Fashion designer pursuits his dream
“Fashion will never die. People still love to look good even during the pandemic.”
Fashion might just be a suit and tie to others, but for Thembisan resident Calvin Nhlenyama it is about making a statement. Growing up without proper clothes to wear could not stop the passion the 35-year-old has for fashion design.
Even with his eight years of experience in information technology, Nhlenyama still believed in pursuing his dream in the fashion industry. He believes that as a fashion designer he must help people make statements through the clothes they wear.
“Fashion can be anything, especially something that leaves people curious,” he said. Nhlenyama draws his inspiration from his father, who gives him advice on every item he makes.
“Besides me inspiring myself to do better, my father is my inspiration. When I make new items I always want to hear his input.” Growing up in a family that loves fashion contributed to the urge to follow in their footsteps. “I chose to become a fashion designer because it is a family thing. I used to watch my grandmother knit doormats and my dad used to work for a company that made curtains,” Nhlenyama.
With most small businesses closed during the lockdown, his business was affected and therefore suffered a great financial loss.
“I was unable to deliver items to my clients during lockdown; this made it hard for me to generate income.”
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He hopes the government will implement policies for aspiring fashion designers in South Africa to help them settle rental bills for their businesses. Regardless of how much the lockdown restrictions affected the fashion industry, he believes the industry will bounce back and fashion designers will have an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“Fashion will never die. People still love to look good even during the pandemic.”
Nhlenyama is proud of the best thing he has done for his business, during the pandemic, which is taking precaution.
“I was able to adhere to the restrictions of lockdown, now I am on the road to recovery from all the financial losses the business endured. I am prepared to give it a shot,” Nhlenyama said.
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