A passion for jewellery leads to a successful business for Hlamalani

HLAMALANI Masutha lives in Ladanna and is a beaded jewellery designer and professional beauty therapist.

But it is jewellery design that she is most passionate about.

With a national diploma in public administration from the Mangosuthu University of Technology, a certificate in massage and make-up therapy and a certificate from the SMME Incubator Programme, which is part of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) development programme, Hlamalani opened a jewellery design business and beauty parlour in 2010. She operates her business from home.

“I used to work for government, but resigned due to ill health. After I was invited to a business management seminar by Seda, I decided to start my own business.

“I always had a passion for jewellery design and enrolled in the SMME Incubator Programme. My first design was made of crystal and I still have it,” says Hlamalani.

She sells beaded earrings for R30, bangles for R45, and necklaces for R150.

“My jewellery business goes from strength to strength and I can make up to R3 000 in a good month.

“Life has changed for the better for me and my family. Now I can put food on the table,” she says.

Hlamalani says she also trains disadvantaged people in jewellery design and manufacturing. She took part of a bead exhibition in Malaysia in 2013.

“I also participated in various exhibitions nationally and in Botswana during an SMME conference and fair in 2012.

“I participated in the Seda Massmart Exhibition at the annual Tshwane Spring Show and my products were sent to a DTI exhibition in Cape Town.

“I recently hosted a jewellery party with the help of SLJI marketing initiative. I also display my products during the Mapungubwe Arts Festival every year.”

Hlamalani says she wants to get a permit to order gold so that she can design wedding rings and other gold jewellery.

“Hand-made jewellery has the human touch and they are made with love.

“Own your brand and always deliver a quality product. I am innovative and I am unique in my design skills,” she says.

Hlamalani encourages other women to use their hands and their minds to get ahead in life.

“I encourage other women to get up and do things for themselves, if they want a better life. If you want to achieve something you must work hard.”