A 29-year-old Pretoria woman who turns cloth into beautiful garments has shared her journey on building her brand in fashion.
Mathapelo Maseko of Arcadia is living her dream using her creativity and distinct needlework to make people look and feel beautiful.
It all started when she was in primary school in grade 7. Maseko would make clothes for her doll. She then started making pieces of fashionable clothes.
“I’ve always been a creative child, I loved beauty,” she said.
“I completed my matric and went to study clothing production at the Tshwane North College from 2011 to 2014.
Photo: Supplied
“As a girl from the village, I wanted to be different. I said ‘I’m going to be a fashion designer’ and I never looked back since.”
Despite this not being a common career choice, Maseko loved that her creativity would not be boxed.
While doing her practical as part of the colleges curriculum, Maseko’s love for the needle prompted her to register her own business.
“I found something that I really loved and was so passionate about,” she said.
“I got a small machine and started my own business. People supported me.”
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Born and raised in Kwa-Mhlanga, Mpumalanga, the mother of one said it was not all smooth sailing. There was a time business was slow and she thought she had chosen the wrong career.
As a young mother she had to juggle managing her business with raising her child.
“Because of that and passion, I never gave up. Seeing my self-growth I needed to push, I started posting my work on social media,” she said.
“Things got better, people started to know my brand.”
Photo: Supplied
Her brand, now known as sweetsparkle_bythapi, has dressed some prominent names in the entertainment industry such as actress Amanda Manku from local soapie Skeem saam, actress Sharon Seno from the drama series Muvhango, as well as Millicent Makhado who was also on Muvhango.
She said getting recognition from such people was a dream come true.
“Now people are starting to trust me for their big and special events like dressing an entire wedding. People are now falling in love with pieces I make,” she said.
“I love making comfortable, yet elegant, garments which I customise according to an individual’s body.
“My clothes gives confidence to women, young and old.”
She said knowing that she was a role model for children back home was what kept her going.
With Covid-9 affecting small businesses, Maseko found herself having to dig into her savings as her clientele waned.
“I just started appreciating life more. Things are now getting better, clients are coming back, we are getting there, and it’s like a fresh start.”
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