not discussing your nice shoes, your expensive wrist watch or your designer handbag. The only thing they can discuss is “Sebono” so the brand in true Sotho style, respectful Sotho ways, says to them “O bua sebono” you then carry on with life and leave them “back” where they belong,” said Mokoena.

Mokoena is a qualified Cape Wine Master who obtained various certificates ranging from software specialist, project management, and business administration and other short courses in farming among others.

When asked what inspired him to venture into a clothing brand business, Mokoena said he wanted to change the perception that people have of believing that international brands are better than local.

“I simply started it because it pains me each time I walk into a retail outlet and I see all these international brands on the shelves but none of South Africa next to them. I am very passionate about the industry and I will do anything to make it a success,” added Mokeona.

Mokeona said the brand is resonating well with the masses as he is already receiving huge support from the locals and people from far areas.

“During the launch, I got a huge breakthrough; a group of bikers from Soweto wants me to brand them since they liked my brand. I’ve never been so happy in my life to see myself excelling in something that I am passionate about,” added Mokoena.

For any information about Chablis Life clothing brand, contact Thabiso Mokoena on 072 772 6233 or alternatively send an email to chablislife@gmail.com