Nico Willoughby-Smith ‘grateful and humbled’ by Polokwane upbringing
The Polokwane-born and bred designer recently decided to leave his hometown and relocate to Bassonia, Johannesburg.
POLOKWANE – For the past 16 years, Nico Willoughby-Smith made a name for himself in the fashion industry in Polokwane.
Over the years he has made sure brides look good on their wedding day, and Gr 12 learners steal the show at their matric farewell.
The Polokwane-born and bred designer recently decided to leave his hometown and relocate to Bassonia, Johannesburg.
“I am two years shy of 40 and I felt it was time for a change. I went to school at PEMPS and completed my school career at Capricorn High School. I temporarily moved to Pretoria for three years to study full time and I had a two-year stint in Gqeberha. After that I came back to Polokwane, a place I will always call home.”
We asked Nico what advice he would give up-and-coming designers and he said he will tell them to stay true to their passion as well as their unique ability to create.
There have been many highlights in his design career. “It has really been great to be in association with prestigious local pageants. I also had the privilege of dressing local and national celebrities and government diplomats whenever they were in Polokwane.”
Although the decision to relocate was sudden, Nico knew the time was right. “Despite the effect Covid-19 has had on all small businesses, I decided to visit Johannesburg one week every month since February 2021 to explore the prospects of expanding into the Gauteng fashion market. Certain projects within the timeframe needed to be finalised before the relocation could be done, so it just seemed fitting that the relocation takes place in time for the new year.”
Nico explains the opportunity to expand his brand into the retail market secured a better financial prospect during Covid-19 and also fulfilled his passion for being an haute couture designer. He worked in the fashion industry within Polokwane for 16 years, and attracted clients from surrounding towns and provinces.
“I am incredibly excited and not nervous at all for my new business adventure. I truly took my time over the last year to consider the pros and cons about my relocation. The market-related research spoke for itself, and everything just fell perfectly into place. I will always be grateful and humbled by my upbringing in Polokwane. It actually taught me that timing is everything. I will definitely miss my clients. Professionalism has led to many long-term friendships where I’ve had the amazing opportunity of basically dressing the entire family.”
Nico will still visit Polokwane every month to help clients in the city.
