Hlayisani Koza, known as Ntombi from Dzumeri, says she is a qualified accountant and photographer but could not find employment after graduating from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2020. “In 2021 I started a photography business to pay for my outstanding tuition fees. The business failed because the supply was higher than the demand.”

Undeterred, Hlayisani initiated a fashion design business, Hlayi’s Creative Apparel, in July 2022. “I’ve always loved unique clothes since my teenage years and used to change my clothes to my own design. My mom used to complain that I’ll ruin clothes,” she says. “My friends admired my designs and started looking for them in stores and I had to explain that it was my own designs.”

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She says she learned how to make patterns from YouTube, TikTok, and other designers. “I am especially known for my party tutu dresses. But I also alter shoes, flip-flops, earrings, handbags, bikinis, dresses, and kids’ jumpsuits. I mostly do clothes with Xitsonga designs because of the demand in our area.” She says the pricing of her designs is a problem because, in her area, people are disadvantaged.

“They cannot afford designer clothes and due to this, it has not been possible to plow enough money back into the business for new equipment and quality fabrics,” she says. “On September 30, I have a fashion show at Dorrihill in Mageva village, and another one in Malamulele at the end of the year,” she says. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram, Hlayi’s Creative Apparel, and Hlayi’sCreativeApparel on TikTok, or WhatsApp her at 072 665 0794.