Duo creates clothing brand that celebrates their home

Tsakani – Inspired and shaped by their environment, brand strategist Mpumelelo Julz Kumalo (29) and journalist Baleseng Phahlane (28) officially launched their new clothing brand, Product of my Environment (POME), on October 3, in Tsakani. The event was a success, with outpouring support from the community.

The brand aims to inspire people from all walks of life to pride themselves on their environment. “POME is an expression of ourselves, where we come from, the people we have met and the things that have shaped the people we are and working to become. “Our brand is for those who constantly live to better their lives and the lives of those around them. “We are in the business of building clothing with meaning and a greater cause beyond ourselves,” explained Julz. They are offering young creatives an opportunity to learn and gain skills in branding, making clothes and designing.

Gender bending through clothing

“We want to empower young people with skills and introduce them to different spheres of art. “This initiative will take place on a regular basis. “After our first batch the demand was overwhelming. “However, lockdown presented an opportunity for us to work on developing our brand and producing quality merchandise,” he added.

A clothing store visits the elderly in Tsakane

Baleseng said the idea was to come up with something which represented where he comes from. “I have been in the industry for four years; I have met a lot of people who represent their own culture, which inspired me to also want to create something that represents us. “The brand is all about celebrating where we come from. “It is rare in a sense that it is intriguing. “The name says it all – I am a product of my environment,” he said.