Local youngsters with a flair for fashion harness the entrepreneurial spirit
The young people from Windmill Park have opened their own company due to unemployment. In the process, they have recruited other young members from the area to teach them about embroidery.
Two high school friends, who has a common interest in designing clothes, reignited their passion after matric.
Thabo Bapela and Tshepo Lee, who are both 23 years old, took their designing interest seriously last year and they are now the proud owners of a registered company called King VV Embroidery.
“While we were still in school we always loved clothing brands and we knew that one day we will create our own brand,” said Bapela.
“We realised that people love wearing branded clothing so we thought it was best to come up with our own township brand that people can relate to. We started designing T-shirts and caps. From the positive response we got from the public we then expanded into other embroidery work.”
Bapela said they have designed matric jerseys for various high schools in the area, and many other clothing items
Hloniphile Skosana who is part of the King VV Embroidery team.
“At the moment we are still facing financial challenges. We are saving up to buy a machine which will make our work easier. We also need a place of our own to run the business from.”
Bapela highlighted that the branding company will create jobs in the long run for young people but they need resources.
“If we can have sewing machines we will be able to open sewing classes where we can teach old and young,” Bapela said.
- It Girlz
Other young people making moves in Windmill Park are five friends who have started a company called It Girlz.
The company was established in April this year and they sell cosmetics and hair products.
Mahlatsi Komane, said: “We target hair salons around Windmill Park. We have seen a need that they usually buy their products from Johannesburg so we thought it was best to bring all the products they need closer to them.
“Our future plans are to have an established company that will be known internationally.”
Andile Daemane, who is mentoring the group, said: “We want young people to see the importance of starting their own businesses and being their own boss.
“As the facilitator of the Unleashing the Leadership Potential workshops we mentor and coach them so that they can be their own mouthpiece.
“We assist many young people, who has matric, to register at educational institutions. Our main goal is to see the young people from the townships succeed.”
The group meets every Wednesday at Windmill Park Secondary School at 6pm.
To assist these youngsters with their businesses you may contact Bapela on 074 683 7614 and Komane on 074 215 3590.
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