Eersterust designer stitches hope into every creation
After life’s unexpected detours, one local woman is proving that determination and faith can reshape even the most difficult journeys.
Fashion designer Joudile Venicolay Kibido is weaving together more than garments at her Eersterust studio.
Through her label, namely Miss Jay Atelier, the 36-year-old is stitching resilience, inclusivity and purpose into every design after overcoming life-changing challenges that once threatened to end her dream.
Kibido’s love for fashion began long before she picked up a needle professionally.
She said growing up as a chubby child meant her mother often struggled to find clothes that fit, leading to custom-made dresses that sparked her passion for design.
“I always had something unique. I loved fashion. Even in school, my books were always full of dresses instead of school,” shared the fashion designer.
After finishing school in 2009, Kibido enrolled at Studio 5 Design School. However, she was diagnosed with diabetes during her first year and she had to leave her studies.
She later worked for several companies before receiving an opportunity to design Heritage Day tops for a community photoshoot. The project did not go as planned, leaving her discouraged.
Her passion was reignited in 2024 after diabetes-related complications caused her to lose vision in her left eye.
During an extended hospital stay, Kibido found herself isolated from other patients, giving her time to reflect and rediscover her faith.
“I had to find faith again. I had to find myself in that time,” said the designer.
She said her mother became her greatest source of support as she adjusted to life with partial vision loss.
“My mother has truly been my rock through all this,” added Kibido.
Around September 2025, while sharing her story on TikTok Live, she was encouraged by a model to apply for a fashion showcase in Cape Town. The opportunity led to her first runway show in December 2025 and marked the beginning of her return to the fashion industry.
The latest Miss Jay Atelier collection highlights the designer’s vision for inclusive and empowering fashion. Photo: Supplied
Now designing full-time, Kibido believes fashion should celebrate every woman, regardless of size or appearance.
“I am an inclusive designer. I feel every woman deserves to feel beautiful, elegant, chic and sexy at the same time,” she said.
She said one of the biggest obstacles facing emerging designers is limited funding and a lack of collaboration within the industry.
Despite those challenges, she continues building Mis Jay Atelier while working on a new collection.
Encouraging others facing setbacks, Kibido thinks difficult seasons can become the foundation for something greater.
“Your illness is not your identity, and your setback is not your final destination. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep fighting. The interruption is not the end of your story,” encouraged the designer.
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