Talented go- getter shares her secrets

PIENAAR – Being a jack of all trades best describes Ligwalagwala FM’s Sisonke Midday Drive Show’s energetic 29-year-old, Khaya Angel Matchegue.

Apart from being a radio show presenter, an established MC at major events and one of Mbombela’s socialites, this mother of two is also a devoted member of the Living Rock Community Church in Pienaar where she is an usher and interpreter.

Did you know that she also loves making patterns and sewing?
Visiting her at her apartment at Karino Estates, Mpumalanga News learned that she sometimes goes to bed at about 03:00 because she is too busy sewing. She usually works from her parent’s lounge garage in Pienaar and also in her with the assistance of her sister Yolanda, who is a professional fashion designer.

Khaya explains that her love for dressmaking was triggered by the struggle she faced when having had to buy school uniforms for her twins. “I struggled to buy double uniforms for them. So I started buying quality material to make them school uniforms that do not easily wear off. That was when I decided to change my hobby into a business venture. We receive orders from neighbours, friends and relatives,” she said.

Her dream is to sew quality uniforms with emblems for schools around Pienaar. “I am currently selling my business idea to schools so that I can be guaranteed orders,” she said.
Besides school uniforms, she also designs different apparels, jumpsuits and bodysuits. Khaya buys her fabrics from Valencia in Mbombela and Home Hyper in Pretoria.

She recently won the Engen Pitch & Polish Nelspruit event held in Mbombela and will proceed to the second round. She will also represent the province at the upcoming nationals in Johannesburg.

This comes after her splendid business presenting skills at the event and workshop held at Emnotweni.

The workshop, facilitated by seasoned entrepreneurs, Messrs Ben Smit and Derik le Grange, provided a dynamic environment for open and honest dialogue.
The difference between a business owner and an entrepreneur was explained in detail – the former focuses on security and their expertise or skills, while the latter takes risks and seeks opportunities across multiple markets.

Attendees speak out

“There is a place for everyone in the business world and each role is vital for a healthy economy,” explained Smit. He reminded the delegates to take initiative and responsibility. “Stay focused on your core business first – get that right, make it scalable, have processes in place before considering diversifying. Stay true to the inspiration, values and vision that you had for your business and hang on tight as they might pull you through some tough times,” added Le Grange.

Tips for a well-structured business pitch
• Establish your credibility and experience
• Explain your product or service succinctly and what makes it unique
• Express clearly who your target market is
• Know how much money you need, how it will be spent, and what is in it for the
investors.
Power-dressing for a pitch (for the ladies)

• Ensure bra straps fit snugly, do not fiddle with them and do not adjust or let them show
• Refrain from showing your cleavage
• Avoid long dangling earrings, choose small neat studs
• Avoid chipped-nail polish, lipstick on teeth, laddered pantyhose, strong perfume and uncombed hair
• Keep make-up simple.

For the gentlemen

• Trousers must fit perfectly and be secured with a belt
• Shirt should be nicely tucked in trousers
• Go easy on after shave and cologne
• No underarm stains please
• Shoes must be polished or washed if its sneakers
• Avoid headphones and earpieces.
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