George chats about his fashion passion
The 38-year-old Ivory Park resident drew his love for fashion from his late friend, Shadrack Matume Seakamela, who he describes as an individual who devoted his time and attention to fashion.
Self-taught Thembisan businessman George Mfana Shikhati is fuelled by his passion for fashion and a desire to help others look and feel good.
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The 38-year-old Ivory Park resident drew his love for fashion from his late friend, Shadrack Matume Seakamela, who he describes as an individual who devoted his time and attention to fashion.
The fashion guru’s compassion and desire to help others improved his career.
He is working as a brand strategist, personal shopper and stylist. His work is well-received in his community, particularly among young people.
“I have always enjoyed assisting others because that is how I was raised.
“I am certain that when I do well to others, the favour will be returned to me in some way; therefore, my job is to help the next person and restore their smile and confidence through clothes,” Shikhati said.
“Another thing to keep in mind is that when you appear presentable, people will always pay attention to you and anything you have to say.”
Shikhati’s work speaks for itself.
He has worked with several well-known Thembisan fashion designers and businesses, including Lekau Sehoana, founder and director of Drip Footwear, Aksi Yinoma Uban (AYU) owned by Andile Sebastian, The HangAwt 1632 of DJ Shimza, Edlozini Pub, Kota Festival and Soft Q Tissue, the first tissue brand produced in Thembisa.
“The experience I gained from all of the brands and individuals helped me elevate my career experience and fall more in love with it.
“I am where I am today owing to the brand owners who trusted me with their crafts.”
He uses the worst scenarios he encounters in his career to assist him to continue to grow his craft and fulfil his responsibilities, despite the numerous hurdles that come with his time-consuming and demanding job.
“As a personal stylist and shopper, I face a variety of challenges on a daily basis. People want to look good without having to spend a fortune. Some do not understand that it is not about spending money on expensive clothes that makes one look good, it is about how comfortable a person will feel in the clothes they wear.”
As a man of many talents, Shikhati will be launching his marketing business in September that will be providing marketing services to businesses from all around South Africa.
He contributes to his community through his charity, Help a Kid, which provides school uniforms and shoes to local schools, as well as food donations to the community.
“My upbringing was not pleasant, but it helped mold me into the person I am today. I used to go to school with torn shoes. I do not want any more young children to go through that.”
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