She is the founder and owner of Panda Swift Box, a sustainable online fashion outlet. She says her company circulates fashion to keep it out of landfills as textile pollution is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. “We recycle fashion in two ways, we take vintage clothes and bring it back to style.” She says they redesign popular vintage looks by adding current and trendy fabric giving it a modern, vibrant look.

The patterns are adjusted to fit new trends and are of better quality. “Vintage is a good place to start to go in sustainability because we work with items that was made long ago and is still in circulation,” she says. “We also upcycle by using clothes, garments, textiles, and curtains and turning them into something that would be wearable like dresses and skirts, keeping them from ending up in landfills.” Her business also provides retro and vintage fashion unlimited in style or size.

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They also provide seasonal and off-seasonal items that is unique to people who like vintage clothing. She says her love for vintage clothes comes from her mother who used to bring home bales of clothes which she sold to the public. Before selling it, her mother would make her children choose the clothes they liked. “I love secondhand clothing, they are cheaper, and most people can afford them in this tough economy.

“I’m currently working alone, and I do everything all by myself. I wash, iron and package all items. “I have a good working relationship with the courier company, it helps to get packages quicker to our customers,” she says. Thobela was among the local small businesses who showcased their products and services at the Easter Rand Show in March in Johannesburg. She says she is grateful to the Mopani District Municipality and Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for the opportunity to market her business.

Panda Thrift Box sells clothes strictly online; but they do offer one on one consultations. For more information, vis