Thandazile’s ing flare

MARITE – One of the rarest of discoveries that we stumbled upon as we went around in search of women who make a difference in their immediate surrounds, and the community in general, is none other than young and petite beauty in Thandazile Mhaule, a self-taught dressmaker and designer of note in her community.

This is one young lady who is very independent as she never relied on government grants to make a living when she matriculated in 2001, but her God-given talent for crocheting which later transcended into fashion designing.

We came across her at the Hazyview Mall, and something unique just stuck us about her as we curtly greeted her and enquired about her purpose in life.

She told us she was self-employed as a designer and was operating at Hopewell Salon.

We later found her discussing an order with a client in her small studio.

This is one youngster who boldly stated that she finds solace in her creative capabilities, and at the mention of her surname as Mhaule, we thought she might be related to the MEC for education, Ms Reginah Mhaule, she said:

“My grandparents are, then maybe I’m also related, but I’m on my own.”

Thandazile used to work for the local taxi association at the Hazyview Mall, where she was talk-of-the-town with the exclusive designer clothes she clad and produced herself.

“When this designing bug bit me, I used to do crocheting hats, handbags and dresses and then it developed into fashion
designing as the community began demanding my creations as I wore them daily.

When I completed my matric, I was into hair plaiting and took my business to Soweto but returned home in 2005.

“My business is self sustainable as I used to sew from home in Marite, then with the growing demand, rented this space in town. Not a day goes by without customers coming in with orders. I receive orders for weddings and matric dances and fashion enthusiasts, in and around here. My secret for success is that I offer my clients what they desire” she explained.

As we spoke with her, in a space of 30 minutes, four clients paid the shop a visit.

One of them came with a range of Mozambican print material which they briefly discussed what they required out of them.

I was privy to her enquiring from the client if she had added weight, to which the client assured her that her measurements had not changed a bit.

Does she envisage any growth in her business?

“Of course I do. I need more space as you can see, I cannot cut here, but at home. I also need more sewing machines so I can employ more people.

At the moment, this is a one-woman business and I do my own marketing by taking photos when they come to fit the finished garments.

“As you can see, there is no privacy here, some clients refuse to fit their garments, which, somehow, is detrimental to marketing my business. Rent is affordable, but I would want one day to have my shop at the mall and compete with best in the industry.

I tried securing assistance from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in Mbombela, but at the time, they were busy training their staff and requested a quotation of my needs.

I couldn’t wait and developed on my own.

“I’ve also not participated in fashion shows as the organisers wanted me to have five models, I couldn’t meet their demands, hence I continue on my journey of self-discovery.

In five years I’ll definitely be in the mall, own a fashion studio and employ people in order to contribute to job creation as is demanded by our government, that small-scale businesses like mine, should contribute to economic growth and reduction of unemployment. That is my contribution to South Africa,” she said.

As we left the premises, I reflected that if there are such bold young women in our society whose rely on their own creativity and resourcefulness, the future looks bright.

Others can learn from her – fight for their space among the best and do it themselves. She can be contacted on 072-140-8879