Stylist’s disability is not a stumbling block
The 32-year-old from Mohlakeng is an aspiring stylist and wants his work to be known world wide.
Aspiring stylist Thabiso Raikane who is deaf is determined to make it big in the fashion industry. He will not let his disability get in the way of realising his dreams.
The 32-year-old who resides in Mohlakeng said his dream is to show that a deaf person is like any other person and is capable of achieving the set goals.
“I want people to have an open mind when it comes to people with disabilities, especially the deaf community.
“I want to break barriers and be known for the work I do because people think we are not capable.
“I am a stylist, I am good at what I do and I hope to showcase my style and capabilities in the fashion industry,” said Raikane who added that he wanted his work to be captured in the world’s biggest magazines.
Outlining some of his challenges growing up, Raikane said people often don’t take people with disabilities seriously and he wished to change the narrative.
He added that they were being overlooked for job opportunities because of their disability and added that this challenge needed to be dealt with.
“One of my biggest challenges to date is not being understood and not getting any opportunities in the industry.
“Looking for a job is not easy because people see deaf people as a burden. People are impatient with me.
“People think I am lost but I would like to get the same opportunities as hearing people,” said Raikane who added that he also wanted to start his own perfume business.
