Designing her own success
Working from her small coffee table in Stanger, Ndabeni produces stunning wedding gowns, formal clothes, summer and winter dresses and traditional clothing.
Tucked away in a tiny flat in Stanger Heights, a 29-year-old fashion designer is eking out a living with the labour of her nimble fingers and a creative eye for design.
Although running her own business has not been easy for Yamkela Ndabeni, her love for fashion and her dedication keep her going.
Ndabeni cannot recall the last time she bought clothes from a store.
“I enjoy being creative with what I wear. Even if I see a nice dress in a shop, I always see room for improvement and end up making a better version of the dress.”
Also read: Groutville tailor sewing his way to the top
Working from her small coffee table Ndabeni produces stunning wedding gowns, formal clothes, summer and winter dresses and traditional clothing.
“I have never wanted to do anything else. I grew up knowing that I wanted to be a fashion designer.
Her first step was to do a course at Ningi Academy of Fashion Design in KwaDukuza. Then she made the bold move of opening her own business, Iyamzo Fresh Fashion.
She was also one of the finalists in the 2014 Ilembe Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Competition, which she said helped her hugely in terms of how to market her business.
Also read: Etete’s tiny stitch master
Currently her biggest challenge is reaching new customers. She said it is would be much easier for people to get to her if she had a store in the KwaDukuza CBD, but for now she cannot afford the rent.
Even though her business is far from where she envisions it could grow, she believes that her time will come because she continues to get great feedback from her clients.
A recent feather in her cap has been her nomination for the Ithala programme ‘Imbokodo Iyazenzela’ (Women doing it for themselves).
This is a province-wide woman in SMME’s development programme focusing mainly on the township and rural areas.
Contact Yamkela on 078 923 6429.
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
