Hardship inspires Ivory Park man to create a shoe brand
IVORY PARK – Shoe brand that started as a passion grew to be a reality.
Ivory Park resident starts his own shoe brand after a horrible phase he went through at a young age.
Lekau Sehoana (34) established a brand called Drip which was inspired by how he grew up and hardships he had faced.
He derived his passion through his experiences in poverty growing up. It became a reality when he enrolled at Eqinisweni Secondary School as he would re-design his own torn shoes to be able to attend school on casual occasions.
Sehoana said his childhood was a tough road and he had to come up with solutions for survival. “I was raised by a single unemployed parent and I was forced to be independent at a young age so that we could have something to eat at the end of the day.”
The brand was established in 2003 and it was registered last year. “Poverty pushed me to create the first sneaker and it’s passion that took me 16 years to launch the shoe commercially. I was inspired by successful township stories because they helped turn a dream to a reality.”
The shoe was been well received by residents and customers who have purchased it. “The response from customers is great as the shoe was well received by people which gives me joy because this is an achievement judging from where I come from.”
Apart from the shoe brand, Seohana is also involved in other projects. “Leksesh Group of Companies which happens to own Drip is also planning to advance to cosmetics and sportswear designing.We also have a property division and poultry that produce eggs. We build all of this to leave a legacy for the future.”
Sehoana and his team plan to open five shops this year to grow the brand further. “For now, we will focus on growing the brand and remain relevant. We plan to grow the economy of township areas which will keep children at school, creating employment and, lastly, we will host a charity event and donate school shoes to less fortunate learners.”
Details: Lekau Sehoana 068 090 8678.
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